Forest fires are key ecosystem modifiers affect-ing the biological, chemical, and physical attributes of forest soils. The extent of soil disturbance by fire is largely depend-ent on fire intensity, duration and recurrence, fuel load, and soil characteristics. The impact on soil properties is intri-cate, yielding different results based on these factors. This paper reviews research investigating the effects of wildfire and prescribed fire on the biological and physico-chemical attributes of forest soils and provides a summary of current knowledge associated with the benefits and disadvantages of such fires. Low-intensity fires with ash deposition on soil surfaces cause changes in soil chemistry, including increase in available nutrients and pH. High intensity fires are noted for the complete combustion of organic matter and result in severe negative impacts on forest soils. High intensity fires result in nutrient volatilization, the break down in soil aggregate stability, an increase soil bulk density, an increase in the hydrophobicity of soil particles leading to decreased water infiltration with increased erosion and destroy soil biota. High soil heating (> 120℃) from high-intensity for-est fires is detrimental to the soil ecosystem, especially its physical and biological properties. In this regard, the use of prescribed burning as a management tool to reduce the fuel load is highly recommended due to its low intensity and limited soil heating. Furthermore, the use of prescribed fires to manage fuel loads is critically needed in the light of current global warming as it will help prevent increased wildfire incidences. This review provides information on the impact of forest fires on soil properties, a key feature in the maintenance of healthy ecosystems. In addition, the review should prompt comprehensive soil and forest management regimes to limit soil disturbance and restore fire-disturbed soil ecosystems.

Department of Environmental Management,University of Energy and Natural Resources(UENR),Sunyani,Ghana;Department of Forest Science,University of Energy and Natural Resources(UENR),Sunyani,Ghana;Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering,University of Energy and Natural Resources(UENR),Sunyani,Ghana

[1]Alex Amerh Agbeshie;Simon Abugre;Thomas Atta-Darkwa;Richard Awuah-.A review of the effects of forest fire on soil properties)[J].林业研究（英文版）,2022(05):1419-1441

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