Responses of Semidesert Grasses and Shrubs to Fall Burning

Four 0.8-ha plots south of Tucson, Ariz., were burned November 12, 1975, in a pasture where cattle had not grazed for 12 months. The fire top-killed most small mesquites, killed almost all of the burroweed and much of the cactus, except in unburned patches. Within 5 years regrowth of mesquite and newly established stands of burroweed equalled or exceeded pre-burn levels. Lehmann lovegrass increased following the burn; most other perennial grasses were not greatly affected. Results suggest that periodic burning can maintain a grassland aspect if the intensity and frequency of grazing allow enough dry herbage for an effective fire to accumulate between burns.This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries.The Journal of Range Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact lbry-journals@email.arizona.edu for further information.Migrated from OJS platform August 202