Effects of prescribed fire on a drought-stressed Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides) stand

Authors

  • Ella Hydomako
  • Eric G. Lamb Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v138i4.3397

Keywords:

Populus tremuloides, prescribed fire, woody plant control, Trembling Aspen

Abstract

A small stand of drought-stressed Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides) near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, was surveyed before and after a prescribed fire. A headfire in grass understorey fuel caused near complete mortality of established stems and of all aspen saplings. In the second and third years post-fire, only limited establishment of saplings was observed. Woody encroachment by aspen into grassland is challenging to control in the Aspen Parkland ecoregion; our results indicate that combining prescribed burning with secondary stress from drought conditions can enhance the fire effects.

Author Biography

Eric G. Lamb, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan

Associate Professor, Dept of Plant Sciences

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Published

2025-10-02

Issue

Vol. 138 No. 4 (2024)

Section

Articles

License

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