Effects of fuel reduction treatments on a gorse shrubland soil seed bank in the north of Spain: Comparing mastication and prescribed burning

There was little opportunity to enhance vegetation recovery through the soil seed bank after prescribed burning and mastication. Mastication seems to be a more conservative technique although low intensity burnings as those conducted in the present study did not stimulate seed germination nor reduce seed bank size. In summary, prescribed burning and mastication can be considered feasible techniques for fuel management in these shubland areas.