Fire does not transform shrublands of Echinospartum horridum (Vahl) Rothm. into grasslands in the Pyrenees: Development of community structure and nutritive value after single prescribed burns

Long-Term Evolution of Shrub Prescribed Burning Effects on Topsoil Organic Matter and Biological Activity in the Central Pyrenees (Ne-Spain)

“…Similar results to this study were found by Armas-Herrera et al (2018) in the same location: 5 years after the fire, SOC and TN were lower than in the UB plot, which was related to erosion processes, as did other authors (Campo et al, 2008;Hatten et al, 2005;Khouri and Prendes, 2006). In the current study, all plots are located on steep slopes (25-35 % in average), the mean annual precipitation (MAP) is high (1700 mm/yr) and a considerable recover of vegetation can also be observed 6 years after the fire (Table 1), but the original plant cover, close to 100 %, is normally reached 15 years after burning (Mora et al, 2022). Badía et al (2017a) reported a considerable proportion of bare soil within the first year after a E. horridum PB, which could favor erosion the first years after the fire.…”

“…accompanied (among many other species) by Nardus stricta L. or Bromus erectus Huds. Many pasture areas in this location have been invaded by a dense canopy of E. horridum, a plant community with very few species (n = 6 ± 3) and, therefore, very low diversity (Shannon index of 0.86 ± 0.47), low pastoral value, and occasionally by Buxus sempervirens L. (Armas-Herrera et al, 2016;Mora et al, 2022). Soils are shallow (<50 cm soil depth) and are characterized by high organic matter content, high aggregate stability and slightly acid reaction; the texture class is silty clay loam in the whole profile.…”

“…Currently, this area is widely grazed from early June till late September, mainly by sheep and goats. However, the actual amount of livestock is not enough to stop by itself the re-encroachment after the fire (Mora et al, 2022).…”

A strategy to enhance soil quality and soil organic carbon stock in abandoned lands: Pasture regeneration through shrub clearing

“…This work has demonstrated the great opportunity that the creation of pastures through shrub clearing represents for SOC sequestration in Mediterranean mountain areas. In addition, previous studies have shown how the PSC carried out by the Regional Government of La Rioja is a perfect example of management that overcomes the adverse effects of prescribed fires (Mora et al, 2022) while offering a whole range of ecological, economic and social benefits (Acebes et al, 2021; Lasanta et al, 2016; Lasanta et al, 2019; Plieninger & Bieling, 2017). While it is true that acid environments do not exhibit a significant increase in SOC stock after shrub clearing, this value persists following land use change, providing additional ecosystem services, thus proving beneficial in the current scenario.…”