Microbial Diversity as a Bioindicator of the Impact of Fires

Abstract

Wildfires are a major problem in Galicia and frequency and severity is increasing due to climate change. Prescribed burning is widely used as a management tool to prevent high severity fire but information about the effect of repetitive burning on soil quality is scarce. The effectiveness of post-fire rehabilitation techniques on reducing soil erosion is evident, but its effect on soil properties is unknown. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of fires on soil, considering fire severity and recurrence, and to evaluate the use of microbial parameters as indicators of these changes. Moreover, it aims to analyse the effect of straw mulching and seeding on soil quality and vegetation recovery.