Effect of fire timing on the regeneration capacity of Helichrysum species in Tanzania
| dc.contributor.author | Mgimba, Christopher | |
| dc.contributor.author | Ngondya, Issakwisa | |
| dc.contributor.author | Treydte, Anna | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-09-27T08:17:48Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description | SDG - 2: Zero Hunger SDG - 12: Responsible Consumption and Production SDG - 13: Climate Action SDG - 15: Life on Land | |
| dc.description.abstract | Shrub encroachment poses a significant challenge in many grassland ecosystems, particularly where disturbances such as heavy livestock grazing and uncontrolled fires are prevalent. Fire is frequently employed as a management tool to mitigate shrub encroachment and preserve native vegetation, as it influences both resprouting and seed germination. However, few studies have examined the effects of fire timing on resprouting and seed germination both in the field and ex situ. We investigated the resprouting ability of Helichrysum shrubs after being completely, partially or not at all burned. In addition, we collected soil seed bank samples from each early burned, late burned and unburned area at depths of 0–2, 2–4 and 4–6 cm to assess plant species recruitment via seedlings. The data were analysed using a generalized linear regression model with a Gaussian link function. We found significant differences in the number of resprouts and seedling abundance across early burned, late burned and unburned sites. Resprouting of both partially burned and completely burned shrubs was more abundant compared to unburned shrubs. The surface soil in unburned sites contained a greater abundance of Helichrysum seedlings compared to that of burned sites, suggesting that fire negatively affects seed germination, particularly in the upper soil layers. Overall seedling recruitment was lower in early and late burned areas, whereas resprouting was higher in areas burned later in the season. Practical implication. The findings highlight the significance of fire timing in grassland management. We advocate for the implementation of planned early burning to mitigate shrub encroachment, promote biodiversity and save ecologically sensitive grasslands. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://doi.org/10.1002/2688-8319.70037 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://dspace.nm-aist.ac.tz/handle/123456789/3335 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Ecol Solut Evid. | |
| dc.subject | grassland | |
| dc.subject | late burn | |
| dc.subject | prescribed fire | |
| dc.subject | resprouting | |
| dc.subject | seed bank | |
| dc.subject | shrub | |
| dc.subject | soil | |
| dc.subject | wildfire | |
| dc.title | Effect of fire timing on the regeneration capacity of Helichrysum species in Tanzania | |
| dc.type | Article |