Ground vegetation development after surface fire in Scots pine forests

Abstract

The influence of low-intensity surface fires on the development of ground vegetation in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) stands on sandy soils (Arenosols) was studied. The study was conducted in eastern part of Lithuania (55o35'N, 26o07'E) in 60-year-old pure Scots pine stands. The surface fire occurred at the end of April 2006. In total 4 permanent transects (20x1 m) with 20 sampling plots (1x1 m) were established for the ground vegetation study in burned site and untouched not-burned site (control). Vegetation was recorded annually in June-July 2006-2011. Surface fire has destroyed above-ground part of ground vegetation. Ground vegetation began to recover in the subsequent years. 3-4 years after the fires the burned sites had even higher number of species and ground vegetation coverage than in unburned sites. The pioneer herb species and dwarf shrubs (Vaccinium myrtillus) spread out. The recovery of moss layer was much slower. The common forest species were still absent in burned area 5 years after fire.