Short-Term Effects of Recent Fire on the Production and Translocation of Pyrogenic Carbon in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Low-severity fire significantly increases the production and translocation of pyrogenic carbon (PyC) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with PyC concentrations rising in both organic and mineral soil layers post-fire. The study, which analyzed soils from areas affected by the 2016 Chimney Tops 2 Fire—including a NEON site—found that higher-severity burns led to greater PyC accumulation in surface horizons (O-horizon) compared to lower-severity fires. Over time, PyC moved deeper into mineral soils, suggesting fire suppression may alter carbon cycling dynamics. This research highlights the role of fire as a mechanism for PyC formation and vertical transport, providing insights into soil carbon stability and ecosystem resilience.

Matosziuk, L. M., Gallo, A., Hatten, J., Bladon, K. D., Ruud, D., Bowman, M., Egan, J., Heckman, K., SanClements, M., Strahm, B., & Weiglein, T. (2020). Short-Term Effects of Recent Fire on the Production and Translocation of Pyrogenic Carbon in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 3. https://doi.org/10.3389/ffgc.2020.00006