Fire effects on tobosagrass and weeping lovegrass

Abstract

Fireline intensity (kW/m) was measured on 61 plots of weeping lovegrass [Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees.] and tobosagrass [Hilaria mutica (Buckl.) Benth.] burned as headfires and backfires during late winters of 1982 and 1983 in western Texas. Relative humidity, air temperature, wind speed, soil moisture, soil temperature, and fuel moisture were measured at time of burning. Vegetation response was based on plant yield, plant height, and number of seed stalks. Plant responses were not correlated with fireline intensity or any of the environmental parameters measured. Although fireline intensity is an important fire behavior measurement, high fireline intensities did not cause a negative impact on either weeping lovegrass or tobosagrass. Therefore, range managers can conduct high intensity fires to damage or burn down shrubs and not damage these grasses.