IMPACTO DE LOS INCENDIOS FORESTALES EN LAS PROPIEDADES EDÁFICAS DEL SUELO EN EL VALLE DEL MANTARO, PERÚ: UN ANÁLISIS COMPARATIVO POST-INCENDIO

The objective of this research was to determine the impacts that forest fires have on soil properties in the Mantaro Valley. A non-experimental, descriptive, and comparative methodological design was employed. Based on the analysis of satellite images with temporal contrast, six sampling sites were selected according to criteria of accessibility and fire severity. Soil samples were collected from both affected and unaffected areas at each site, evaluating variables such as organic matter, pH, bulk density, and available nutrients. The results show a significant decrease in organic matter and available nitrogen after the fire, as well as an increase in bulk density and temporary soil alkalinization due to the presence of ash. No significant differences were observed in the other variables evaluated. It is concluded that forest fires significantly degrade soil quality by altering key properties that threaten its long-term productivity.