The Effect of Prescribed Fire on The Natural Regeneration Success of Lebanon Cedar ( Cedrus libani A. Rich.) at Antalya-Kaş Locality

Authors: Melih BOYDAK, Fikret IŞIK, Bayram DOĞAN

Abstract: With this study the effect of prescribed fire on the natural regeneration success of Lebanon Cedar ( Cedrus libani A. Rich.) by shelterwood method was investigated at Antalya-Kaş localitiy. Split plot design with three replications was applied as experimental design. Prescribed fire was applied to slash pile at one of each main plot while the other was left as control. Main plots were divided into two subplots and equal number of seeds were used at each subplot for additional seeding by applying broadcast seeding (full seeding) or drill sowing methods. Seedling survival was recorded each year and the height growth of the seedlings was measured at the end of the fifth vegetation period. The results revealed that there were significant differences between the plots where prescribed fire was applied and the control plots for the seedling survival and height growth. Drill sowing method gave slightly better seedling survival than broadcast seeding method; however, enough seedlings were also obtained by broadcast seeding method. On the other hand, drill sowing is more expensive and difficult or sometimes even impossible to apply in karstic soils. According to the results of this and other related investigations, higher seedling survival, better development and more healthy seedlings were obtained at the areas where prescribed fire was applied, Therefore, the prescribed fire is a reliable silvicultural tool in the success of natural regeneration of Lebanon cedar at karstic lands of the Mediterranean Turkey.

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