Effects Of Fire, Ash, and Litter on Soil Nitrate, Temperature, Moisture and Tobosagrass Production in the Rolling Plains

Abstract

Removal of litter by burning or clipping in tobosagrass communities increased soil temperature and the rate of nitrogen mineralization. Ash had no effect on either of these soil properties in 1972, but did appear to stimulate production in 1974. With adequate soil moisture, the higher soil temperatures on burned or clipped plots stimulated plant growth and concomitantly reduced soil moisture and nitrates. By contrast, suboptimal soil temperatures on control plots limited plant growth, even though soil nitrate and moisture were ample. During dry years, soil moisture is the limiting plant growth factor and burning has no beneficial effects.