Prescribed burning of Pinus oocarpa in Honduras I. Effects on surface runoff and sediment loss |
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| Authors: | John Hudson Martin Kellman Kandiah Sanmugadas Cesar Alvarado |
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| Institution: | 1. Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Forestales, Apartado 2, Siguatepeque, Dep. Comayagua Honduras;2. Department of Geography, York University, Downsview, Ont. M3J IP3 Canada |
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| Abstract: | The effects of low-intensity prescribed burning on surface runoff and sediment loss were studied in a stand of oocarpa pine (Pinus oocarpa Schiede) in central Honduras. The effects of burning in two seasons were compared on small paired plots on 10°, 25° and 40° slopes. Over a period of almost 2 years, mean percent runoff was 1.73% on the control plots and 5.03% on the burned plots. Mean sediment loss during the same period was 80 kg ha?1 on the control plots and 1732 kg ha?1 on the burned plots. The relationship between slope and surface runoff and sediment loss was negative; the effect of slope being masked by variation of other site factors. Recovery from burning was rapid and is attributed to the rapid rate of recovery of the ground vegetation of grasses and forbs which are adapted to frequent burning. Surface runoff and sediment loss on control plots were very low and the increases caused by burning are considered an acceptable alternative to the exposure of the overstory and site to the high risk of wildfires in accumulated fuels. Greater runoff and sediment loss were recorded on the plots burned in February than on those burned in June. As the period November to mid-February offers the greatest number of days with weather conditions suitable for low-intensity prescribed burning, it is concluded that burning for hazard reduction should be conducted as early as possible in this period, in November and December, to permit greater recovery of the ground vegetation before the heavy rains of May and early June. |
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