Prescribed burning as a potential regeneration technique for reed stands - a pilot study in the reed belt of Lake Neusiedl, Austria

Nature conservation calls for the management of reed in large stands to support the rejuvenation of reed. Traditional reed management tools at Lake Neusiedl in eastern Austria are becoming decreasingly suitable as a management tool due to insufficient freezing in winter. Therefore, prescribed burning of old Phragmites australis stands is currently being considered as a regeneration measure in order to maintain invaluable habitats for specialized species in the reed belt. In January 2024 a pilot study was carried out near the municipality of Jois to gain insights into suitability and consequences of controlled burning of old reed mats in the reed belt. Here we analyze pre- and post-fire biomass and carbon content from vegetation, litter, and soil. Fire behavior and intensity, as well as moisture content during and after the fire were monitored. Area-wide mapping is supported by data obtained through UAV-LiDAR scanning. Mean fire temperature was approx. 700°C and peaked at 1034°C. On the designated fire area of 32 ha, 15.57 ha were affected, and a total of 57.84 tons of carbon were released (3.72 t C/ha). On burnt areas the standing vegetation was removed and litter/reed mat thickness was reduced significantly by approx. 30%, which will facilitate Phragmites australis regrowth. Simultaneously numerous unburnt refugia patches of intact old stock were left behind. Our results indicate that prescribed fire can be a suitable management tool at the reed belt of Lake Neusiedl for the purpose of reed rejuvenation and wetland habitat regeneration.