Effects of Brush Pile Burning on Soil Nutrients and Microbes in the Edwards Plateau of Texas

Abstract

On the Edwards Plateau of Texas, Juniperus Ashei piles can occupy as much as 15% of the pasture land and therefore decrease stocking rates. These brush piles are often removed by high intensity fires. Revegetation of burned areas is a very slow process taking several years to occur. A study was undertaken to determine the effect of brush pile burning on soil nutrients and microbes. After burning, the amount of soil nutrients either remained the same or increased. The microbial population was reduced.