Fire increases Eucalyptus globulus seedling recruitment in forested habitats: Effects of litter, shade and burnt soil on seedling emergence and survival

摘要: Abstract Plantations of alien tree species may pose environmental risks associated to their spontaneous spread in areas introduction. Eucalyptus globulus Labill. is one the most used forestry and has been reported as invasive many around world. Fire suggested enhance E. recruitment but no study date compared burnt vs. unburnt sites for seedling emergence survival, little known about mechanisms that could favour after fire. A better understanding effect fire on potential essential improved management this In study, we analyse establishment seedlings field, common habitats adjacent plantations NW Spain, explore underlying explain patterns observed by means greenhouse experiments. enhanced forested studied, due a positive both survival. Seedling was 42.5 7.0 times higher native forests pine plantations, respectively. Final 2% nil forests, 2.5 plantations. shrublands, however, final similar sites. The seems be mainly related destruction litter, which played an important role physical barrier emergence, increase light availability, survival can result from litter consumption or burning/scorching canopies. Our results demonstrate invasion risk posed vegetation next especially oak had shown rather resistant absence This increased together with high fire-proneness eucalypts lead feedbacks eucalypt expansion, further increasing vulnerability colonization tree.