Respuesta de la vegetación post incendio en áreas de restauración de la Central Hidroeléctrica El Quimbo

Abstract

This research evaluated the post-fire vegetation response in ecological restoration areas of the Central Hidroeléctrica El Quimbo, located in the tropical dry forest of the municipality of El Agrado, Huila, Colombia. Using Sentinel-2A satellite images and calculating the dNBR index, two severity categories were determined, low moderate severity and high moderate severity. The regrowth capacity of 16 plant species planted in assisted restoration strategies was evaluated, finding significant variability in their response to fire. Species such as Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Senna spectabilis stood out for their high regrowth capacity, while others such as Ochroma pyramidale and Croton hibiscifolius showed no response. The results allowed establishing recommendations for restoration according to the severity of the fire and the susceptibility of the compensation zone, promoting its implementation for a resilient restoration program.