RANGE-EAST – A great new publication on alternative native grass burning strategies is now available. Burning of tallgrass prairie is an effective and widely used tool for control of invasive species. It can improve forage quality and subsequent cattle gains and alter grazing distribution. Yearly spring burning is common practice within the tallgrass native system, but research shows that burn-timing alternatives may have a more significant impact on undesirable plant species.

Along with the many desirable impacts of burning native range, there are negatives, most notably, smoke management. Smoke that drifts into cities presents a health hazard for those affected by allergies or other health problems. It creates a problem for manufacturing companies if air quality falls below acceptable EPA levels. Alternative burning strategies MF3251

Jaymelynn Farney, Beef Systems Specialist, Kansas State University

Charles Rice, Soil Microbiologist, Kansas State University

Johanie Rivera-Zayas, Soil Microbiologist, Kansas State University

Corey Moffet, Rangeland Management Specialist, USDA–Agricultural Research Service, Woodward, Oklahoma