Effects of rangefire on soil algal crusts in semiarid shrub-steppe of the Lower Columbia Basin and their subsequent recovery

Authors

Jeffrey R. Johansen, John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio
John Ashley, Pennsylvania State University, Ogontz, Abington, Pannsylvania
William R. Rayburn, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington

Abstract

Effects of rangefire on soil algae in sagebrush steppe in the Lower Columbia Basin were studied. Dynamics of recovery of the soil algal community in the first two years following the fire were also documented. The study site was on the Arid Lands Ecology Reserve managed by Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory. Fire decreased the numbers of algae by more than an order of magnitude. Species composition in burned plots was similar to that in unburned plots, although some cyanophyte algae, particularly Nostoc commune, were decimated by the fire. Algal recovery took place in the winter months of the second year. Ninety taxa of algae were identified during the course of the study, over half of which were chlorophytes. Seasonal changes in the algal flora were also noted.

Recommended Citation

Johansen, Jeffrey R.; Ashley, John; and Rayburn, William R. (1993) "Effects of rangefire on soil algal crusts in semiarid shrub-steppe of the Lower Columbia Basin and their subsequent recovery," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 53: No. 1, Article 9.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol53/iss1/9