Wildfire Impact on Coastal Groundwater‐Dependent Heathland: Structural and Floristic Responses and Management DOI Creative Commons

D. J. Stanton,

Madeleine Dyring, Roland Proud

и другие.

Austral Ecology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 50(2)

Опубликована: Фев. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Fire is a critical driver of many Australian ecosystems, including the groundwater‐dependent heathlands on Australia's east coast. However, effects intense wildfires under drought conditions, associated with depletion groundwater and soil moisture, are poorly documented, mechanisms vegetation recovery, particularly for obligate seeders resprouters, unclear. We aimed to assess impacts an wildfire structure species composition in long‐unburnt heathland, focusing responses seeder resprouter role environmental factors post‐fire recovery. A before–after control–impact study was conducted at Bribie Island, Queensland, following 2019 wildfire. Vegetation were analysed using generalised linear model, such as rainfall, moisture levels evaluated their influence Our results demonstrated that shrub counts recovered exceeded pre‐fire within 3 years. Species richness returned after 2 years but did not reach peak observed during high‐moisture conditions before fire. The response included slow rebound incomplete Obligate showed variable response, some dominant populations failing recover, while resprouters exhibited significant declines. These outcomes linked varying capacity heathland flora cope fire low deficits. this suggest dry may adversely affect populations, even long intervals. Full consideration intensity, timing essential effective management. Furthermore, prescriptive management should focus burning periods high reduce severity enhance regeneration.

Язык: Английский

Wildfire Impact on Coastal Groundwater‐Dependent Heathland: Structural and Floristic Responses and Management DOI Creative Commons

D. J. Stanton,

Madeleine Dyring, Roland Proud

и другие.

Austral Ecology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 50(2)

Опубликована: Фев. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Fire is a critical driver of many Australian ecosystems, including the groundwater‐dependent heathlands on Australia's east coast. However, effects intense wildfires under drought conditions, associated with depletion groundwater and soil moisture, are poorly documented, mechanisms vegetation recovery, particularly for obligate seeders resprouters, unclear. We aimed to assess impacts an wildfire structure species composition in long‐unburnt heathland, focusing responses seeder resprouter role environmental factors post‐fire recovery. A before–after control–impact study was conducted at Bribie Island, Queensland, following 2019 wildfire. Vegetation were analysed using generalised linear model, such as rainfall, moisture levels evaluated their influence Our results demonstrated that shrub counts recovered exceeded pre‐fire within 3 years. Species richness returned after 2 years but did not reach peak observed during high‐moisture conditions before fire. The response included slow rebound incomplete Obligate showed variable response, some dominant populations failing recover, while resprouters exhibited significant declines. These outcomes linked varying capacity heathland flora cope fire low deficits. this suggest dry may adversely affect populations, even long intervals. Full consideration intensity, timing essential effective management. Furthermore, prescriptive management should focus burning periods high reduce severity enhance regeneration.

Язык: Английский

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