Assessing Effects of Forest Fires on Plant Nutrients and Biomass in Northeastern Türkiye

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

Forest fires have the potential to greatly impact both flora and fauna and are therefore one of the key regulators of ecosystem sustainability. The primary aim of this research was to assess the impact of forest fires on plant nutrients and weight in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) forests in the Northeastern Türkiye. Plant samples were collected from designated burned and control plots in the research region in May and August season. The weight of the plants was measured both after drying in an oven and after air-drying. Subsequently, the plant samples were analyzed to determine the levels of Ca, Fe, Mg, Na, K, C, H, N, and S nutrients. The results revealed that the levels of all nutrients were greater in the burned area compared to the control plots. Furthermore, Ca, Fe, Mg, H, and N content exhibited statistically significant disparities when compared to the control plots. The N% content in the burned area during the month of May was 5.57, while in the control plot it was 4.97. This study also demonstrated that prescribed fire may effectively enhance plant nutrients contents and a tool for sustainable use of forest resources.