Post-fire succession on abandoned fields in coniferous forest habitat (Nord-East Poland)

Anna J Kwiatkowska-Falińska

doi:10.5586/asbp.2008.031

Abstract

In July, 1992, fire swept through the Jelonka Reserve (52o35'33"N; 23o22'10"E). Litter, herbs layer and juniper shrubs were razed and the tree trunks of Pinus sylvestris and Populus tremula damaged, which resulted in their death the following year. Five research plots of 25 m2 each were established in the post-fire area. The species present there and their degrees of coverage were listed on the Londo scale between 1993 and 2002. The calculation of average degrees of coverage for individual populations allowed for the establishing of a chronological pattern of post-fire succession. The following findings have been made: 1) the primary function in colonization belongs to species of guerilla strategy of growth whose dormant buds survived fire underground (Holcus mollis, Calluna vulgaris and Populus tremula) or phalanx strategy of growth (Corynephoms canescens); 2) the dominants of the initial succession stage are perennial grasses, not therophytes; 3) the spatial pattern of succession is influenced by the occurrence of H. mollis or C. canescens in a particular location; 4) the initial stage terminates with the occurrence and further growth of C. vulgaris clumps; the post-fire succession in the Jelonka Reserve attained a brushwood stage faster in comparison to secondary succession, formerly triggered by the cessation of cultivation on arable land.

Highlights

IntroductionFire in a seasonaly hot and dry climate fulfils an essential function in species selection and the creation of specific flora communities (e.g. macchia; Korna 1958)
General characteristics of firesFire in a seasonaly hot and dry climate fulfils an essential function in species selection and the creation of specific flora communities.Prolonged droughts in Poland occur seldom in comparison with e.g. the Mediterranean climate zone
Species with various life strategies participate in post-fire secondary succession: annuals and biennials, perennial grasses, dicotyledonous perennials, bryophytes and lichens (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Fire in a seasonaly hot and dry climate fulfils an essential function in species selection and the creation of specific flora communities (e.g. macchia; Korna 1958). Prolonged droughts in Poland occur seldom in comparison with e.g. the Mediterranean climate zone. The threat of fire to forests in Poland mainly results from additional factors. The majority of Polish forests cover the poorest sandy habitats, which are unsuitable for agricultural use. Productive forests are predominated by fire-susceptible coniferous species (mainly Pinus sylvestris). Fire propagation in such forest-stands is the most intense owing to the resin content in branches and tree trunks, and the forest floor covered with fire-susceptible needles and cones. The majority of coniferous forest stands consist of young specimens, which are more susceptible to fire

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