Wildlife nesting studies in the Midwest and Southeastern United States have shown that ground nesting birds have a higher nesting success in habitat that is periodically burned. Bobwhite quail exhibit the highest nest density, lowest predation rate and lowest number of acres per successful nest during the first three nesting seasons following a spring burn. Nest success falls off to preburn levels in the fourth year. A. Burning WSG increases succulence and palatability. Reduced competition from other plants for nutrients and moisture allows greater growth.
Cattle select it and eat more, thereby making greater gains.
Overgrazing of burned areas must be prevented by regulating cattle stocking rates in the same manner as for unburned pastures. Organic matter is an inherent property of the soil that is the result of the growth and decay of plant roots. Little organic matter is returned to the soil from plant parts which grow on the surface. At least 30 percent of the root system is replace each year, thereby supplying the organic matter in the soil. Less than 10 percent comes from the breakdown of material grown on the surface.