Therefore, post-fire vegetation dynamics is the critical factor determining the impact of wildfires on the soil. The generally accepted process of vegetation recovery after fire in Mediterranean ecosystems is autosuccession, where the species occurring before the fire reappear shortly after burning. In addition, autosuccession sometimes fails for seeder tree species, for example under high fire recurrence or for fire-sensitive species. Knowledge of soil properties and of the reproductive traits of dominant species is necessary to anticipate fire impacts in the ecosystem and to derive mitigation measures. Shaping Succession to Fight Desertification Restoration is applied to stop ecosystem degradation and to promote its regeneration, considering both ecosystem structure and function.
Restoration aims at reconstructing the original pre-disturbance ecosystem.
This strategy assumes the facilitation theory in succession. However, secondary succession may not be a unique and linear process and alternative pathways may be possible. In addition, some intermediate stages of succession may not be essential and could be bypassed in the restoration practice. The challenge consists in breaking autosuccessional or degradative fire-loops to promote succession towards more resistant and resilient mature ecosystems. This objective includes hydrological cycle regulation.