Above-ground biomass accumulation patterns in moorlands after prescribed burning and low-intensity grazing

摘要: Abstract Shrub-dominated ecosystems such as moorlands are recognized internationally cultural landscapes with high biodiversity conservation value. These commonly managed using prescribed burning to reduce the impact of wildfires, increase and ecosystem productivity for grazing. Given that responses sensitive above-ground balance within vegetation, knowledge biomass accumulation patterns on is an important issue planning management action. Here, we used replicated long-term manipulative grazing experiment at Moor House (UK) explore cumulative effects multiple fires low-grazing. The study comprised a comparison between no-burn reference plots (no-burn since ca. 1923) where all were burned in 1954/1955. Within experiment, low sheep vs. no three rotations tested 1954/1955, repeat-burning 10- 20-year intervals). We hypothesized will interact, affecting both vegetation height. results reveal although main was constrained fractions (litter, Calluna bryophytes) there significant effect sheep-grazing or its interaction (graze × burn) any variables Significant reductions height only produced by repeated burning. There differences 1954/1955 treatment plots. Moreover, showed positive asymptotic association time last burn asymptote 20 15 years after fire, respectively. This work demonstrates lower than reduced this moorland compared stands unburned more 50 years. In order maximize C fixation, fire return-intervals should be around fire. Furthermore, 36 cm, indicating when maximum stage, could useful tool guiding implement carbon purposes.