Biogeochemical cycles: How wildfires affect soil and water quality

Wildfires severely disturb biogeochemical cycles and greatly impact soil health, water quality, etc. These processes affect soil organic matter, indirectly mobilize heavy metals, and change water chemistry in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. These effects are immediate in consequence, including changes within the structure of a variety of organic carbon (SOC) and nutrient availability, sometimes causing disappearance patterns that improve short-run fertility; however, the implications will endure for ~150 years. The latter contribution comes at the cost of significant long-term depletions in nitrates (volatilization and leaching). This chemical can persist in the soil for centuries, but it may be more susceptible to decomposition by bacteria and fungi than previously thought. Black carbon is also produced during wildfires. The erosion and sediment transport following fires significantly increase sediment loads in water bodies, affecting water quality and aquatic habitats.