Stand replacement prescribed burning for fuel reduction and regeneration of Table Mountain/Pitch Pine stands in the Southern Appalachian Mountains

A series of four supporting studies helps to explain some of the results of these field studies. High and medium-high intensity fires provided adequate sunlight for pine seedlings, whereas medium-low and low intensity fires did not. Post-burn duff was deep and did not vary by fire intensity.

We observed sufficient seedling densities to restore pine-dominated stands (<9,000 per ha) after all but the highest intensity fires. Many seedlings survived the first growing season as their roots penetrated duff to reach mineral soil. Hardwood rootstocks resprouted on sites treated with all fire intensities and may out-compete pine seedlings.

High-intensity fires may have reduced mycorrhizal abundance and moisture availability for new germinants. Fires of lower intensity than previously recommended or multiple fires of very low-intensity may provide the best conditions for pine regeneration. To provide data from study examining plant-community response to high-intensity prescribed fires in the Southern Appalachians.