There are often many questions surrounding the practice of burning pastures and hayfields. Let’s look at the more frequently asked questions.
Is it a good idea to burn my hayfield?
There are several benefits to burning your hayfield. Burning can help producers manage thatch in their stands. If the thatch layer becomes too thick over time, several issues can occur. For example, thatch can tie up nutrients and serve as a “spore reservoir” for leaf spot diseases. Thick thatch layers can also hinder or delay green up, reduce water infiltration into the soil and make the establishment of winter annuals challenging.
When do I need to burn off my hayfields?
The optimal time of year to burn is just before spring green up. Producers that choose to burn early could face the challenge of an early flush of weeds. If the hay field is burned after green up then early season growth can be suppressed, resulting in a loss of yield.
Do different bermudagrass varieties respond differently?
Producers need to know that varieties such as Tifton 85, and Tifton 78 can be damaged by burning due to being more stoloniferous. These varieties do not produce an extensive root system. It is suggested that you burn these varieties with a head fire rather than a backfire. A backfire burns into or against the wind, resulting in a slower, hotter fire. If a backfire has to be used on these varieties, then consider initiating the burning operation early in the morning or right after the rain. These management tactics could result in a cooler, less injurious fire. Bermudagrass varieties such as Alicia, Coastal and Russell are more rhizomatous, thus making them more tolerant to burning.
Can I just light the match whenever I want, or do I need to let somebody know?
Producers need to find out about permits and restrictions before burning. Please contact your local county Extension agent. They can help with obtaining that information if needed. You must notify the proper authorities including fire department, law enforcement officials, forestry office and your neighbors before the burn day. It is also important to have a contingency plan in case the wind shifts, the fire gets out of control, someone gets injured, equipment breaks down, or smoke creates severe visibility problems.
The benefits are many and the cost is relatively low but never forget the danger and cost of poor planning. Get help before you burn. Contact your local county extension office for more information on planning and executing a prescribed burn of a pasture or hay fields.
Vanessa Corriher-Olson, Ph.D.
Professor, Forage Extension Specialist
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Soil & Crop Sciences
Overton, TX