Responses of Herbage, Pines, and Hardwoods to Early and Delayed Burning in a Young Slash Pine Plantation

Abstract

Early burning in slash pine plantations on southern forest ranges did not prevent herbage yields from dropping sharply as the overstory developed. Unburned plots and plots burned initially at ages 5, 9, or 12 had 90% less herbage at age 13 than at age 6. Early burning prevented most scrub hardwoods and shrubs from reaching a size uncontrollable by fire, kept browse accessible to cattle and deer, and prevented pine litter from eliminating herbaceous plants from the understory. Burning had no effect on pine survival and growth.