Post-fire tree regeneration in forests of the Tikhvin Ridge, North-West Russia

Dmitriy Danilov ,Dmitry Zaytsev,N V Belyaeva

doi:10.1051/bioconf/20224303011

Dmitriy Danilov , Dmitry Zaytsev + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/20224303011

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Abstract

We assessed the effect of ground fires on the success of advanced regeneration of tree species on gentle hilly ridges of terminal moraines of the North-Eastern part of the Leningrad Region. To study the juvenile generation of tree species, we carried out a reconnaissance survey of transects in the forest areas affected by wildfires. The forest stands were 10–12 years old. The stem numbers and heights of the regenerating tree species were recorded. The correlation analysis was used to determine the degree of influence of external factors on forest regeneration, including soil conditions and the burnt area size. We found differences in the species composition of stands with a predominance of deciduous and coniferous species depending on soil and hydrological conditions. We also found a relationship between soil factors and spruce and pine regeneration size in stands with a predominance of coniferous and deciduous species. The soil granulometric composition influenced proportions of coniferous and deciduous trees in post-fire stands. Using the knowledge obtained about the stand composition, we can forecast the future development of forest stands and prescribe the optimal forest management regimes.

Highlights

The effect of fires on forest communities of the boreal zone is both destructive and positive [1,2,3]
In forest sites affected by ground fires, soil conditions affect the development of post-fire vegetation
Our results suggest that this is due to the differences in the granulometric texture of the soils

Summary

Introduction

The effect of fires on forest communities of the boreal zone is both destructive and positive [1,2,3]. It has been reported that successful regeneration of conifers most often occurs after ground fires of moderate intensity. A large number of publications is devoted to the role of forest fires in the natural dynamics of forest ecosystems. The reason for such a significant interest of researchers towards this problem is obvious. Fires were the most powerful ecological factor determining the structure and dynamics of primeval forests [6,7,8]

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