Lessons from the Hayman Fire: Forest understory responses to the scarify-and-seed postfire rehabilitation treatment

Abstract

In unburned forests, organic plant litter and live vegetation help stabilize the soil and promote water infiltration. Much of this plant material is consumed during severe wildfires, leaving the bare ground susceptible to elevated postfire water runoff and soil erosion (Shakesby and Doerr 2006). Severe wildfires can also produce a water-repellant layer in the soil that further decreases water infiltration (DeBano 2000). Even after moderate rain events, runoff and erosion in severely burned areas can cause extensive and costly damage to roads, buildings, reservoirs, and ecosystems (Beyers and others 1998).

Citation

Fornwalt, Paula J. 2009. Lessons from the Hayman Fire: Forest understory responses to the scarify-and-seed postfire rehabilitation treatment. Fire Management Today. 69(3): 38-43.