The role of fine and coarse woody debris in the Biscuit Fire across LTEP stands
Consumption of fine and large woody debris, based on measured change in amounts before and after the wildfire.
Fine woody debris was a major fuel, as expected (8 to 46 Mg/ha
was consumed),
depending on LTEP treatment. Fine wood was also the most completed burned in the fire (87 to 100%).
Most of the large, decaying wood also burned up (62 to 100%), but contributed the least fuel of all woody debris.
Large, intact wood provided intermediate fuel amounts (6 to 16 Mg/ha) and was least burned as expected.
Initial results:
0
10
20
30
Control
Control
Late-lo
Late-lo
Late-hi
Woody debris consumed (Mg/ha)
100% consumed
95%
98%
88%
87%
40
50
25%
26%
68%
50%
34%
90%
100%
82%
62%
92%
Fine
wood
Large
(undecayed) wood
Large
(decayed) wood
Remaining
Consumed
Hypothesis B: “Wildfires sterilize the soil and cause
irreversible soil damage—therefore reducing long-term productivity.”