Short-term effects of the depth of masticated slash after salvage logging on fuel and vegetation response

Background. Salvage logging is commonly carried out after forest fires, and mastication of the logging slash is usually prescribed to reduce the risk of infestation by insect pests in NW Spain. Aims. To evaluate how post-fire masticated slash depth affected vegetation regeneration (cover, diversity and load) and soil variables (soil organic carbon and soil compaction). Methods. In October 2017, a fire that completely burned tree crowns and caused moderate soil burn severity was selected for study. At the end of 2017, the burned trees were logged and logging slash was masticated. Twenty plots were established in June 2020 in those areas to analyse the effect of the depth of masticated slash on soil compaction, vegetation recovery, fuel distribution and carbon accumulation. Key results. The depth of masticated slash did not affect soil compaction, total vegetation cover or species diversity. Mean pine seedling density was significantly higher areas where the masticated slash depth was lower. Fuel loads and soil carbon content did not vary with the depth of masticated slash. Conclusions. A lower masticated slash depth seems to be more favourable for pine regeneration. Implications. These results may be useful for managers to favour natural regeneration in similar pine stands after fire.