The Destructive Impact of Burned Peatlands to Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil

Indonesia, particularly affecting soil characteristics. The purposes of
this study are to analyse the physical aspects of soil (colour and soil
texture) caused by fires and to investigate the chemical
characteristics of soil (pH, Fe2+, P2O5, and K2O). This study used
measurements in the field based on a map of peatland fires in the
region and laboratory results. There were 24 samples in this study;
they were taken in October 2018, which was about a month after the
fire, and in January 2019, which was about four months after the
burning. The samples were analysed regarding the soil colour,
texture, pH, Fe2+, P2O5, and K2O. The results of the study indicated
that the characteristics of the soil on burned land in October 2018
had higher pH, P2O5, and K2O levels than in January 2019. Fires
occurred in soil brought changes to the soil physical and chemical
properties. The added combustion ash affected the physical and
chemical properties of the land, such as soil colour, texture, pH,
P2O5, K2O, and Fe2+.