Rama Daoud^1*

1 Department of Forestry and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Latakia University, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Rama Daoud, Email: ramadaoud91@yahoo.com).

Received: 16/ 02/2026      Accepted: 8/04 /2026

Abstract: 

This study aimed to determine the degree of soil phytotoxicity in the Cedar and Fir Reserve (Slinfah area, Lattakia, Syria) following the 2020 wildfire. Phytotoxicity was used as an effective bio indicator to assess soil measuring biological activity in fire-affected soils. Soil samples were collected from the eastern slope of the reserve three years after the fire at two depths (0–10 cm and 10–30 cm). The sample included all fire-severity levels (low, moderate and high), in addition to unburned sites used as controls. The results revealed high phytotoxicity in soils exposed to high-severity fires, as evidenced by significant inhibition of root and shoot growth. Root and shoot lengths decreased by 40% and 52%, respectively, while root biomass declined by 29% compared with the control. This reduction may be attributed to the formation of toxic organic compounds that inhibit root elongation due to partial thermal decomposition of organic matter at elevated temperatures. In contrast, low-severity fires appeared to stimulate root and shoot growth, likely due to the release of nutrients from post-fire ash. The study also showed no significant effect of soil depth on root or shoot length, whereas depth had a significant effect on root biomass.

Keywords: Wildfire, Soil phytotoxicity, bioindicators, Cedar and Fir Reserve, fire severity.

 Full paper in English: PDF