Legumes in natural post-fire successions of forest meadows and pastures in Northern Bulgaria

Abstract

We have witnessed a drastic increase in global fires in recent years that are strongly linked to climate change. On the other hand, the prescribed fires are applied in agricultural practice; however, their effectiveness is controversial. It is important to study the effects of both types of fires – wild and prescribed to predict their impact on biota. In this study, four different locations in Central Norther Bulgaria that recovered after the fire were studied concerning the biodiversity and abundance of the first colonizer species. Two generations from the locations were studied and demonstrated that the legume plants are dominant. The abundant species and their morphological and physiological characteristics are described. The annual species like Bituminaria bituminosa, Vicia striata, and Medicago minima propagated with seeds and perennial rhizome Lathyrus pratensis and Trifolium medium show the best potential to resprout after the fire events. Presented results will help responsible authorities of our county to take adequate actions for burned areas recovery. The directions for future studies are highlighted. URL: https://www.upjs.sk/pracoviska/botanicka-zahrada/odborne-aktivity/contents-abstracts/

Combined Use of a Bacterial Consortium and Early-Colonizing Plants as a Treatment for Soil Recovery after Fire: A Model Based on Los Guájares (Granada, Spain) Wildfire

“…Although a single application of the consortium did not show the same impact, the bacterial treatment also enhanced the presence of these nutrients, as frequently reported in this field [ 44 , 97 , 98 , 99 ]. More interesting was to validate the theory of many authors, and our own premise, regarding the combined use of bacteria and the plant effect in nutrients availability [ 44 , 45 , 100 , 101 , 102 ]. In our case, this combination showed the highest increase in all evaluated nutrients, which was especially evident in the burnt-mimicking sets.…”

“…Among emerging plants, legumes, such as in the Lathyrus sp. case, could be the most interesting because the nitrogen fixation in their roots can accelerate the re-colonization of more demanding plant species, thereby reducing recovery times [ 45 , 46 ]. This strategy may make a lot of sense in the Mediterranean regions, since many of the legumes in these regions are also resistant to intense drought and high-temperature stress conditions [ 46 , 47 ].…”