Is prescribed fire a suitable management tool to reduce shrub encroachment in palm savannas?

Abstract

Shrub encroachment in grasslands is a worldwide problem that has many ecological consequences, transforming previously open environments into dense forests. Disruption of natural fire regimes is one of the main causes of shrub encroachment, and the use of prescribed fire is a common strategy used to restore these ecosystems. In this study, we provide information about how a palm tree savanna under a process of shrub encroachment responds to the reintroduction of fire. We describe the effects of a first fire event on vegetation composition and structure using an experimental approach. We examine a species‐specific response to the fire. After one prescribed fire event applied to four study areas of 16 ha each, we analyzed the change in vegetation physiognomy and composition in burned and control plots for 1 year. Low‐intensity prescribed fire decreased height and cover of most shrub species and increased herbaceous vegetation cover over time. We classified shrub and herbaceous species response to fire according to the time they became present and their phenological characteristics. Our results can help stakeholders to determine if prescribed fire is helpful at reducing shrub encroachment in short term in similar ecosystems, considering how plant community responds to the reintroduction of fire after decades of fire suppression.

Ground flora cover, diversity, and life‐history trait representation after wind disturbance, salvage logging, and prescribed fire in a Pinus palustris woodland

“…However, whereas pre‐fire graminoid cover was comparable on wind‐disturbed and salvage‐logged sites, post‐fire graminoid cover was greatest on salvage‐logged sites. These results corresponded with others who attributed increased cover of light‐demanding graminoids to the reduction of shade (Peterson et al, 2007; Policelli et al, 2019). The removal of standing and leaning deadwood maximized understorey light availability in salvage‐logged sites (Kleinman et al, 2017).…”

Use and conservation of Butia palm groves: the link that goes beyond borders

“…In Uruguay, there are also initiatives by organizations and institutions that work together to protect Butia palm groves (Betancurt and Crosa, 2014). (Batista et al 2014;Policelli et al, 2018). There is also regional legislation to protect natural environments (El Palmar, 2015).…”

Temporal dynamics of carbon storage in a Mediterranean mountain scrubland managed by prescribed fire

“…Additionally, this management practice is often effective in controlling shrub species encroachment, contributing to enhance biodiversity (Policelli et al, 2019) and maintenance valuable natural resources conservation, such as the soil and water (Scharenbroch et al, 2012;Fonseca et al, 2017). The impact of prescribed fires on soil organic matter and consequently in the carbon cycle is an essential topic to climate change and soil quality, as vast landscapes are managed annually across the globe by prescribed fire.…”