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Re: mowing?burning? - reply

In a message dated 97-04-13 11:03:01 EDT, you write:

<<  I'm still unsure about burning. Burning seems to favor the grasses and
 that is really not what I wish to do. I want to give the forbs every
possible advantage, at least to begin with. One of the native prairies I
collected from has never been burned. Some parts of it have been grazed and
mowed. There are grasses of course, but not much coming to seed. Lots and
lots of forbs tho.

 Any thoughts? >>


You have opened a major issue with mowing versus burning during prairie
establishment...

Fire as a management tool has so many variables.. season - before or after
green up, severity - % mineral soil exposed, burned with head versus backing
fire, that a simple answer is not possible.

My personal opinion is that mowing is a poor substitute for burning. The
ecology of the prairie evolved with periodic fire. We regularly use fire on
an annual basis for newly established native prairie restorations primarly as
an exotic species control measure.. After establishment we will move to a 2-3
or even 3-5 year rotation depending on the overall management needs of the
site..

But don't get me started about cost share issues with CRP and burns.. 

Bob Stanton
Prescribed Fire Consulting
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