Crown physiology and growth of sapling longleaf pine after fire
Abstract
Fire affects foliage and thus, whole-crown C fixation potential. When repeated throughout a rotation, therefore, fire has a potential impact on stemwood growth and C allocation among the foliage, stem and roots. Depending on frequency and intensity, prescribed fire causes foliage damage that may lead to a long-term reduction in stand growth. Past research, however, is inconclusive regarding the effect of repeated prescribed fire on tree growth (Boyer 1987, Waldrop et al. 1987, Brockway and Lewis 1997).