Transformation of soil-protective functions of mountain forests under the influence of forest fires in the central ecological zone of the Baikal natural territory

An analysis is made of the data from experimental investigations into the influence of fires on changes in the soil-protective functions of Siberian stone pine and pine forests in the southern part of the central ecological zone of the Baikal natural territory. The study revealed a negative influence of ground fires of the litter-humus type on changes in reserves and qualitative functional composition of forest litter and its moisture retention capacity as well as in water-physical properties of soils. Quantitative indices are provided for the liquid and solid overland runoff forming in burnt-over areas, depending on slope steepness, and on the intensity and temporal remoteness of past fires.