The Effect of Early Winter or Spring Burning on Runoff, Sediment, and Vegetation in the Post Oak Savannah of Texas

Abstract

A replicated small plot (1.8 m × 22.1 m) study was conducted on the Texas A&M University Native Plant and Animal Conservancy in Brazos County, Texas. The purposes of the study were to determine the effects of seasonal burning on runoff and sediment loss and to describe vegetal differences resulting from the burning treatments. A grass-dominated community and a brush-dominated community were studied. Mean runoff from both communities tended to be greater from unburned plots than from burned plots although differences were seldom significant. Mean sediment export (kg/ha) was similar from the treatments during the 15-month study. However, nonsignificant trends suggested that plots burned in the spring lost less sediment than did unburned plots or those burned in early winter. Most sediment loss occurred during June, September, and November as a result of highly intense thunderstorms. Burning did not adversely affect runoff or sediment. Changes in vegetative composition and vigor did occur and these changes appeared to be compatible with most management objectives. Percent foliar cover of live vegetation was greater on burned than unburned plots; however, total foliar cover was greatest on unburned plots. Burning in early winter favored growth of forbs, whereas spring burning tended to favor the production of grasses.