Studying the post-fire performance of tussock grasses in Patagonia: Survival, biomass production and early competition |
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Authors: | C GittinsL Ghermandi D Bran |
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Institution: | a INTA EEA Alto Valle, C.C. 782 (8332), General Roca, Argentina b INTA EEA Bariloche, Paraje Villa Verde s/n, 8400. S. C. de Bariloche, Argentina c Laboratorio ECOTONO, INIBIOMA (CONICET-UNCOMA), Quintral 1250, 8400. S. C. de Bariloche, Argentina |
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Abstract: | Patagonia grasslands are subjected to two main disturbances, fire and grazing, but little information is available about its effects on vegetation. We studied post-fire survival and resprouting ability of two dominant grass species, Stipa speciosa and Festuca pallescens, for four years; evaluated the effect of early post-fire defoliation on both species; and tested whether competition is important in post-fire recovery in San Ramón Ranch, NW Patagonia (Argentina). To simulate grazing, a clipping treatment was applied at the beginning and end of growing seasons. Survival rates were high (>60%) and, after three years, biomass of both species in the burned area was similar to the unburned area. Competition seems to play an important role in the early post-fire recovery of both species, particularly in the case of F. pallescens that increased 87% the biomass production without competition. Fire may improve forage quality by eliminating the standing dead material, but early post-fire grazing might endanger the persistence of F. pallescens. We suggest requiring a resting period before livestock introduction and controlling grazing intensity. |
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Keywords: | Disturbance Festuca pallescens Stipa speciosa Post-fire survival Early post-fire defoliation Interspecific competition Grazing |
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