Linking surface-fire behavior, stem heating, and tissue necrosis

2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 814-822 ◽  
Author(s):  
A S Bova ◽  
M B Dickinson
Keyword(s):  
Heat Flux ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Fire Behavior ◽  
Acer Rubrum ◽  
Staining Technique ◽  
Fire Intensity ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
Quercus Prinus ◽  
Small Plot ◽  
Tetrazolium Staining

Data from 69 experimental, small-plot fires are used to describe relationships among fire intensity, bark-surface heat flux, and depth of necrosis in stem tissue for red maple (Acer rubrum L.) and chestnut oak (Quercus prinus L.). A tetrazolium staining technique was used to determine the depth of necrosis in tree boles subjected to fires with intensities of 20 to 2000 kW/m. Over a range of bark moistures (28%–83%) and bole diameters (3–20 cm), depth of necrosis appears to be primarily a function of fire intensity, flame residence time at the stem, and the corresponding time-integrated heat flux at the bark surface. Our results, along with known relations between bole diameter and bark thickness, and improved models of fire behavior and heat transfer, may be useful for estimating tree mortality resulting from prescribed fires.

scholarly journals Effects of Oak Decline on Species Composition in a Northern Arkansas Forest

2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 264-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Heitzman
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Acer Rubrum ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Oak Decline ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
White Oak

Abstract Since 1999, widespread and locally severe oak decline and mortality have occurred throughout the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. A contributing factor in the decline and mortality is an outbreak of the red oak borer [Enaphalodes rufulus (Haldeman) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)]. In northern Arkansas, a 2,150 ac mature oak forest severely affected by decline was selected as a case study to describe changes in species composition and stand structure and to assess regeneration potential of oaks and non-oak species. Mortality reduced total overstory basal area from 105 to 57 ft2/ac, and overstory density decreased from 156 to 89 trees/ac. Most dead and dying trees were northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and black oak (Q. velutina Lam.). Basal area and density of overstory red oaks were reduced from 51 to 11 ft2/ac and from 60 to 11 trees/ac, respectively. These trees died regardless of dbh class. Mortality was less common in white oak (Q. alba L.) and was generally limited to smaller trees. Understory trees and taller seedlings were predominantly red maple (Acer rubrum L.), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L.), blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica Marsh.), and black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.). Oaks less than 3 ft tall were abundant, but taller oak seedlings and saplings were uncommon. Tree mortality increased the proportion of white oak and hickories (Carya spp.) in the overstory, and stimulated a regeneration response of mostly non-oak species. South. J. Appl. For. 27(4):264–268.

Responses of hardwood advance regeneration to seasonal prescribed fires in oak-dominated shelterwood stands

1998 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 331-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick H Brose ◽  
David H Van Lear
Keyword(s):  
Acer Rubrum ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Fire Intensity ◽  
Permanent Plots ◽  
Prescribed Fires ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
Stem Form ◽  
Yellow Poplar ◽  
Density Reduction ◽  
Advance Regeneration

Effects of seasonal prescribed fires of varying intensities on density, mortality, stem form, height, and height growth of hardwood advance regeneration were investigated. Three mixed-hardwood stands on productive upland sites were cut using a shelterwood technique, each forming a block of spring burn, summer burn, winter burn, and control treatments. Advance regeneration was inventoried from permanent plots before and after burning. Fires top-killed nearly all hardwood regeneration, forcing the rootstocks to sprout. Fire treatments reduced densities of all hardwood species relative to not burning, with spring and summer fires causing greater density reduction than winter burning. Among species, oak (Quercus spp. L.) and hickory (Carya spp. Nutt.) were more resilient sprouters than yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) and red maple (Acer rubrum L.), especially as fire intensity increased. All prescribed fires improved oak stem form and stimulated height growth of hickory and oak. Overall, prescribed fires improved oak advance regeneration with spring burning providing the most benefit. This approach of following a shelterwood harvest with prescribed fire may be a viable method of regenerating oak-dominated stands on productive upland sites.

Relationships Among Potassium, Calcium and Trace Elements in Tree Leaves and Associated Canopy Arthropods

1990 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 439-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lance S. Risley
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Acer Rubrum ◽  
Nutritional Ecology ◽  
Nutrient Cycles ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
Yellow Poplar ◽  
Flowering Dogwood ◽  
Quercus Prinus ◽  
The Relationship

There is a paucity of information that describes the relationship between the suite of nutrient elements in tree foliage and associated arthropod assemblages. Foliage from chestnut oak (Quercus prinus), hickories (Carya spp.), yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), red maple (Acer rubrum), and flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and associated canopy arthropods were collected in an undisturbed and a 15 yr-old successional forested watershed and analyzed for K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Sr. Foliar Mn and Sr were found in higher concentrations in the undisturbed watershed. Foliage from hickories was generally higher in concentrations of metals (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn) compared with other tree species. Dogwood foliage had significantly higher concentrations of Ca and significantly lower concentrations of Mn than other tree species (P < 0.05). Concentrations of foliar elements in herbivore-damaged and undamaged leaves did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Concentrations of elements in and among arthropod feeding categories varied substantially such that no trends were apparent among tree species and between watersheds. The most apparent trend among arthropod feeding categories was the relatively large accumulation of K in chewing herbivores (primarily caterpillars). In general, there appeared to be increases in K, Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations from primary producers to consumers. This study contributes to arthropod nutritional ecology and to defining the role of canopy arthropods in forest ecosystem nutrient cycles.

