Thermal Impact of Gas Flares on the Biological Activity of Soils

Abstract

Global warming can lead to a significant transformation of the structure of terrestrial ecosystems and changes in the mode of functioning of their components. In this connection, studies of soil respiration, particularly of the biological activity of soils under forest exposed to warm impact of flaring flare are of scientific and practical interests. A long-term experimental plot was established in a lichen pine forest on the Albic Podzols (Arenic) (Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area-Yugra). Sampling and measurements were carried out in the areas at the distances of 70, 90, and 130 m from the flare with the strong, moderate, and weak heating effects, respectively. In the zone of the maximum heating effect, the soil temperature was by 1.3°C higher, and the rate of CO₂ emission from the surface in situ was greater by 18% compared to the zone with weak impact of the flare. Along with increasing CO₂ emissions, organic matter accumulated due to increasing the stable pool. The parameters of the microbial biomass, basal respiration, and the input of labile organic matter pool increased with the distance from the flare.