Role of the Phytogenic Field of Larch of the Prefire Generation in Forming Edaphic Conditions in Burned-out Forest Areas

It is shown that larch of the prefire generation is the main edificator at the early stages of progressive successions in burned-out areas. Its environment-forming effect manifests itself most strongly in the phytogenic field of living trees, where edaphic conditions similar to those in primary larch forests are formed within ten years after the fire. This is accompanied by an increase in the numbers of microorganisms utilizing organic and mineral nitrogen, as well as in the rate of nitrogen mineralization in plant microgroups of this zone. Hence, living trees remaining in a burned-out area promote restoration of the initial edaphic conditions.