Burning SwitchGrass

[darkhollow1]

Just curious what everyones view is on the best time to burn switchgrass off. We have done it in the past in late April early May. Would it be better to do before or after that time period? Thanks.

 

[dbltree]

[ QUOTE ]
Just curious what everyones view is on the best time to burn switchgrass off. We have done it in the past in late April early May. Would it be better to do before or after that time period? Thanks.

[/ QUOTE ]
Earlier means you are more likely to have cool season grasses, weeds etc. spring up...which may or may not be welcome.
Burning later is more likley to help kill or control cool season "invaders".
I think later is a little safer also, because things are greening up and your fire is less likely to get away from you...don't ask me how I know

Here's a couple links that show results of the timing of burns and comparison of using Roundup instead of burns to control cool season grasses.

http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?seq_no_115=146495&pf=1

This link is a lot of reading about switchgrass...page down toward the bottom for good info. on burning switchgrass as far as timing.

http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/graminoid/panvir/all.html

 

[JNRBRONC]

I'd vote later as well from experience, though it sucked to see nests full of cooked pheasant and turkey eggs. I was hopeful it was early enough that they would re-nest.