The effect of prescribed burning on surface runoff in a pine forest stand of Chihuahua, Mexico

During the period from October 1989 to December 1992, the influence of prescribed burning on runoff volumes was investigated within a Pinus arizonica Engelm.-dominated stand in Chihuahua, Mexico. Prescribed burning increased surface runoff, especially in plots treated with prescribed burns applied over two consecutive years. Surface runoff continued to be large one year after fire application, stressing the temporal effect of prescribed burns. The increment of surface runoff was statistically associated with the reduction of forest fuels and litter-layer depth. Suggestions regarding the application of prescribed burning are given to better safeguard against negative impacts associated with this silvicultural practice. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.