• Introduction
• Forage Stand Condition
• Timing & Degree of Loss
• Selecting Forage Species
• Revegetation & Seed Mixtures
• Cultivars & Seed Sources of Forage Seed
• Planting Methods
• Seeding Rates
• Site Preparation & Timing
• Seed Placement
• Companion or "Nurse" Crops
• Management During Establishment
• Summary
• Sources and Credits
• Interactive Exercises

Reestablishing Pastures and Hay Meadows - Forage stand condition after burning

Fire has always played a major role in forest and rangleland history. The effects of fire on heavily forested areas may last for centuries. On rangelands and pasture, the effect of fire may range from being beneficial to being equivalent to resulting in severe overgrazing.

History of Wildfire

Burning a pasture or hay field can have several effects. Early in the season, cheatgrass can be controlled in fencerows, roadways or pastures with minimal effect to a pasture. Shallow-rooted forages such as some of the fescue species may survive burning, but must be monitored to insure that overgrazing of the re- growth does not diminish pasture health. Burning in the fall is more critical. Some perennial plants may be killed outright, or predisposed to winterkill. Fire destroys the plant litter, which results in the loss of organic matter and sets the soil up for erosion problems, depending on slope and winter precipitation. Further, burning can reduce stand productivity and competition, resulting in weed encroachment. In short, a recent one-time burning of a hay meadow or pasture may have resulted in a range of consequences - from complete loss of desirable forage vegetation all the way through a beneficial effect. Successful restoration requires prompt action with appropriate tools.