scholarly journals Surface Fire Intensity Influences Simulated Crown Fire Behavior in Lodgepole Pine Forests with Recent Mountain Pine Beetle-Caused Tree Mortality

2013 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 390-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chad M. Hoffman ◽  
Penelope Morgan ◽  
William Mell ◽  
Russell Parsons ◽  
Eva Strand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mountain Pine Beetle ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Fire Behavior ◽  
Pine Forests ◽  
Fire Intensity ◽  
Crown Fire ◽  
Surface Fire ◽  
Mountain Pine ◽  
Pine Beetle

scholarly journals Reconstructing the competitive dynamics of mixed-oak neighborhoods

2012 ◽  
Vol 42 (9) ◽  
pp. 1714-1723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric K. Zenner ◽  
Daniel J. Heggenstaller ◽  
Patrick H. Brose ◽  
JeriLynn E. Peck ◽  
Kim C. Steiner
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Acer Rubrum ◽  
Growth Dynamics ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
Importance Value ◽  
Quercus Prinus ◽  
Red Oaks ◽  
Allegheny Plateau ◽  
Tree Height Growth

The disparity between the potential for latent oak dominance within a stand and their region-wide decline in importance value raises questions about the competitiveness of oaks in early stand dynamics. We reconstructed tree height growth dynamics in mixed-species neighborhoods to determine if currently dominant oaks were ever shorter than their competitors and at what age currently subordinate oaks fell behind. In 23–36 year old mixed-oak stands in two physiographic provinces of Pennsylvania, we identified dominant and subordinate northern red oaks ( Quercus rubra L.) and chestnut oaks ( Quercus prinus L.) competing with adjacent non-oaks (red maple ( Acer rubrum L.), sweet birch ( Betula lenta L.), and black cherry ( Prunus serotina Ehrh.)) of equal crown class. In each stand, we randomly selected 20 tree neighborhoods and collected stem cross sections every metre from the base to the tip of each tree. In the Allegheny Plateau province, dominant northern red oaks never averaged more than 2 m shorter than their competitors, while by age 20, subordinate oaks were commonly more than 2 m behind. Dominant chestnut oaks in the Ridge and Valley province were never more than 1 m shorter than their competitors; subordinate oaks, however, were generally always at least a metre behind. In both regions, growth dynamics of currently subordinate trees were indistinguishable from those of currently dominant trees during their first decade. Because oaks that were considerably behind at age 15 were likely to be subordinate by age 30, the window of opportunity for release to prevent oaks from becoming permanently overtopped and unable to recover may thus be relatively early (age 10–20).

Fuel treatments alter the effects of wildfire in a mixed-evergreen forest, Oregon, USA

2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 2981-2995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Crystal L Raymond ◽  
David L Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Fire Regime ◽  
Fire Severity ◽  
Fire Behavior ◽  
Evergreen Forest ◽  
Fire Intensity ◽  
Crown Fire ◽  
Fuel Loading ◽  
Fuel Treatments ◽  
Surface Fire

We had the rare opportunity to quantify the relationship between fuels and fire severity using prefire surface and canopy fuel data and fire severity data after a wildfire. The study area is a mixed-evergreen forest of southwestern Oregon with a mixed-severity fire regime. Modeled fire behavior showed that thinning reduced canopy fuels, thereby decreasing the potential for crown fire spread. The potential for crown fire initiation remained fairly constant despite reductions in ladder fuels, because thinning increased surface fuels, which contributed to greater surface fire intensity. Thinning followed by underburning reduced canopy, ladder, and surface fuels, thereby decreasing surface fire intensity and crown fire potential. However, crown fire is not a prerequisite for high fire severity; damage to and mortality of overstory trees in the wildfire were extensive despite the absence of crown fire. Mortality was most severe in thinned treatments (80%–100%), moderate in untreated stands (53%–54%), and least severe in the thinned and underburned treatment (5%). Thinned treatments had higher fine-fuel loading and more extensive crown scorch, suggesting that greater consumption of fine fuels contributed to higher tree mortality. Fuel treatments intended to minimize tree mortality will be most effective if both ladder and surface fuels are treated.

