Forest type mediates post-fire soil water infiltration reduction in the Dabie Mountains

1. Research hypothesis
Low‑intensity surface fire alters soil hydrological function, but the direction and magnitude of change may depend on forest type. We hypothesized that:
Fire reduces soil water infiltration rates (initial, steady, and average);
Forest type modulates the infiltration response to fire;
Fire‑induced changes in soil water repellency, porosity, bulk density, litter mass, and root traits are the key mechanisms driving infiltration decline.

2. Data summary
Forest types:
BF – Broadleaved forest (Quercus acutissima dominant)
CF – Coniferous forest (Pinus massoniana dominant)
MF – Mixed coniferous‑broadleaved forest

3. Variables measured (column headers)
Foresttype BF / CF / MF Forest type
Treat Unburned / Burned Fire treatment
IIR mm·h⁻¹ Initial infiltration rate
SIR mm·h⁻¹ Steady infiltration rate
AIR mm·h⁻¹ Average infiltration rate
SWC % Gravimetric soil water content
BD g·cm⁻³ Soil bulk density
TP % Total porosity
CP % Capillary porosity
WDPT s Water drop penetration time
Clay (%) % Clay content
Silt (%) % Silt content
Sand (%) % Sand content
Littermass g·m⁻² Surface litter mass
Root biomass g·m⁻² Root biomass
Root length Root length
RS Root surface area