Effect of fire on soil microorganisms in a Meghalaya pine forest.

The effect of man-made fire on soil microbial population in a natural subtropical pine forest eco-system, was studies. a nearly fifty years old pine (Pinus kesiya Royle) forest was cut and burnt in March 1977. Another half of this pine forest was left uncut and unburnt. Microbial population was destroyed completely just after the burning and recolonization occurred after some days. Bacteria and actinomycetes were found to be the first colonizers followed by fungi. Burning initiated better growth and higher population of bacteria after two or three showers. Bacterial population was highest in July in burnt and in May in unburnt forest. Maximum fungal population in burnt site was recorded in July while it was highest in april and May in unburnt site. Penicillium spp., Cladosporium sp. and Trichoderma sp. were found to be first colonizing fungi just after the burning. In unburnt forest eco-system Absidia sp., Trichoderma sp., Fusarium sp. and Penicillium spp. were found to be dominant.