Effects of Post-Fire Mulching with Loranthus europaeus Jacq. on Surface Runoff and Rainsplash Erosion in a Semi-Arid Pine Forest

To avoid flooding and erosion hazards, post-fire management actions are essential in Mediterranean forests after severe wildfires. In this regard, mulching is the most common action but some mulch materials, such as straw, may lead to adverse impacts burned forests. The use of yellow mistletoe fruits (Loranthus europaeus Jacq., hereafter “LE”) for production biodegradable its effectiveness hydrology have never been studied. fill gap, study has evaluated surface runoff rainsplash a pine forest Central Eastern Spain by wildfire mulched mixture LE straw (with or without adding clay particles) using portable rainfall simulator. Compared untreated sites, increased soils (by 13.6% 17.2% when was added, latter case significantly). This increase mainly due compact layer created application on soil surface. However, peak flow time were lower (on average 32.7% 60.5%, significantly only clay), thus indicating that, these soils, takes longer maximum value compared sites. Soil noticeably decreased (up 97%) areas comparison sites significant differences between two mixtures. Overall, indicates land managers that with Loranthus Jacq. an effective reduce risk wildfire.