Effects of prescribed burning on ecosystem processes and attributes in pine/hardwood forests of the southern Appalachians

Pine-hardwood ecosystems in the southern Appalachians are in a serious state of decline due to the combined effects of fire exclusion, abusive land practices, and drought related insect infestations. A silvicultural treatment termed “fell and burn” is applied as a best management practice (BMP) in an attempt to restore the diversity and productivity of these ecosystems. A multi-investigator study was initiated to assess the effects of this treatment on ecosystem processes and attributes. Results showed that felling and burning had positive effects on vegetation diversity and nitrogen (N) cycling, while soil erosion rates were unchanged. Losses in total aboveground N pools were larger than observed with other silvicultural practices (e.g., stem only and whole tree harvest) due to the consumption of foliage and forest floor. A more complete assessment will require a long-term approach where potential N additions from N-fixation and other sources are quantified.

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