Abstract
Effects of forest fire on the regeneration potential of trees at Olokemeji Forest Reserve was established in this study. The Olokemeji fire experimental plot was selected at the reserve. The site was divided into three plots; late fire treatment was applied to Plot A, Early fire treatment was also applied to Plot B and no fire treatment at plot C (Control plot). The diameter at breast height (dbh) and tree height (m) of the tree species in the plots were assessed prior and post fire treatment. The regeneration potential of the selected plots after burning were assessed through the occurrence of saplings and seedlings obtained. The highest basal area (m2) were found in plot C followed by plot B and Plot C with mean value of 0.64, 0.55 and 0.30 m2 respectively. The number of stems per plot ranged from 25 to 67. The regeneration potentials of the three plots were found to be noteworthy. Early and late year fire regime adopted had both positive and negative effect on the regeneration potentials of tree species. This study has established the effect and relevance of fire on forest and wildlife management. It’s therefore recommended in this study that Prescribed or controlled burning should be encouraged as appropriate sivilcultural management tool for stimulating basal area growth, natural regeneration, production of tree species seedlings and saplings.
Highlights
Forest fire is defined as uncontained and freely spreading combustion which consumes the natural fuels of a forest
It’s pertinent to review the ecology of natural regeneration in seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs)
A comprehensive review of SDTFs can be found in the book Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests; distribution patterns and ecological characteristics are discussed by Murphy and Lugo (1986); and seed and seedling ecology in SDTF species are extensively reviewed
Summary
Forest fire is defined as uncontained and freely spreading combustion which consumes the natural fuels of a forest. It’s pertinent to review the ecology of natural regeneration in seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs). SDTFs have particular natural regeneration attributes that need to be clarified These regeneration characteristics can be limiting in certain situations, they can be used to assist in the recovery of these forests. A comprehensive review of SDTFs can be found in the book Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests; distribution patterns and ecological characteristics are discussed by Murphy and Lugo (1986); and seed and seedling ecology in SDTF species are extensively reviewed. Fire damage to trees occurs, when there are enough combustible ground litter or suspended materials to sustain a fire and the radiated heat, generated from fire outside the stand are maintained long enough to damage the growth. Mortality and reduction in number of biodiversity is an immediate and obvious effect of fire, within an ecosystem
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
