Post-fire tree regeneration in forests of the Tikhvin Ridge, North-West Russia

Abstract

We assessed the effect of ground fires on the success of advanced regeneration of tree species on gentle hilly ridges of terminal moraines of the North-Eastern part of the Leningrad Region. To study the juvenile generation of tree species, we carried out a reconnaissance survey of transects in the forest areas affected by wildfires. The forest stands were 10–12 years old. The stem numbers and heights of the regenerating tree species were recorded. The correlation analysis was used to determine the degree of influence of external factors on forest regeneration, including soil conditions and the burnt area size. We found differences in the species composition of stands with a predominance of deciduous and coniferous species depending on soil and hydrological conditions. We also found a relationship between soil factors and spruce and pine regeneration size in stands with a predominance of coniferous and deciduous species. The soil granulometric composition influenced proportions of coniferous and deciduous trees in post-fire stands. Using the knowledge obtained about the stand composition, we can forecast the future development of forest stands and prescribe the optimal forest management regimes.