Tree mortality patterns following prescribed fires in a mixed conifer forest

2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (12) ◽  
pp. 3222-3238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leda Kobziar ◽  
Jason Moghaddas ◽  
Scott L Stephens
Keyword(s):  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Fire Behavior ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Fire Intensity ◽  
Conifer Forest ◽  
Mixed Conifer ◽  
Mixed Conifer Forest ◽  
White Fir

During the late fall of 2002 we administered three burns in mixed conifer forest sites in the north-central Sierra Nevada. Eight months later we measured fire-induced injury and mortality in 1300 trees. Using logistic regression, an array of crown scorch, stem damage, fuels, and fire-behavior variables were examined for their influence on tree mortality. In Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), white fir (Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl.), and incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens (Torr.) Florin), smaller trees with greater total crown damage had higher mortality rates. Smaller stem diameters and denser canopies predicted mortality best in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex P. Laws. & C. Laws). Duff consumption and bark char severity increased model discrimination for white fir and incense cedar and California black oak (Quercus kelloggii Newberry), respectively. In tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus (Hook. & Arn.) Rehd.), greater total crown damage in shorter trees resulted in higher mortality rates. Along with tree diameter and consumption of large (>7.6 cm diameter at breast height, DBH) rotten downed woody debris, fire intensity was a significant predictor of overall tree mortality for all species. Mortality patterns for white fir in relation to crown damage were similar among sites, while those for incense cedar were not, which suggests that species in replicated sites responded differently to similar burns. Our results demonstrate actual fire-behavior data incorporated into mortality models, and can be used to design prescribed burns for targeted reduction of tree density in mixed conifer forests.

Factors Affecting Natural Regeneration of Piedmont Hardwoods

1988 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan S. Kays ◽  
David Wm. Smith ◽  
Shepard M. Zedaker ◽  
Richard E. Kreh
Keyword(s):  
Acer Rubrum ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Yellow Poplar ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
High Frequencies ◽  
Quercus Prinus ◽  
Dormant Season ◽  
Typical Range

Abstract Clear felling with whole-tree utilization was performed on six similar pairs of plots with a range of SI50 48-75 ft for white oak. Pairs of plots received either dormant or growing season harvests and spanned a typical range of Piedmont upland hardwood sites characterized by low-quality stems and poor species composition: White oak (Quercus alba L.), scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea Muenchh.), and red maple (Acer rubrum L.) sprouting decreased with increasing diameter, while chestnut oak (Quercus prinus L.), yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.), and sourwood (Oxydendron arboreum L.) did not. Sprouting of white oak stumps greater than 12 in. dbh and 80 years old was significantly increased with a dormant season harvest. In general, chestnut oak, yellow-poplar, sourwood, and red maple sprouted with high frequencies regardless of season of harvest, diameter, or age. South. J. Appl. For. 12(2):98-102.

Selected Parameters of Fire Behavior and Pinus banksiana Lamb. Regeneration in Eastern Ontario

1987 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 340-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. G. Weber ◽  
C. E. Van Wagner ◽  
Monte Hummel
Keyword(s):  
Forest Floor ◽  
Pinus Banksiana ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Fire Behavior ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Fire Intensity ◽  
Seedling Height ◽  
Ecological Requirements ◽  
Eastern Ontario

Fire behavior variables were quantified in eastern Ontario jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) ecosystems and used to interpret observed fire impacts and effects. A series of seven fires, ranging in frontal fire intensity from 70 to 17 000 W/m, were documented. Forest floor moisture content prior to burning was negatively correlated with weight of forest floor consumed per unit area (r2 = 0.97) and per cent mineral soil bared (r2 = 0.95). Frontal fire intensity was positively correlated with per cent tree mortality (r2 = 0.98) and mean height of char (r2 = 0.76). Frontal fire intensities of 17 000 kW/m resulted in seedling numbers of 30 000 to over 50 000 ha−1 considered to be more than adequate for establishing the next generation of crop trees. Jack pine mean seedling height, 13 to 16 years after fire, was also positively correlated with frontal fire intensity (r2 = 0.82), ranging from 0.5 to 3.8 m on lowest and highest intensity burns, respectively. Similar relationships were found when seedling height was regressed against per cent tree mortality (r2 = 0.62) and forest floor consumption (r2 = 0.79).Results are discussed in terms of ecological requirements of the species, particularly during the regeneration phase, and it is concluded that quantification of fire behavior observations is mandatory if burning conditions are to be understood and/or duplicated by the land manager for the attainment of a given forest management objective.

Prediction and measurement of thermally induced cambial tissue necrosis in tree stems

2006 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua L. Jones ◽  
Brent W. Webb ◽  
Bret W. Butler ◽  
Matthew B. Dickinson ◽  
Daniel Jimenez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Ponderosa ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Acer Rubrum ◽  
Heating Time ◽  
Stem Diameter ◽  
Test Cases ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
Tissue Necrosis ◽  
Thermally Induced ◽  
Quercus Prinus

A model for fire-induced heating in tree stems is linked to a recently reported model for tissue necrosis. The combined model produces cambial tissue necrosis predictions in a tree stem as a function of heating rate, heating time, tree species, and stem diameter. Model accuracy is evaluated by comparison with experimental measurements in two hardwood and two softwood species: red maple (Acer rubrum), chestnut oak (Quercus prinus), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Results are promising, and indicate that the model predicts stem mortality/survival correctly in ~75–80% of the test cases. A limited sensitivity analysis of model kill depth predictions suggests that the model is more sensitive to required input data for some species than for others, and that the certainty in predicting vascular cambium necrosis decreases as stem diameter decreases.

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