The accumulation of flammable material in forests, such as fallen branches, dry leaves, and dead trees, combined with global warming and drought, has intensified the frequency and severity of wildfires worldwide. To address this issue, forest managers use techniques such as prescribed burns (controlled fires to remove combustible material), tree thinning (selective removal of trees to reduce density), and vegetation shredding. However, current efforts have not been sufficient to counteract the rapid accumulation of these flammable elements, creating a “fire deficit” and increasing the risk of severe wildfires.
A recent study published in the Journal of Environmental Management explored new forest management strategies that combine manual deadwood harvesting with other practices to reduce wildfire risk and improve carbon capture. Researchers from Florida Atlantic University analyzed the impact of removing woody material, such as fallen branches and trees, in the Sierra Nevada and simulated the effects of eight different treatments to assess their effectiveness.
The results indicate that combining physical harvesting with the thinning of vulnerable trees significantly reduces tree mortality and the spread of wildfires in the canopy. Additionally, transforming the extracted biomass into products such as biochar—a stable form of charcoal produced in a low-oxygen environment—contributes to carbon capture and improves soil quality.
Scott H. Markwith, co-author of the study, highlights that in an increasingly warm world, with dangerous fire weather conditions and rising risks in wildland-urban interface zones, it is essential to explore alternative strategies. The combination of physical harvesting with thinning offers an effective solution to restore resilient forests, reduce carbon emissions, and improve air quality.
Rabindra Parajuli, lead author of the study, emphasizes that repeated treatments such as prescribed burns can generate more carbon emissions over time than a wildfire in an untreated forest. However, by collecting deadwood and converting it into biochar, the negative impacts on public health can be mitigated, and carbon capture can be increased, contributing to the fight against climate change.
The study underscores the importance of continuing long-term research through simulations and field experiments to evaluate the impact of these strategies in different types of forests. Implementing these solutions could make a significant difference in sustainable forest management and wildfire prevention on a global scale.
Associate Professor at University of Granada