Plant species-specific Effects on Boreal Soil Fertility in Mature and Fire-Disturbed Forest
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Date
2024-07-04
Authors
Klapprat, Emily
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Abstract
Soil fertility is the ability for soil to meet the requirements for plant growth. The soil fertility is influenced by both fire disturbance and plant species. Competitive species contribute higher quality leaf litter than stress-tolerant species in the boreal forest which influences aspects of soil fertility. The effect that plants with different life history strategies have on soil fertility has not been studied in the context of high-severity fire. Soil fertility variables including organic layer depth, soil temperature, soil respiration rate, pH, inorganic nitrogen content, percent soil organic matter, and percent water retention were compared between soil samples from replicate plots in the boreal forest near Churchill Manitoba, and soil samples from replicate plots in a fire-disturbed site in the boreal forest. Additionally, soil fertility variables were compared between soils sampled from competitive species (Salix candida) and stress-tolerant species (Empetrum nigrum and Vaccinium uliginosum) growing in the two sites. Statistical differences in soil variables were found between soil samples from the boreal forest and soil samples from a fire-disturbed site. High-severity fire reduces the organic layer depth and decreases the pH, soil respiration rate, and available nutrients. Inorganic nitrogen content and relative growth rate of sea lyme grass grown in soil samples were statistically different between the competitive plant Salix candida and the stress-tolerant plants. Salix candida influences soil fertility by increasing the inorganic nitrogen content and fostering soils that increase the relative growth rate of sea lyme grass. As the frequency, intensity, and severity of fires in the boreal forest are increasing due to climate change, it is important to understand how species impact soil fertility.
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Keywords
soil fertility, boreal forests, forest fires, Salix candida, Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium uliginosum