Authors: Rocío Anahí Mardones (@romardones_) & Natalia Noemí Rojas (@natiii_rojass)
About the authors: Rocío Anahí Mardones and Natalia Noemí Rojas are Geology students at the National University of Comahue (Neuquén, Argentina). This research project focuses on the relationship between native vegetation and soil stability in areas affected by low-severity wildfires.
Keywords: Soil, erosion, native plants, vegetation cover
After several wildfires in Parque Norte, in Neuquén, Argentina, many trees and plants were severely damaged, leaving the soil completely exposed. Faced with this, we began to wonder about the consequences of losing so much vegetation: the loss of nutrients, changes in soil structure, and the direct impact of rain, wind, and sunlight on bare ground. Because the area is also used for recreation, there were additional risks of runoff and soil displacement—especially after heavy rainfall and on steeper slopes. This led us to the central question that guided our entire project: From a geological perspective, how could we restore soil health and help nature recover after so much erosion and damage?
With that idea in mind, we started researching which native plants naturally grow in the area. During our search, we met a professor from the university’s greenhouse, who helped us focus on species that are both resistant to the local climate and capable of improving soil quality. Thanks to her guidance, we identified plants that could not only adapt to the site’s conditions but also contribute to recovery, especially by reducing runoff and other post-fire impacts.
After evaluating several options, we chose Grindelia chiloensis, a native and resilient species with strong potential to revitalize degraded soils. However, we encountered a challenge: much of the affected area was protected land, meaning we couldn’t collect soil samples without a special permit. To address this issue, we selected a nearby sector of Parque Norte belonging to the university, where the soil shared similar characteristics with the burned areas. This allowed us to carry out our experiments without disturbing protected zones while maintaining comparable environmental conditions and ensuring reliable results.
Photographs 1 and 2: Gathering samples at Parque Norte
Before collecting samples, we performed several soil measurements after a rainy day to observe how the ground behaved under natural moisture conditions. We measured soil temperature (to understand factors influencing plant growth); moisture content (to assess water availability and its effect on stability); pH (which indicates acidity or alkalinity and influences nutrient availability and microbial activity); and nutrient content, such as nitrogen and potassium—both essential for plant health and soil recovery. Comparing areas with and without vegetation gave us a clear view of how the absence of plant cover affected soil fertility and stability.
Next, we collected the samples, brought them to the nursery, and began the germination process. During this stage, we carefully disinfected all materials, prepared the pots, and selected the healthiest seeds. Each step was carried out with precision and consistency, allowing us to closely monitor seedling growth and adaptation to the soil.
Throughout the growth phase, we observed the plants every ten days. Only three pots successfully produced sprouts, largely due to the high clay content of the soil, which limited permeability—water could not infiltrate or drain properly, hindering germination. To improve germination success, we recommend adding sandy material to the substrate, which enhances permeability and water drainage. After 30 days, the seedlings that did germinate continued to grow healthily and showed strong resilience to local soil conditions. This suggests that Grindelia chiloensis can thrive in this type of environment and represents a promising option for revegetating fire-affected areas.
Photographs 3 & 4: Grindelia chiloensis in different pots.
In short, every action we took was designed to responsibly combine research and practice. This experience helped us understand how a native species like Grindelia chiloensis can play a key role in restoring soil health after wildfires and in preventing erosion, especially in sloped areas prone to runoff.
Finally, this project also encouraged us to reflect on the importance of conserving native species and how science can collaborate with nature. Each measurement, each seed, and each pot was part of a broader process—not only aimed at obtaining concrete results but also at generating valuable knowledge for future restoration efforts, particularly in recreational areas where human activity often slows natural soil recovery.