Seasonal influences on bacterial community dynamics in Mediterranean pyrophytic ecosystems

Mediavilla, O, Geml, J, Olaizola, J, Baldrian, P, López-Mondejar, R, Oria de Rueda, JA, Martín Pinto, P (2020) - Seasonal influences on bacterial community dynamics in Mediterranean pyrophytic ecosystems - Forest Ecology and Management

Cistus ladanifer scrublands are one of the most characteristic Mediterranean ecosystems. However, these pyrophytic
scrublands, are severely affected by wildfires. To reduce this threat, fire prevention management
practices are needed to protect these ecosystems. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of management
treatments on bacterial richness, abundance and community composition over the time. Plots were
stablished in three different stands with different site histories: (a) an eight-year-old stand regenerated after a
wildfire; (b) an eight-year-old stand that developed after the total clearing of the previous stand; and (c) a 20-
year-old stand that developed following a wildfire. Considered management treatments were total clearing, 50%
clearing and controlled burning. Our results revealed that bacterial richness, abundance and community composition
were affected by site history and differed among seasons, whereas fire prevention treatments had only a
minor effect and did not significantly affect bacterial richness. An absence the management effects suggest that
active management does not affect bacterial communities dramatically, supporting active management to rejuvenate
senescent stands and to create clearings in young stands. Thus, these practices could reduce the
probability of forest wildfires increasing bacterial richness and abundance and growing habitat heterogeneity.

Más información

SCI: 

SI

Tipo de Publicación: 

Artículos

ISSN: 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2020.118520

Volumen: 

478 (2020)

Página Inicial: 

1

Página Final: 

9