Post-Fire Natural Regeneration and Soil Response in Aleppo Pine Forests in a Mediterranean Environment

Wildfires are a major ecological disturbance in Mediterranean forests, whose frequency and intensity are increasingly driven by climate change and land-use dynamics. This study investigated post-fire natural regeneration and soil properties in Aleppo pine stands seven years after a high-severity crown fire in southern Italy. Two stand types-pure pine and mixed pine-were compared, differing in fire severity and structural composition. We evaluated seedling density and dendrometric parameters (height and collar diameter), as well as soil parameters (pH, organic matter, and bulk density) to assess their role in post-fire recovery. Regeneration was abundant and composed exclusively of Aleppo pine, with significantly higher seedling density in the pure pine stand, where fire severity was greatest. In mixed pine stand, moderate fire severity combined with interspecific competition limited regeneration density. Deadwood presence enhanced microclimatic conditions favorable to seedling establishment, supporting a post-fire recovery dynamic consistent with self-succession, whereby pre-fire dominant species are favored. Soil analyses revealed higher organic matter content and lower bulk density in the pure stand, which likely facilitated regeneration. Overall, these findings underscore the ecological value of deadwood retention and passive management strategies in fostering spontaneous forest recovery. A better understanding of post-fire regeneration patterns and soil conditions can inform adaptive management approaches to strengthen forest resilience in Mediterranean forests under increasing climate pressure.