Abstract
Wildfires significantly alter soil properties and result in vegetation shifts; therefore, rapid reforestation activities are needed in the forests affected by wildfires. The decreased nutrient in the soil is the obvious effect of wildfires; however, little is known about the reforestation of Juniper (Juniperus procera) forests with application of NPK fertilizers. Juniper forests are common in Asir and Taif regions of Saudi Arabia and vulnerable to wildfires; thus, reforestation is needed after the onset of fires. This study assessed the impact of different doses of organic NPK fertilizer (0, 5 and 10 g/L) on growth and nutrient accumulation of Juniper trees grown on fire-damaged and intact soils. Data relating to tree height, number of leaves per plant, fresh and dry biomass accumulation in shoot and root, chlorophyll contents and uptake of N, P, K, and Na were recorded. Individual and interactive effects of soil types and fertilizer doses significantly altered all measured traits with minor exceptions. Overall, higher values of the measured traits were recorded for intact soil and 10 g/L fertilize dose. The increasing fertilizer doses improved the growth and nutrient acquisition and application of 10 g/L fertilizer on intact soil recorded the highest values of growth traits. Juniper trees grown on fire-damaged soil accumulated higher amount of nitrogen than intact soil. Similarly, the trees grown on intact soil accumulated lower amount of Na and maintained comparable K/Na ratio to intact soil. It is concluded that supplying 10 g/L fertilizer could improve the establishment of Juniper trees on fire-damaged soil. Therefore, organic fertilizer can be used to improve the reforestation of wildfire-affected Juniper forests in the Asir province.
Highlights
Forests are of significance importance globally due to their valuable ecosystem services and provision of quality wood
The current experiments were conducted at Research Center of Advanced Materials (RCAMS), King Khalid University (KKU), Saudi Arabia during 2020–2021
Regarding the individual effects of soil types, the higher values of tree height, number of leaves per plant, and fresh and dry weights of stem and root were recorded for the trees grown on intact soil compared with fire-damaged soil
Summary
Forests are of significance importance globally due to their valuable ecosystem services and provision of quality wood. The ecosystem services are still far below than the potential of intact forest ecosystems because of several reasons. Forests protect environment and watersheds, stabilize land, control desertification, fix sand dunes, restore soil fertility, and mitigate microclimatic changes around the world [1, 2]. The other valuable services include provision of timber wood and non-wood products, as well as grazing place for animals. Forests serve as an important habitat for wildlife and native vegetation. Livelihoods of numerous global communities are derived from various goods and services provided by forest ecosystems. Significant amount of global carbon stock is stored in forest ecosystems [1, 3, 4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
