TITLE:
Assess the Role of Fire Frequency on Some Soil Chemical Properties in Dinder National Park (DNP), Sudan Using Geospatial Technology
AUTHORS:
Mohaned E. M. Elmardi, Mai M. A. Hassan, Mohamed Elgamri A. Ibrahim, Amna A. Hamid, Ahmed A. H. Siddig
KEYWORDS:
Forest Fires, Protected Areas, Soil, MODIS
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.13 No.10,
October
13,
2025
ABSTRACT: Fire plays a significant role in the clay plain areas of Sudan along the 406.4 mm isohyets. Most of the Dinder National Park (DNP) area is located north of the 406.4 mm isohyets and is subject to frequent and often intense burning. The study aims to assess the role of fire frequency on soil chemical properties using geospatial technology and field survey. MODIS satellite images (2010-2020) were used, analyzed, and interpreted using visual and digital methods of image processing. A total of nine soil samples (500 grams) were randomly obtained (3 samples from each fire frequency) and taken from 0 - 15 cm depth. The samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), and nitrogen (N). The soil analysis results showed that the different fire frequencies did not affect nitrogen accumulation in the soil, although the results also showed that soil nitrogen decreased slightly with an increase in fire frequency, and soil carbon decreased slightly with an increase in fire frequency. Also, results showed that the pH determination increased slightly with an increase in fire frequency, and the soil pH was alkaline in all samples. The overall findings indicate that burning is common in the DNP, and it poses significant long-term risks to soil fertility, soil nutrient availability, and ecosystem health. The research results from satellite image classification showed that the maximum area burned in the park was 12.8% in 2011, and the minimum area burned was 4.1% in 2016. There was an absence of firebreak line efficiency and a need for the establishment of more prevention strategies to protect vegetation cover and soil in the park.