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Wildlife, Animals, and Plants |
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FIRE EFFECTS
IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT:Fire generally kills eastern cottonwood [3,22,86,87,132,145,158]. Mature trees with thick bark may be only scarred or top-killed [145,158]. Fire scars may facilitate onset of heartwood decay [28,145,158].
DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT:No entry
PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE:Top-killed eastern cottonwood may sprout from the roots, root crown, and/or bole following fire [183,184,190]. Although studies are few, sprouting response appears to be weak, and the long-term survivability of sprouts is poor [86]. Sprouting ability of eastern cottonwood declines with age [173]. In general, the ability of cottonwoods to sprout depends on (1) species (with those in section Tacamahaca sprouting more vigorously than those in section Aigeiros), (2) age (younger trees are more efficient), and (3) location of the water table (higher water tables increase sprout survivability) [86,95]. Plains cottonwood is a weak sprouter [95], and is especially susceptible to late summer and fall burns [95]. It does not readily form suckers [87,132]: Root and shoot sprouts are uncommon except for flood-trained shoot suckering [179].
DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE:In an Oklahoma study, all eastern cottonwood seedlings and saplings were eliminated following a fire in June [3]. One year later no regeneration was observed [3].
FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS:Prescribed fire is not recommended on bottomland forest sites in the north-central states where wood production is a primary management objective. Seedlings and young trees are easily killed by surface fires, while mature trees are often wounded. Wounded trees often contract heartrot, leading to substantial cull and volume loss [28]. Prescribed burning may stimulate sprouting and improve food supplies for wildlife species [183]. For optimum timber production, plantations must be completely protected from fire and grazing [28]. Fire prevention measures suggested for eastern cottonwood plantations include natural firebreaks (roads, trails, and sloughs) dividing stands into 40-acre (16 ha) blocks and plowed lines, at least 15 feet (4.6 m) wide [145]. To promote eastern cottonwood recovery, livestock should be excluded from burned areas for 5 years following fire and wildlife browsing should be monitored [95].
Related categories for SPECIES: Populus deltoides | Eastern Cottonwood |
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