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Advice re:burning

Hello-
Need a little advice...
We have a 4 acre field (in Ohio) planted 2 years ago to a mix of big blue
and Indian grass.   Around the perimeter of the field was planted a 16'
section made up of a mix of little blue and sideoats.  Have had a lot of
trouble in year 1 and 2 with Canada thistle and mare's tail/horseweed
(Conyza canadensis).  We've done some spot spraying (2-4,D) mainly last year
to try and control the broadleaves.
Overall, the grass is coming on slowly but there is still a lot of bare
ground in the field and lots of mare's tail rosettes.  We'd like to burn
this spring (late March) but don't think we'll get a very good burn close to
the ground with the low stem density.  Would it be better to mow the field
with a sicklebar mower (so stems are on and close to the ground, but not
chopped as with a rotary mower) before burning?  We anticipate having to
follow-up this growing season with Plateau to control weeds regardless of a
good burn or not.  Will Plateau have any negative effect on the sideoats
plants that are already established (2 years old)?

Also, after the burn we'd like to throw forb seed around the field (Plateau
resistant species) and pack it lightly.  

Any comments on the forb planting technique and regarding mowing prior to a
burn?  Should we even consider burning this year?  If we don't burn, can we
still incorporate the forb seed this year or should we wait?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions-
Donna Daniel
Columbus, OH


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