Some amount of organic material on the soil surface is beneficial. It intercepts raindrops and helps protect the soil from erosion, and it helps hold moisture and nutrients. On the other hand, there is no evidence that properly managed burning is detrimental to a bermudagrass stand even if it is burned annually for many years. Therefore, fields should be burned as frequently as needed. The amount of thatch that protects the soil without limiting forage production varies from year to year.
Fire is a tool which can be used to regulate the amount of thatch present.
As a management practice, burning has some costs associated with it. It requires time and labor to properly execute a burn, and the cost of forage left in the field as a mulch should also be considered. Burning a pasture or hayfield incorrectly may be particularly costly if fences, vehicles, or even buildings need to be replaced. Steps For A Prescribed Burn Prepare ahead of time for a safe and efficient prescribed fire. If a prescribed fire is a legal option, then develop a fire plan.