Effect of Periodic Burning on Soil Nitrogen Concentrations in Ponderosa Pine

Abstract

To determine the effects of different burning intervals on soil N status in substands of sapling-, pole-, and sawtimber-sized ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws.) we sampled plots burned at 1-, 2-, and 4-yr intervals by three strata at two depths (0-5 and 5-15 cm). Generally, NH4 +; and NO3 - concentrations were higher on plots repeatedly burned than on unburned controls. However, plots not reburned for 4 to 5 yr had concentrations similar to controls. No significant difference in total (organically bound) N was found among treatments. We conclude that frequent periodic burning can be used to enhance N availability in southwestern ponderosa pine sites

Citation

Covington, W. W.; Sackett, S. S. 1986. Effect of Periodic Burning on Soil Nitrogen Concentrations in Ponderosa Pine. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 50: 452-457