Effects of Fire Intensity on Competitive Dynamics Between Red and Black Oaks and Mountain Laurel

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Abstract
We investigated the competitive response of oak and mountain laurel to prescribed fire on two sites in northeastern Connecticut. After nearly a decade, the competitive position of oak on moderately burned portions of both sites was little better, and in some respects worse, than on adjacent unburned controls. However, on portions of both sites where fire had killed much of the overstory, oak regrowth was vigorous and had escaped the dense mountain laurel layer. The results suggest that light understory fires alone are not sufficient for oak regeneration, and that prescribed fire should be used only as part of an integrated strategy involving harvesting of the overstory. Ecologically, the results point to the importance of severe disturbances in maintaining the structure and function of oak ecosystems. North. J. Appl. For. 13(3):119-123.

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