Alien Control: Can We Afford to Slash and Burn Hakea in Fynbos Ecosystems?

SYNOPSIS Hakea sericea, an alien invader in fynbos, can be controlled successfully by cutting and then burning after seedlings emerge. The increase in fire intensity ascribed to burning the dry slashed material was measured. The effect of the increased fire intensity on soils, soil erosion, vegetation and termites were measured. Results show that the present management technique for the control of H. sericea (especially where it occurs in dense stands) has a negative effect on the ecosystem. It is also incompatible with overall management objectives of maintaining both diversity and ecological processes. Alternative techniques for controlling dense infestations should be evaluated.

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