April 16, 2003
Prescribed Burning Can Be Dangerous This Dry Spring
LINCOLN, Neb. — Prescribed burning on most Nebraska grasslands this spring isn't recommended, especially on grasslands that will be grazed or cut for hay later this summer, a University of Nebraska forage specialist said.
Prescribed grassland burning can improve stands, control weeds and trees, enhance wildlife habitat and improve animal gains. However, this dry spring it could be dangerous and counterproductive, said Bruce Anderson, NU forage specialist.
"I'm concerned because most pasture subsoils in our area are dry and whenever pastures are burned, about an inch of effective soil moisture is lost," he said. "Along with that moisture loss, there is a proportionate loss in pasture growth and carrying capacity."
When pastures start out relatively dry like they may this spring, loss in carrying capacity often becomes quite serious, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources specialist said.
"Not only do you lose potential growth for the grass this year, you also lose the carryover feed value from last year's residue," Anderson said. "It may not be high quality feed, but if pastures get short again due to drought, almost anything is better than nothing."
Green-up and growth rate right after the fire also is much slower when soils are dry at burning time.
"This increases the chance of wind and water erosion and also delays when these pastures will be ready for grazing," Anderson said.
Burning still might be appropriate on Conservation Reserve Program lands, he said.
"The loss of production isn't nearly as important as improving stands on this land," he said. "Even so, when it's dry producers must be extremely careful."
Grasslands can burn very rapidly when dry, so make sure all weather conditions such as wind direction and speed, humidity and air temperature are at safe levels, Anderson said.
"Make sure potential hazards such as shelterbelts, building sites or hay bales are adequately protected," he said. "And don't forget to obtain a burning permit."
4/16/03-AF
Bruce Anderson - Ph.D
Agronomy
Professor
(402) 472-6237
Sandi Alswager Karstens IANR News and Photography (402) 472-3030
Department: Agronomy & Horticulture
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