CHANGES IN OVERLAND-FLOW AND INFILTRATION AFTER A RANGELAND FIRE IN AMEDITERRANEAN SCRUBLAND

Changes in overland flow and infiltration after a wildfire (summer 198 9) in a typical Mediterranean scrubland were measured during the winte rs of 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1995 by means of simulated rainfall. Infilt ration increases gradually from 1990 (sixth months after the forest fi re) to 1995 (five and a half years after the forest fire). Overland fl ow decreases from 45% of rainfall after the forest fire to less than 6 % five and a half years later. The reduction in overland flow was grea test in the first two years after the fire because of the quick recove ry of vegetation. The steady-state infiltration capacity increased eve ry year after the fire. Runoff and infiltration changes are mainly det ermined by the gradual recovery of vegetation. (C) 1998 John Wiley & S ons, Ltd.