GGR227H5 Lecture 7: 7
Document Summary
Fire leaves trees in wet areas (refuge habitat for wildlife; seed source for re- generation) Fire an important part of reproductive cycle of many coniferous species. Increases soil fertility (releases nutrients and stimulates n fixation) No conifer regeneration planting or switch to shade intolerant hardwoods. Leads to soil compaction (heavy machinery) and soil erosion. Along with fire suppression, can allow pathogens to survive. Climate change during the 21st century is expected to result in more frequent fires in many boreal forests, with severe environmental and economic consequence. Fire-prone conditions are predicted to increase across canada. This could potentially result in a doubling of the amount of area burned by the end of this century. Other climate change impacts that could add damaged or dead wood to the forest fuel load (for example, as a result of insect outbreaks, ice storms or high winds) may increase the risk of fire activity.
