POST-WILDFIRE ALTERATIONS IN SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF COASTAL SANDY SOILS IN TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Wildfires present considerable environmental concerns, especially in susceptible coastal habitats characterized by sandy soils. This research examines the impact of surface wildfires on soil physical characteristics at five coastal locations in Terengganu, Malaysia: Gong Badak, Jalan Pantai Tok Jembal, Bandar Kuala Nerus, Taman Baiduri, and Kampung Kuala Tengah. Every site underwent wildfire incidents that resulted in distinct burnt and unburned areas. Eight essential soil parameters were evaluated: water density, soil porosity, wet and dry bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity, electrical conductivity, cohesion, and organic matter content.  Standardized field and laboratory methodologies were employed, incorporating Decagon sensors, pocket penetrometers, and the loss-on-ignition approach.  The results indicated that wildfire substantially modified many soil properties in a site-specific manner.  For example, Bandar Kuala Nerus demonstrated significant decreases in saturated hydraulic conductivity and soil cohesiveness, whereas Gong Badak revealed enhanced porosity and diminished bulk density in burned soils. Certain observations, like increased porosity following a fire, deviated from traditional assumptions, presumably due to the sandy soil environment. The study emphasizes the intricate and specific effects of wildfires on soil physical conditions, underscoring the necessity of customized land management practices in post-wildfire recovery initiatives. The results provide significant insights into fire-soil interactions in tropical coastal ecosystems, where data are scarce.