Fire behavior, fire effects and survival responses of trees
Issue Date
7-1994
Abstract
Stands of Gmelina arborea Roxb., Tectona grandis L. f., Acacia auriculiforms A. Cunn. ex Benth., Piliostigma malabaricum (Roxb.) Benth. var. acidum (Korth.) de Wit., and Antidesma ghaesembilla Gaerth. with understorey grasses were subjected to three levels of fire intensity treatments (low, 56-183 kW m-1; intermediate, 262-654 kW m-1; and high, 701-3730kW m-1). Fire behavior was characterized and predictive equations were developed for the rate of fire spread based on wind speed, and for fire intensity based on rate of spread, flame height, and flame depth. Tree responses and fire effects in terms of crown scorching, resprouting and tree mortality were related to fire intensity. Among the species, Acacia auriculiformis had the highest mortality rate at all intensities, while the four other species survived all levels of fire intensities. The sensitivity of A. auriculiformis to fire was ascribed to low bark moisture content., thin bark, and poor coppicing ability. It is concluded that survival responses and damage to tree seedlings and saplings by fire were influenced by fire intensity, tree species and diameter size. The success of reforestation on fire-prone grasslands can be facilitated by the use of prescribed fire and the selection of appropriate tree species.
Source or Periodical Title
Sylvatrop: the technical journal of Philippine Ecosystems and Natural Resources
ISSN
0115-0022
Volume
4
Issue
2
Page
41-63
Document Type
Article
Frequency
semi-annually
Physical Description
graphs ; tables
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Florence, Leonardo M. and Methven, Ian R., "Fire behavior, fire effects and survival responses of trees" (1994). Journal Article. 5209.
https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/journal-articles/5209
En – AGROVOC descriptors
GRASSLANDS; FOREST TREES; REFORESTATION; REGENERATION; FIRE BEHAVIOUR; FIRES