Indications of vigor loss after fire in Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea) from electrical resistance measurements

T.E. Paysen; A.L. Koonce; E. Taylor; M.O. Rodriquez

doi:10.1071/wf05092

Indications of vigor loss after fire in Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea) from electrical resistance measurements

Formally Refereed

Authors:

T.E. Paysen, A.L. Koonce, E. Taylor, M.O. Rodriquez

Year:

2006

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Southwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1071/wf05092

Source:

International Journal of Wildland Fire 15: 415-425

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Abstract

In May 1993, electrical resistance measurements were performed on trees in burned and unburned stands of Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea Mor.) in north-eastern Nicaragua to determine whether tree vigor was affected by fire. An Osmose model OZ-67 Shigometer with digital readout was used to collect the sample electrical resistance data. Computer-simulated randomization techniques were used to evaluate the significance of differences in electrical resistance between living trees of burned and unburned stands of various ages. Electrical resistance was used as an index of the general metabolic activity of the tree – our chosen definition of tree vigor. Results indicate a loss of tree vigor in stands that burned in comparison with those that did not.

Keywords

fire damage, fire effects, Nicaragua, tropics

Citation

Paysen, T.E.; Koonce, A.L.; Taylor, E.; Rodriquez, M.O. 2006. Indications of vigor loss after fire in Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea) from electrical resistance measurements. International Journal of Wildland Fire 15: 415-425.