effects of fire on the demographics of Neyraudia reynaudiana in the pine rocklands

This study is to further understand the effects of fire on the invasive Asian grass, Neyraudia reynaudiana in the south Florida pine rocklands, at Larry and Penny Thompson Park in Miami-Dade County. Urban surroundings, fire suppression, and Hurricane Andrew in 1992 required prescribed fire in the pine rocklands to prevent wildfires and succession into hardwood habitat. Neyraudia reynaudiana's rapid spread caused concern due to its resistance to herbicide. A main concern was that fire, which is a natural component of the pine rockland community, could enhance Neyraudia reynaudiana's spread. This study observed and measured Neyraudia reynaudiana regrowth in two plant communities at five times over one year after one treatment of prescribed fire. Two herbaceous plant inventories were taken one year apart. The study's results show that Neyraudia reynaudiana was enhanced by fire.