Fire Ecology

Hoggard March ECO Club Meeting

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Sheel Patel

What is it!

Fire ecology is a scientific discipline concerned with natural processes involving fire in an ecosystem and the ecological effects, the interactions between fire and the abiotic and biotic components of an ecosystem, and the role as an ecosystem process.

General Overview: Fire Dependence & History

• The main factors we look at when studying fire ecology are fire dependence and the effects/adaptations of plants in responsible.
• Fire dependence: there are species of plants that rely upon the effects of fire to make the environment more hospitable for regeneration and growth. Fire in these environments prepares the soil for seeding by creating an open seedbed, making nutrients more available for uptake and often killing plants that are invading into the habitat and competing with native species. Examples of some species include the lodgepole pine & buckbrush.

• Fire History: This is another important component of fire ecology. Through recorded history, we can see into the recent past, but trees are our source of information on fires in the distant past. Trees record their history through a system of growth rings that develop on the trees each year. When a fire goes through an area, the growth rings of that particular tree may be scarred. On live trees this is called a fire scar.

Fire Regime

The role that fires play in their community/ecosystem depend on the resources available and characteristics of the ecosystem. The interactions between humidity, fuel, and ignition sources can determine the fire regime of an area. A fire regime is a function of the frequency of the fire occurrence, fire intensity, and the amount of fuel consumed.

Benefits & Harms

Benefits

Harms

The benefits outweigh the negative effects by far. Regular fires can reduce fuel buildup and lessen the likelihood and large-scale wildfires. Fires can get rid of invasive species and non-native insects, burned trees can provide nesting habitat for birds, and overall promote diversity and healthy ecosystems.

Fires can lead to soil damage, using up nutrients in soils and depleting it of values. When organic matter is removed, there is a very high likelihood of erosion. Even though fires are a necessary for plant regrowth, when uncontrolled they can be detrimental to ecosystems.

Interesting Facts about Wildfires:

cause nearly 85% of wildfires

miles per hour is the rate wildfires can travel up to

fuel and oxygen are all needed to start a wildfire

conditions increase the risk of wildfires

Humans

14.27

Heat

Dry

In Summary

Ecosystems

Ecosystems are dynamic, different ecosystems will have a different frequency of fires. It is imperative to examine each ecosystem individually

Fire Benefits

Generally outweigh negatives. They are necessary for ecosystems but can be detrimental if uncontrolled.

Fire ecology is a scientific branch. Humans have a major role in controlling fires.

Examines the roles of fires in ecosystems

Humans

Fire Ecology

Thanks!

Does anyone have any questions?

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