Sand sagebrush response to fall and spring prescribed burns

Abstract

Sand sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia) is a dominant shrub on sandy soils throughout the Great Plains and Southwest. Sand sagebrush is reported to reduce wind erosion and provides valuable forage and cover to numerous wildlife species. However, the fire ecology of sand sagebrush is not well understood. Our objectives were to evaluate fire-induced mortality, occurrence of resprouting, and changes in sand sagebrush canopy structure and total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) following fall and spring prescribed burns. We selected twelve 4-ha plots on sand sagebrush-dominated sites in high-seral sand sagebrush-mixed prairie near Woodward, OK. Four plots were burned during fall, four were burned during spring, and four served as controls. Soil temperature and soil water content were monitored. About 93 percent of burned shrubs resprouted and TNC was similar across burning treatments. Canopy volume in May was reduced 87 and 99 percent by fall and spring burns, respectively. Fall burning had no effect on soil water content and elevated soil temperature only during April and May. Spring-burned plots had greater soil water content and higher soil temperatures than control plots in May.

Parent Publication

• Shrubland ecosystem genetics and biodiversity: proceedings

Citation

Vermeire, Lance T.; Mitchell, Robert B.; Fuhlendorf, Samuel D. 2001. Sand sagebrush response to fall and spring prescribed burns. In: McArthur, E. Durant; Fairbanks, Daniel J., comps. Shrubland ecosystem genetics and biodiversity: proceedings; 2000 June 13-15; Provo, UT. Proc. RMRS-P-21. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 233-235.