Research Information System
Journal of Sustainable Forestry, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Forest fires have a significant impact on the chemical composition of soils, causing heavy metal pollution and a decrease in organic carbon, which threatens the environmental sustainability of the region. The study investigated the impact of forest fires on soil chemical properties and recovery processes in the Sumy region of Ukraine. A total of 87 soil samples were collected from 30 sites across post-fire and control areas, covering both upper and lower soil horizons up to 23 cm depth. Heavy metal concentrations (Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Pb) were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, revealing that post-fire soils exhibited a 2–3 fold increase in Zn and Pb compared to background levels. Soil pH was ranged from 7.3 to 8.4, with slightly higher values in lower horizons, and organic carbon content decreased from 0.7% in control sites to 0.1–0.38% in severely burned areas. The elemental index of soil contamination indicated a shift from hazard class 2 (good condition) before fires to class 4 (poor condition) after fires, highlighting substantial chemical degradation. These measurements allowed assessment of soil fertility loss, heavy metal mobilization, and potential impacts on ecosystem recovery following wildfires.