Sediment Load Decreases After the Historical 2017 Megafire in Central Chile: The Purapel in Sauzal Experimental Watershed Case Study and Its Implications for Sustainable Watershed Management

Forests play a critical role in regulating hydrological processes and reducing soil erosion and sediment load. However, climate change has increased the frequency and severity of wildfires, which can significantly impact these ecosystem services. A historical megafire burned in January of 2017 in Central Chile, affecting the Purapel in Sauzal experimental watershed (an area dominated by Pinus radiata plantations), providing a unique opportunity to study post-fire sediment load dynamics. We hypothesized that sediment load would significantly increase following the wildfire, especially in areas with exotic commercial plantations. To test this, we analyzed daily sediment load and streamflow data collected the Purapel River during the 1991–2018 period, as well as other variables. Descriptive statistics and a sediment rating curve model were used to assess temporal variations in sediment load. Contrary to expectations, results showed no significant increase in sediment concentration following the devastating 2017 wildfire event. In fact, the Mann–Kendall test revealed a significant decreasing trend in winter sediment production over the study period. These findings may be explained by a reduction in precipitation during the mega-drought of the 2010s and, importantly, a rapid and dense post-fire pine seedling regeneration. This study highlights the complex interactions between climate, vegetation, and geomorphic processes, as well as the need for further research on post-fire sediment dynamics in Mediterranean plantation forests.