Vegetation–fuel–fire feedbacks in patches of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) regeneration

Abstract Background Increasing spatial complexity is a restoration goal for many frequent fire forests. Regeneration of longleaf pine often occurs in patches within canopy gaps, where resource availability is higher and canopy-derived fuels are lower. Once established, dense patches of regeneration may alter fuel composition and fire behavior, but the magnitude of this change and its resulting effect on the survival of the regenerating longleaf pine trees is unknown. To better understand spatial patterns of vegetation–fire feedbacks and inform restoration efforts, we studied how regeneration patches altered fuels, fire behavior, and fire effects in longleaf pine forests. Results We found fuel loading, fire behavior, and fire effects were reduced within regeneration patches compared to areas with regeneration occurring as single trees within the overstory matrix. Fire effects were reduced in patch centers and opposite the direction (downwind) of fire movement. Conclusions The spatial pattern of naturally occurring and planted longleaf pine can influence fire behavior, and ultimately survival and recruitment into the overstory. Understanding spatial dynamics of vegetation–fire feedbacks provides new insights on regeneration processes in longleaf pine forests. These results can inform restoration and management efforts that seek to enhance structural complexity in natural forest systems.