SIMULATED EFFECTS OF FIRE ON Pinus palustri

Jorge Palladino C de Lima, Universitá Della Tuscia-Dipartimento DiScienza Dell’Ambiente Forestale e Delle Sue Risorse- Viterbo/Italy
Jose Americo de Mello Filho, Federal University of Santa Maria, RGS/Brasil



ABSTRACT

To simulate effects of fire on longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), this research was realized by using manual defoliation. One of 3 defoliation levels (0%, 95% and 100%) and 1 of 5 defoliation months (August, September, October, November or December) were applied during 2001 growing season, in two locals, Aiken, South Carolina and Waycross, Georgia, US. Diameter breast height, total height, and survival were measured in 2001(untreated), December of 2003, November of 2003 and summer of 2007. By using repeated measures analysis with SPSS, the interaction between defoliation level and defoliation month was significant after four years post treatment. Results of this study indicate that fall prescribed burning, should not be used in young Longleaf pine.

Key Words: defoliation, longleaf pine, fire simulation