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

En – AGROVOC descriptors

GRASSLANDS; FOREST TREES; REFORESTATION; REGENERATION; FIRE BEHAVIOUR; FIRES

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