The Effect of Experimental Prescribed Fire on White Pine Regeneration

Abstract

We examined the effects of prescribed fire on white pine (Pinus strobus) advance regeneration in small experimental plots in mixed hardwood-pine forests in southwestern Virginia during the fall and spring. Fires killed all newly germinated seedlings in both spring and fall. Saplings (ranging from 0.7 - 3.4 m in height) all suffered some degree of crown scorch, but sapling survival was higher on plots burned in the fall (54%) compared to those burned in the spring (20%). After one growing season following the fires, seedling density had recovered to a level similar to that of control plots for fall burns, but was still significantly lower than control plots for spring burns. After one growing season, the amount of crown mortality for saplings was reduced with increasing height and root collar diameter. Height growth of saplings after one growing season following fires was not different between burned and control plots. Fall burns may be less detrimental to white pine regeneration because of reduced mortality to saplings and by providing microsite conditions during the period of seed rain that are conducive to recover seedling regeneration.