Differential Response of Woody and Herbaceous Species to Summer and Winter Burning in an Oklahoma Grassland

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Abstract
Fire has historically been an important factor in the maintenance of tallgrass prairie vegetation. Summer fires have often been thought to be more effective than dormant season fires in controlling the invasion of woody species into prairies. However, in an Oklahoma grassland, late-winter burning (March) had a more pronounced effect in reducing the density of woody species than did summer (July) burning. This response was possible due to both environmental and site conditions. Two woody species increased in density following both summer or late-winter burning, while 9 spp. decreased in density or were eliminated by fire. Two additional woody species exhibited varied responses depending on season of burn. Woody species density increased in the smallest seedling size class, but decreased for larger seedling and sapling size classes, following both burning regimes. Finally, numbers of woody and herbaceous species decreased following both summer and late-winter burns.

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