Effects of Fire Severity on Vegetation

and Soil Quality

Presenter: Robin Glas

Presenter Status: Faculty

Academic Year: 19-20

Semester: Spring

Department: Geology

Abstract:
Throughout Mediterranean climates, fires have effects on vegetation regrowth and soil quality. Recovery of vegetation after fires depends on the level of burn severity, fires effect on soil and post-fire drought. Across California, climate change, drought stress, and forest management practices have caused increases in fire severity, however the characteristics of regrowth from more severe burns isn’t fully grasped. We conducted a review of existing literature to determine the effects of fire on vegetation regrowth in Mediterranean climates across the globe. We found fires appear to have variable effects on vegetation regrowth and soil quality. Studies show negative impacts to the soils thermal variability, but others show positive impacts with increased diversity of regrowth for future seasons. The results give us an understanding of how long vegetation takes to regrow post-fire and how this affects soil quality. This helps us to see the resilience in Mediterranean climates post-fire.