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Short-term soil inorganic N pulse after experimental fire alters invasive and native annual plant production in a Mojave Desert shrubland

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Abstract

Post-fire changes in desert vegetation patterns are known, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. Theory suggests that pulse dynamics of resource availability confer advantages to invasive annual species, and that pulse timing can influence survival and competition among species. Precipitation patterns in the American Southwest are predicted to shift toward a drier climate, potentially altering post-fire resource availability and consequent vegetation dynamics. We quantified post-fire inorganic N dynamics and determined how annual plants respond to soil inorganic nitrogen variability following experimental fires in a Mojave Desert shrub community. Soil inorganic N, soil net N mineralization, and production of annual plants were measured beneath shrubs and in interspaces during 6 months following fire. Soil inorganic N pools in burned plots were up to 1 g m−2 greater than unburned plots for several weeks and increased under shrubs (0.5–1.0 g m−2) more than interspaces (0.1–0.2 g m−2). Soil NO3 −−N (nitrate−N) increased more and persisted longer than soil NH4 +−N (ammonium−N). Laboratory incubations simulating low soil moisture conditions, and consistent with field moisture during the study, suggest that soil net ammonification and net nitrification were low and mostly unaffected by shrub canopy or burning. After late season rains, and where soil inorganic N pools were elevated after fire, productivity of the predominant invasive Schismus spp. increased and native annuals declined. Results suggest that increased N availability following wildfire can favor invasive annuals over natives. Whether the short-term success of invasive species following fire will direct long-term species composition changes remains to be seen, yet predicted changes in precipitation variability will likely interact with N cycling to affect invasive annual plant dominance following wildfire.

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Acknowledgments

We thank D. Haines, R. Schwarz, and S.J. Scoles for their hard work establishing study plots, and exchange of ideas during this research project. Comments from J. Yee, J.E. Keeley, K. Phelps, K. Nolte and three anonymous reviewers improved the manuscript. D. Binkley inspired this experiment and provided laboratory space for biogeochemistry analyses. The US Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management in Arizona and Utah provided partial funding and logistical support. L. Evers and the fire fighters on engines 147, 154, 163, 711, and 712 provided coordination, technical assistance, and logistical support for the experimental fires. T. Duck supported this research for the duration of the project. Staff at the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument provided research permits and encouragement. The US Geological Survey, Invasive Species Program provided primary financial and logistical support. Any use of trade, product, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. government. The experiments described here comply with all rules and regulations pertaining to the land and resources in the country where they were performed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, 160 N. Stephanie St., Henderson, NV, 89074, USA

    Todd C. Esque & Lesley A. DeFalco

  2. Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, 89557, USA

    Todd C. Esque & C. Richard Tracy

  3. Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Jason P. Kaye & Sara E. Eckert

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  1. Todd C. Esque
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Correspondence to Todd C. Esque.

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Communicated by Hormoz BassiriRad.

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Esque, T.C., Kaye, J.P., Eckert, S.E. et al. Short-term soil inorganic N pulse after experimental fire alters invasive and native annual plant production in a Mojave Desert shrubland. Oecologia 164, 253–263 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-010-1617-1

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