Fire retardants and suppressants are an important part of fire management but there is little knowledge of potential impacts to soil microbial communities and plant ecology, particularly in an Australian context. As these chemical applications are high in phosphates and increase water holding capacity there is potential that Australian soil and plants may be affected. Long term changes could lead to shifts in plant communities, resulting in changes to fire regimes. Partnering with end users, NSW National Parks, Forestry NSW and RFS we are investigating these chemicals in situ at multiple locations in NSW and also through glasshouse experiments. Our aim is to understand how these chemicals might affect soil and plant biology to inform and improve management practices.
This project is being conducted through the NSW Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre, in collaboration with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry NSW and the Rural Fire ServiceÂ
