Direct and indirect effects of fire on radial growth of cerrado savanna trees

Abstract

Fire is the most prevalent form of disturbance in the cerrado savannas of south-central Brazil, commonly occurring at 2-to 3-y intervals (Coutinho 1990). Frequent fires are known to increase tree mortality (Sato & Miranda 1996), but it is unclear how they affect the growth of the surviving trees. Damage to the crown from scorching is likely to have a direct negative effect on plant growth, however the reduction in tree density due to repeated burning could indirectly stimulate growth because of release from competition. Understanding the relative strength of these contrasting direct and indirect effects of fire on tree growth is important for predicting human impacts on the cerrado vegetation.