Fire Research in Longleaf Pine on the Palustris Experimental Forest

摘要

Prescribed fire research on the Palustris Experimental Forest has spanned 6 decades leading to a greater understanding of fire behavior in longleaf pine {Pinus palustris Mill.) stands. Based on early work, biennial prescribed burning in May resulted in larger longleaf pine saplings than biennial burning in March and a better chance of seedling survival than burning in July. However, the chief influence of burning in longleaf pine stands is not on long-term pine yield but on how fire influences overall stand structure and species composition. Without repeated prescribed fire, a mixed pine-hardwood canopy develops with a well-developed understory of woody plants and vines, and the deep shade and accumulated litter nearly eliminates herbaceous vegetation and pine regeneration. Conversely, repeated prescribed burning can maintain open longleaf pine forests with rich herbaceous plant communities. Current research has shown the importance of prescribed fire as a way to lessen damage from catastrophic wildfire.