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 2009 on five participating ranches in eastern South Dakota. Vegetation data was collected to evaluate forage quality, diversity, and structure. Preliminary observations validate the ability of patch burn-grazing to create more heterogeneity than rotation or continuous grazing. Some early results indicate that forbs (specifically goldenrod species) increase under patch-burn grazing. This concern was raised by producers on field tours. Calf weights were measured between patch-burn grazing and continuous grazing, and no differences were found. 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. Heavier stocking rates on pastures that are continuous or rotationally grazed would produce more beef per acre than patch-burn grazing. 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. A second tour was held for ranchers and grassland managers demonstrating the pluses and minuses of patch-burn grazing. Keen interests exist by ranchers to conduct prescribed fires. A rancher workshop was held on how to conduct prescribed burns.

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
6. 25 regional ranchers adopt patch burn-graze management strategies

Accomplishments/Milestones

1. Treatments were applied in spring 2009. Vegetation data was collected in summer 2009. Graduate student has entered data, analysis has been completed.
2. Calf weights were measured at one site in 2008 and 2009 comparing patch-burn grazing and continuous grazing. No difference in weight gain was found. Stocking rate was higher on continuous grazing.
3. A tour of some of the research sites was attended by participant ranchers, SD GF&P, SDSU, TNC, and USFWS personnel in mid-summer. 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. Caution was noted about the increase in weed pressure from goldenrod species. There was concern from some about the heavy grazing caused by fire-focused grazing.
4. A tour of the research sites and other producers’ pastures in the region was conducted in late summer. Concerns about diversity, weed pressure and heavy focused grazing was discussed.
5. A prescribed grazing workshop was held in August. This was lead by ranchers, NRCS, SDSU, TNC, and SDGF&P. We discussed ways for ranchers to build burn associations like those modeled in Nebraska. Enthusiasm by many producers resulted in planning on prescribed burns for 2010.

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 validate the environmental benefits of grasslands managed by fire and grazing. However concerns by some ranchers and grassland managers, resulting in increased forbs and heavier focused grazing, has resulted in reservation of endorsing patch-burn grazing.

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