Effects of campfires on soil properties
Fenn DB, Gogue GJ, Burge RE. 1976. Effects of campfires on soil properties. Ecological Services Bulletin. NPS-163. National Park Service. Washington, DC
Documents the effects of campfires on the soil system, providing national park managers with the scientific data to support policies restricting campfires. Studies were conducted at several National Park Service sites including Furnace Creek Campground and Mesquite Flats sand dunes in Death Valley National Park. Results of the study show that the organic matter content of a soil can be altered to a depth of 10 cm or more by intense campfire heat. Campfire heat can also create a water repellent layer, although this effect was not noted in the clay loam soil at Furnace Creek Campground or the sand dunes at Mesquite Flats. The authors recommend minimizing the effects of campfires in campgrounds by installing permanent fireplaces or stone fire rings to restrict fires to the same area, and locating campgrounds on sandy soil with low compactability and good drainage.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Fenn, Dennis; Gogue, G; Burge, Raymond
- Date of Issue
- 1976
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- DEVA
- Keywords
- campfires, Death Valley National Park CA NV, Ecology, Furnace Creek Death Valley National Park CA NV, Impacts, Mesquite Flats Death Valley National Park CA NV, Policies, Soils