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Author(s):
Kristin L. Zouhar, Jane Kapler Smith, Steve Sutherland
Year Published:
Editor(s):
Kristin L. Zouhar, Jane Kapler Smith, Steve Sutherland, Matthew L. Brooks

Cataloging Information

Topic(s):
Fire Ecology
Fire Effects
Ecological - Second Order
Invasive Species
Vegetation

NRFSN number: 12532
FRAMES RCS number: 7285
Record updated:

Considerable experimental and theoretical work has been done on general concepts regarding nonnative species and disturbance, but experimental research on the effects of fire on nonnative invasive species is sparse. We begin this chapter by connecting fundamental concepts from the literature of invasion ecology to fire. Then we examine fire behavior characteristics, immediate fire effects, and fire regime attributes in relation to invasion potential. These concepts form the basis for examining the literature that supports or refutes several common generalizations regarding fire effects on nonnative invasives. We conclude with a summary of management implications regarding fire effects on nonnative invasive plants.

Citation

Zouhar, Kristin; Smith, Jane Kapler; Sutherland, Steve. 2008a. Chapter 2. Effects of fire on nonnative invasive plants and invasibility of wildland ecosystems. In: Zouhar, Kristin; Smith, Jane Kapler; Sutherland, Steve; Brooks, Matthew L. (eds.). Wildland fire in ecosystems: fire and nonnative invasive plants. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 7-31.