Intermediate time scale response of atmospheric CO₂ following prescribed fire in a longleaf pine forest

Abstract

Fire plays an essential role in maintaining the structure and function of longleaf pine ecosystems. While the effects of fire on carbon cycle have been measured in previous studies for short periods during a burn and for multiyear periods following the burn, information on how carbon cycle is influenced by such changes over the span of a few weeks to months has yet to be quantified. We have analyzed high‐frequency measurements of CO2 concentration and flux, as well as associated micrometeorological variables, at three levels of the tall Aiken AmeriFlux tower during and after a prescribed burn. Measurements of the CO2 concentration and vertical fluxes were examined as well as calculated net ecosystem exchange (NEE) for periods prior to and after the burn. Large spikes in both CO2 concentration and CO2 flux during the fire and increases in atmospheric CO2 concentration and reduced CO2 flux were observed for several weeks following the burn, particularly below the forest canopy. Both CO2 measurements and NEE were found to return to their preburn states within 60–90 days following the burn when no statistical significance was found between preburn and postburn NEE. This study examines the micrometeorological conditions during a low‐intensity prescribed burn and its short‐term effects on local CO2 dynamics in a forested environment by identifying observable impacts on local measurements of atmospheric CO2 concentration and fluxes.

How can environment get better? A research review of pollution governance

“…On the other hand, spatial scale and time scale should be regarded as management boundaries to divide different management stages and formulate corresponding business planning and management policies. Intergenerational equity and sustainability of forest management should also be considered to achieve multi-scale integrated management (Grumbine, 1994;Viner et al, 2016). On the basis of forest management objectives, we should collect relevant data through scientific techniques and methods, position and monitor the status of forest ecosystem for a long time, timely reflect on the results into management decisions, adapt to a complex and changeable ecosystem, and control the change range of forest resources.…”

Coastal Forests and Groundwater: Using Case Studies to Understand the Effects of Drivers and Stressors for Resource Management

“…Specifically, the restoration of forest communities to longleaf pine-savanna conditions in the southeastern U.S. has been a region-wide initiative for the last 10-15 years, with efforts ongoing [85,86]. A large majority of southeastern U.S. forests are loblolly pine-dominated stands [86]; loblolly pine is an important wood product, and additionally, fire suppression management protocols over the previous several decades have allowed the naturally fire-tolerant longleaf pine to be outcompeted in many forest systems. It is hypothesized that the restoration of longleaf pine on large scales may change the water balance, due to its potentially smaller ET flux compared to loblolly pine stands [87].…”