SOIL-PROFILE CHARACTERISTICS INFLUENCING RUNOFF AND SOIL-EROSION AFTER FOREST-FIRE - A CASE-STUDY (VALENCIA, SPAIN)

In August of 1992 a wildfire affected 9498 ha of pine forest and shrub in Sierra Calderona (Valencia, Spain). The results obtained in six st ations of erosion control located in the burned area since the end of the fire are reported. Topographical, edaphological and vegetation cha racteristics of each station are described. Seven episodes of erosive rain with production of runoff and sediments, between August 1992 and April 1993 were studied. The data suggest that the highest soil losses were produced in the period immediately after the fire. Runoff and se diments produced in each station have been quantified. It has been obs erved that under similar conditions, the taxonomical and textural char acteristics are determinant factors in the production of runoff and so , of soil loss.