Post-fire short-term treatments on a hillslope burnt soil: a case in the NW Iberian Atlantic transition region

Abstract

Forest fires pose a significant threat to rural areas, affecting ecosystems, property, infrastructure, and human lives. Effective post-fire management strategies are crucial for short-term ecosystem and community recovery. This study evaluated the effectiveness of three post-fire interventions in reducing soil erosion and runoff within a temperate Atlantic–transition climate, focusing on a shrubland hillslope near organic vineyards in Corullón, NW Spain, after a moderate-severity fire. The research aimed to (i) compare the effects of plowing, straw mulching, and no intervention (control) on post-fire soil recovery, and (ii) assess the cost-effectiveness and environmental impacts of these treatments. Ten experimental plots were randomly assigned to plowing (n = 4), straw mulching (n = 4), or control (n = 2). Seventeen rainfall events were monitored between 15 days and six months post-fire. Results showed no significant differences in erosion or runoff reduction among treatments. Natural vegetation recovery, assessed visually, was rapid across all plots, with erosion and runoff stabilizing within two months. These findings suggest that, under the specific conditions of this temperate climate and moderate fire severity, early intervention techniques may not be necessary. The study concludes that natural regeneration can be a viable and cost-effective post-fire management strategy in regions with favorable environmental conditions for soil recovery, potentially reducing the need for intensive interventions.