Long-Term Cumulative Effects of Wildfires on Soil-Vegetation Dynamics in the “Baixa Limia–Serra do Xurés” Natural Park

Abstract

Wildfires are recognized as major contributors to forest loss and soil degradation on a global scale. Understanding the cumulative effects of fire regimes on forest ecosystems and soil dynamics necessitates a deeper exploration of wildfire-vegetation-soil interactions over the long term. This study delves into the wildfire-landscape dynamics within the “Baixa Limia Serra do Xurés” Natural Park, a region prone to fires in Galicia, Spain. By analyzing available statistical and remote sensing data, we identified significant shifts in fire regimes and landscape dynamics between the periods of 2000–2010 and 2010–2020. Our findings indicate a potential extension of the fire season, reflecting the impacts of climate change. Despite improvements in firefighting capabilities, the occurrence of large fires is on the rise in the Natural Park, underscoring the need for proactive management strategies in such areas. Notably, significant fire events in 2011, 2016, 2017, and 2020 extensively affected wooded areas, constituting the majority of the burned area. Shrubs and forests emerged as particularly vulnerable, with varying degrees of burn severity influencing post-fire vegetation recovery rates. While shrublands expanded their coverage between 2000 and 2010, rocky areas with sparse vegetation showed an increase over the subsequent decade (2010–2020), indicating soil degradation and potential desertification in areas affected by recurrent and severe fires, especially within zones designated for the highest levels of protection (with fire rotation periods of less than 1 year). In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the impacts of wildfires, changes in land cover, and post-fire soil-vegetation dynamics, which can inform management and conservation efforts in fire-prone mountainous regions. Leveraging advanced remote sensing techniques enables the monitoring of cumulative soil degradation resulting from repeated wildfires over extended periods.