This research aims at evaluating the effect of fire on the erosion of burned forest soils
after rainfall. The research was carried out during (2010/2011) in a pine forest near the
village of Ein Al-Jaouz at an altitude of 900m, north east Tartous g
overnorate. The forest
had a fire in October 2009.
Ten metal plots (2m2 each plot) were used to evaluate soil erosion, five plots in the
burned part of the forest and another five plots in the unburned part.
The runoff coefficient, soil erosion rate, soil pH and rate of some mineral elements
(Ca++, K+ , Mg++) were estimated and compared in the two parts.
This study showed that the runoff coefficient was three times as great on the burned
part as on the unburned part, and the rate of soil erosion was 7.22 Mg/ha in the burned part
and 0.1Mg/ha in the unburned part. This shows the impact of fire in increasing soil erosion
and runoff. This study also showed the difference in cation concentrations in the runoff
water between the two parts.
The study reveals the importance of protecting forests against fire. This is to limit
soil erosion and its economic and environmental consequences.
