By Scout Nelson
Wildfires are known for damaging landscapes, but their long-term impact on soil health is still being studied. North Dakota has faced several wildfires in recent years, prompting new research.
Eglantina Lopez Echartea, assistant professor at NDSU, received a National Science Foundation RAPID award for her project on wildfire effects on soil in western North Dakota. Her study investigates soil contamination, microbial community shifts, and nutrient changes following fires.
“Given the increasing frequency of wildfires, this funding was an opportunity to investigate their immediate impact on soil microbial communities and nutrient dynamics in agricultural areas,” Lopez Echartea said.
Unlike most studies that focus on forests, this one target agricultural soils, rangelands, and unmanaged ecosystems. The research team acted quickly to collect soil samples before seasonal changes could interfere with the results.
Lopez Echartea is also studying bioremediation methods like bioreactors, phytoremediation using plants, and bioaugmentation, which uses helpful microorganisms to treat soil and water.
“Specifically, we aim to help landowners determine nutrients changes in burned areas compared to unburned soil, monitor shifts in microbial communities that may affect productivity and assess whether critical microbial functions, such as nitrogen fixation or phosphorous solubilization, were changed due to fire,” she explained.
Early observations show no major drop in germination in burned soil. However, wildfires in North Dakota are now happening earlier in the year, even during winter and early spring, which is unusual.
“We are collaborating with NDSU Extension Services to share research outcomes and provide practical guidance on soil recovery,” Lopez Echartea said.
The study’s findings will help landowners manage soil restoration effectively as wildfire risks continue to rise due to drought, strong winds, and human activity.
Photo Credits:gettyimages-dmytro-diedov
Categories: North Dakota, General