engleski

Natural reforestation of Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) stands after forest fire

In this paper, we investigate the natural regeneration of Aleppo pine stand after forest fire. A permanent experimental plot was established on a burnt area in 2001 (forest fire in 1999), and the dynamics of the natural regeneration was monitored during five years (2001-2005). The appearance of young growth was monitored by species composition, abundance and height classes of the plants. The impact of the intervention works after fire was also evaluated. Soil samples from the experimental plot were analyzed to establish chemical and mechanical properties of the soil. Results suggest natural, aggressive, almost weed-like spread and regeneration of Aleppo pine plants over the burnt area. Six years after the forest fire the young plants of Aleppo pine with their height had overgrown the burnt material and with 103 563 plants per ha (10.3 plants/m2) completely covered the burnt area. This experiment implies the need for different way of intervention works after the forest fires in the Aleppo pine stands. Unnecessary and expensive gathering of burnt material into the strips should be avoided. Strips of burnt material formed in this way are very slowly decomposing given the climatic conditions of the Mediterranean area. Moreover, they contribute to the constant danger of forest fire and degrade the landscape aesthetically. The suggested way for sanation of burnt areas is chipping of burnt material with chain saw, and laying it on the ground. Soil moisture and microclimatic conditions of the young Aleppo pine stand will accelerate the development of micro-organisms, decomposition of the burnt material and the process of humification. The Aleppo pine, as a pioneering tree species in the eu-Mediterranean area, has an important and irreplaceable role in restoring devastated green areas, as well as in the preparation of site conditions for the accession of autochthonous vegetation and the basic species for this region, which is the Holm oak.

forest fire; natural regeneration; young growth; tending of burnt areas; Aleppo pine; Holm oak

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