Correlation of Weather and Fuel Variables to Mesquite Damage by Fire

Abstract

Twenty-four 10-acre plots were burned in the Southern Mixed Prairie of Texas under a variety of weather and fuel conditions to determine their effect on ignition, burndown, and mortality of mesquite that had been top-killed by spraying. The number of trees that ignited on each plot varied from 33.6 to 94.9% of the total, whereas the number of trees that burned down varied from 14.4 to 89.1%. Mortality varied from 0 to 24%. Large trees were easier to burn down and kill than small trees. Equations that incorporate wind speed, relative humidity, and total fuel were developed to predict ignition and burndown.