Abstract
Mediterranean forest ecosystems are increasingly threatened by wildfires, compromising slope stability and delaying natural regeneration. In these contexts, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) represent sustainable approaches for post-fire restoration. This study evaluated the short- to medium-term structural durability and ecological effectiveness of fire-affected logs repositioned as erosion barriers after a large wildfire in a Pinus radiata stand in Southern Italy. The objectives were to assess the mechanical degradation of burnt logs using non-destructive technologies, to develop a predictive decay model, and to evaluate the effects of log arrangement on hydrological response and natural forest regeneration. Burnt logs were monitored over 24 months and classified according to bark damage. Wood decay was modelled using beta regression based on physical and mechanical parameters. Moderately burnt bark logs retained higher mechanical stability than logs with intact or completely burnt bark. Time since fire, bark damage class, and acoustic wave velocity were the main predictors of decay. Contour-aligned logs reduced runoff and erosion while promoting a higher proportion of established seedlings, whereas randomly distributed logs showed greater initial regeneration density but lower regeneration quality. These findings provide practical guidance for selecting fire-affected logs in NbS and improve understanding of their structural and ecological role in post-fire Mediterranean forest restoration.
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- Ecology
- Environmental sciences
- Natural hazards
Funding
This work was funded by the Next Generation EU—Italian NRRP, Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.5, under the call for the creation and strengthening of “Innovation Ecosystems,” aimed at building “Territorial R&D Leaders” (Directorial Decree No. 2021/3277)—Project Tech4You – Technologies for climate change adaptation and quality of life improvement, No. ECS0000009 (C33C22000290006) – Spoke 1 and Spoke 3. This work reflects only the authors’ views; the Ministry for University and Research and the European Commission cannot be held responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.
This research was also supported by the two-year project “Mixed forests and climate challenges: ecological stability and wood quality for the future of Mediterranean forests”, SD Group 07/AGRI 03—Tree and Forest System Sciences and Technologies (Scientific Sectors AGRI-03/C and AGRI-03/B), funded by the Italian Ministry for University and Research (MUR) under the NRRP—Mission 4 “Education and Research,” Component 2 “From Research to Business,” Investment 1.2 “Funding projects submitted by young researchers” (CUP: C33C25000650007).
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Papandrea, S.F., Marziliano, P.A., Cataldo, M.F. et al. A study on the lifespan of burnt logs used in nature-based solutions for post-fire anti-erosion barriers and forest regeneration promotion.
Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-64506-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-64506-8
Keywords
- Mechanical wood degradation
- Wildfire
- Erosion control
- Vegetation recovery
- Structural durability of wood
- Non-destructive testing
Source: Ecology - nature.com
