The effect of prescribed burning on the soil fauna and on litter decomposition in Western Australian forests

Abstract The effect of mild fires on the soil fauna was examined in a Pinus pinaster plantation and in Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) and Karri (E. diversicolor) forests. In the pine plantation, litter decomposition ceases until four years after burning. In both native forests, species diversity and density are reduced after burning and do not recover their pre‐burning values during a normal prescribed burning rotation. Prescribed burning on a five to seven year rotation is likely to permanently simplify the litter fauna and flora, with far‐reaching effects on forest and hygiene.