The role of Dominant tree cover and silvicultural practices on the post-fire recovery of Mediterranean afforestations

摘要

Abstract Fire is one of the major disturbance factors in Mediterranean-type ecosystems. Although, man has since long time deeply modified natural fire regime, generally increasing both its frequency and intensity. Hence, to know how native woody species respond after fire passage is of prominent importance for understanding vegetation dynamics, as well as for the management in the Mediterranean afforestations. However, relatively few field investigations have assessed the effective recovery of Mediterranean woody species, including those introduced for afforestation purposes. The present study concerns the vegetation dynamics observed within mixed oaks and mixed oak-pine Mediterranean afforestations which experienced fire at the same time (1954 and 1982) but were then subject to different post-fire interventions (understory cleaning or no management). We analyzed tree species recovery patterns by using regeneration and dendrometric surveys, as well as phytosociological relevés. Despite time since last fire occurrence affected post-fire recovery by woody species, local factors and post-fire management practices seem to play a more important role. Nevertheless, a clear effect of management has not been found, suggesting that a lack of management after fire does not necessarily imply a slow recovery by woody species. Other factors should be taken into account. Since recent times, cutting down the shrub layer and removing the dead trees were the most common post-fire management practices in the Mediterranean basin. However, there is the increasing need to deeply change this simplified view. We hope that our research can help spread an ecologically-based approach in the post-fire management strategies of Mediterranean forests.