Influence of different timing of fires on the regrowth of aboveground phytomass in steppes of the Bashkir Transural region

Abstract

60 Fires are a major ecological factor influencing the formation and maintenance of steppe plant communi ties (Lavrenko, 1941; Rodin, 1946; Tishkov, 2003). The frequency of unregulated fires in the steppe zone of the Bashkir Transural region has increased in recent years. Significant reduction of grazing load (Yunus baev, 2000) leads to the accumulation of dead above ground phytomass (necromass), which easily catches fire during droughts. Local residents often intention ally start fires as an agronomic measure to improve the quality of grass stand in steppe pastures.