Fire as a Restoration Tool: A Decision Framework for Predicting the Control or Enhancement of Plants Using Fire

Authors:
Pyke, D.A., M.L. Brooks and C. D'Antonio

Publication Date:
2010

Abstract/Summary:
We provide a decision framework that integrates fire regime components, plant growth form, and survival attributes to predict how plants will respond to fires and how fires can be prescribed to enhance the likelihood of obtaining desired plant responses. Fires are driven by biotic and abiotic factors that dictate their temporal (seasonality and frequency), spatial (size and patchiness), and magnitude (intensity, severity, and type) components. Plant resistance and resilience to fire can be categorized by a combination of life form, size, and ability to disperse or protect seeds. We use a combination of life form and vital plant attributes along with an understanding of fire regime components to suggest a straightforward way to approach the use of fire to either reduce or enhance particular species.

Resource Type:
Peer-reviewed Article

Source:
Restoration Ecology

Link:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1526-100X.2010.00658.x/abstract