Morphological responses of Pinus laricio in Corsican island to prescribed burning

The effect of prescribed burning on morphological parameters of Pinus laricio in Corsica was examined over a 3-year period. Morphological responses measured included height and diameter of the trees and shoot length and morphological characteristics of the needles. Variations on Pinus laricio growth between the years are influenced by climate factors, in particular by the rainfall during June, July, August and September and the mean temperature in August. The year following the prescribed burning, an increase of morphological parameters (e.g. shoot and needle length, number of needles) is observed. These observations could be linked with the soil nutriment, in particular with nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P). After two years, there are no differences in the measured parameters. These parameters can be considered as good indicators in the management of the prescribed burning.