Seasonal Variation in the Ignition Time of Redberry Juniper in West Texas

Abstract

Seasonal variations in the moisture content, relative humidity, and average daily mean temperatures in the month preceding an ignition treatment were highly correlated to the length of preheating time required for ignition of green redberry juniper leaves during dry years. Ether extractives had no significant effect on ignition of green juniper leaves. During wet years, no correlation was found between any of the variables measured and ignition of green foliage. The data indicated that ignition was more easily predicted when the precipitation was below average than when it was above average, and that ether extract content was not a factor in ignition under either moisture regime.