OGM explains post-fire efforts: Details on olives, almonds, and fruit trees
The General Directorate of Forestry (OGM) has explained the work to be carried out after forest fires and how these operations are conducted.
İHA
In a statement made on OGM's social media account, it was stated, "Every effort made following forest fires is carried out in light of scientific planning and technical knowledge.
Afforestation carried out at the wrong time or using incorrect methods can cause years of effort to go to waste.
Our institution, which has 186 years of experience, will reforest our burned areas in the most efficient way, as it has done before, with the expertise of our forest engineers.
The first step after a fire is to conduct a detailed examination of the forest type, soil structure, climate conditions, and existing seed stock. With this data, it is determined which afforestation method will be applied," the statement said.
In the statement, which mentioned that in scrublands, the forest repairs itself through the method of sprouting from roots, it was noted, "In red pine forests, natural regeneration is preferred if there are sufficient seeds in the soil.
After a fire, the pine cones found in the soil open up due to high heat and sprout with the first rain. In natural regeneration, burned trees are cleared, branches are spread on the soil, and light soil cultivation is performed. Thus, thousands of saplings sprout on their own in the autumn.
In scrublands, nature begins its own repair through the method of sprouting from roots. If natural regeneration is not sufficient or if the seed stock is inadequate, afforestation is carried out with saplings produced from local species," the statement added.
"FIRE-RESISTANT AND DURABLE SPECIES"
In the statement, which mentioned that trees to be planted in place of burned ones are planted in accordance with the structure of the region, it was said, "Not every sapling develops in every region. Saplings with genetic characteristics specific to the region, compatible with the region's climate, soil, and altitude, are used. In this way, the need for irrigation and maintenance is minimized, and the forest becomes long-lasting. For example, planting a sapling that grows in Antalya in İzmir reduces the success rate. For this reason, we have nurseries in every region that grow saplings suitable for their own conditions. Species that are suitable for the ecological structure of the region and are fire-resistant and durable are prioritized in afforestation plans," the statement included.
"ECOSYSTEM SERVICES ARE LIMITED"
Emphasizing that olive, almond, and similar fruit-bearing species do not form a forest on their own, the statement said, "These species have high water, fertilizer, and maintenance needs; their ecosystem services such as erosion prevention and oxygen production are limited. Within the scope of our Income-Generating Species Action Plans, species such as olives, almonds, and walnuts are planted in designated areas to support the economy of our forest villages. In accordance with Article 169 of the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey, burned forest areas are reforested and cannot be used for any other purpose," it was stated.