The effects of a wildfire on pine seedling recruitment

Abstract

We investigated the effects of a single arson wildfire by comparing its impact on pine seedling recruitment with that of both prescribed fire and unburned compartments. Although a t-test detected no significant difference in pine seedling recruitment (p = 0.38), the "wildfire" treatment produced 127 more seedlings than the unburned treatment, and 96 more seedlings than the prescribed fire treatment. Managers should consider using burn similar to a wildfire when the primary objective is a simple increase in the pine component of a particular stand.

Parent Publication

• Shortleaf pine restoration and ecology in the Ozarks: proceedings of a symposium

Citation

Gnehm, Paula C.; Hadley, Brad. 2007. The effects of a wildfire on pine seedling recruitment. In: Kabrick, John M.; Dey, Daniel C.; Gwaze, David, eds. Shortleaf pine restoration and ecology in the Ozarks: proceedings of a symposium; 2006 November 7-9; Springfield, MO. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-15. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 134-136.