Patch Burn-Grazing to Promote Environmental Sustainability

Patch Burn-Grazing to Promote Environmental Sustainability

Summary

Patch burn-grazing, continuous grazing, and rotational grazing treatments were applied in spring 2008 on five participating ranches in eastern South Dakota. Soil samples and vegetation data were collected.

A tour of several research sites was attended by professional grassland managers represented by state, federal, and non-governmental agency personnel as well as rancher participants.

Preliminary observations validate the ability of patch burn-grazing to create more heterogeneity than rotation or continuous grazing. Patch burn-grazing may need to be conducted at moderate stocking rates to ensure appropriate fuel loading for next year’s burn compared to rotational or continuous grazing.

Objectives/Performance Targets

1) Knowledge of patch burn-graze impacts on change of plant community structure,
2) Scientific community informed about vegetation change of patch burn-grazing,
3) 100 ranchers informed about patch burn-grazing,
4) 6 cooperators measure vegetation diversity,
5) Improved diversity and structural, characteristics of pastures for the 6 cooperating ranchers, and
6) 25 regional ranchers adopt patch burn-graze management strategies.

Accomplishments/Milestones

During the previous planning phase with the 6 producers we identified 3 grazing treatments: patch burn-grazing, continuous grazing, and rotational grazing that will be studied during this project. Four producers were willing and had the land and animals to evaluate all 3 grazing treatments on their ranch. Two producers only had enough land and cattle to evaluate the patch burn-grazing treatment.

In 2007 we decided to conduct two studies: 4 ranches that received all 3 grazing treatments (intensive sites) and the other 2 ranches (demonstration sites) of the patch burn-grazing treatment.

In summer of 2007 we acquired the baseline vegetation data in the “Intensive sites”. We fenced off the appropriate land area to “build” sufficient fuel loadings for the spring burns.

1) Experimental sites were set up. Treatments were applied in spring 2008. Pretreatment data was collected late-summer 2007. Soil samples were collected pre- and post-burning to establish losses of carbon and nitrogen from the system. Vegetation data was collected during the summer of 2008. Graduate student has entered data.

2) A tour of some of the research sites was attended by South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, South Dakota State University (SDSU), The Nature Conservancy, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel. We observed the effects of the treatments and discussed management options amongst the group and with the participating ranchers. We also discussed future outreach activities and how to reach more producers.

3) Contacts with the Coteau Cattlemans association and SDSU extension educators in Deuel, Hamlin, and Roberts Counties have been made to discuss tours for summer 2009. SDSU Range Outreach Coordinator will participate in organizing these activities.

4) Cameras had been given to ranchers to take pictures of treatments periodically over the summer. Some have participated in this activity better than others.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Preliminary knowledge of patch burn-grazing has led to a better understanding of how to create structural heterogeneity across the landscape using fire and grazing. Research and tours will validate the environmental benefits of grasslands managed by fire and grazing.

Collaborators: