Effect of forest fire on nitrogen mineralization in different land uses under Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) forest in North Western Himalayas

Abstract

The purpose was aimed to evaluate the effect of forest fire on the nitrogen mineralization in different land uses based soil under Chir pine forest. Four different land uses viz. forest, grassland, agricultural and non fire site were selected for the study. For soil sampling PVC core sampling technique was adopted for obtaining reliable and precise results. Results of the study revealed that maximum mineralization rates were recorded during the rainy period in all land uses. With the passage of time the mineralization rates were again returned to pre fire levels. Mineralization rate were found to be increased with increase in temperature. Moreover, ammonification rates were favored more over nitrification in all land uses after inclusion of fire which could be a good alternate for nitrogen conservation for longer periods.