Post-fire salvage logging alters species composition and reduces cover, richness, and diversity in Mediterranean plant communities

摘要: An intense debate exists on the effects of post-fire salvage logging plant community regeneration, but scant data are available derived from experimental studies. We analyzed regeneration in terms species richness, diversity, cover, and composition by experimentally managing a burnt forest Mediterranean mountain (Sierra Nevada, S Spain). In each three plots located at different elevations, replicates treatments were implemented seven months after fire, differing degree intervention: “Non-Intervention” (all trees left standing), “Partial Cut plus Lopping” (felling 90% trees, cutting main branches, leaving all biomass situ), “Salvage Logging” piling logs, masticating woody debris). Plant treatment was monitored two years fire linear point transects. Post-fire associated with reduced Shannon total cover. Moreover, salvaged sites hosted assemblages 25% lower cover seeder (but equal resprouters) compared to other treatments. Cover shrubs also lowest Salvage Logging, which could suggest potential slow-down regeneration. Most these results consistent among despite hosting communities. Concluding, our study suggests that may reduce richness as well recruitment species, delay natural ecosystem.