What are some guidelines for controlled burns in fields?

Question

I have about 2 acres of overgrowth that will seed if I just have it mowed. We have a permit and the FD was helpful but didn't give us a lot of detailed instructions other than keep flowing water with us and do small areas at a time.

Answer 1

The guidelines on burning will depend on where you are. They differ greatly State to State. I would recommend that you mow it and keep it mowed, at least once a year. Burning not only destroys the organic matter that could be added to the soil, but also adds to the pollution of the air, not to mention the chance of starting a very harmful wildfire. Burning is not a recommended agriculture practice, although it is often done.

Answer 2

If you have a small tractor, run a disk around the outside once or twice, to give you a fire break.  And keep your tractor close, it can put a fire out faster than a hose.

BTW - in my county a burn permit is only good for the day it is issued.  Be sure to check your local requirements.  Our neighbor's burn got out of control and he ended up with a $1000 fine for an invalid permit!

Answer 3

Pick a time that is climatologically friendly to your operation. Enlist the aid of several healthy and preferably athletic friends. The wind is your enemy in most situations. Unless it is blowing at subdued levels and in a direction that takes the heart of your fuel away from the drastic consequences of failing to adhere to the simple burn maxim, "Don't do it on a windy day, and disc or mow fire rows into and around your burn area." Volunteer fireman are just a bunch of wannabes, you listen to them and they will have you set up where they have to respond. They think that is cool, when it is not. That is why so many of them get busted for arson.

In our area, the U.S Forest Service or the State Conservation Agency provide rudimentary tools for controlled burns. These include portable water spraying devices, which are generally a waste of your time. Also, remember to call  911 and report that you are about to undertake a controlled burn. All of those people get a rush from dispatching unnecessary personnel and  just looking at each other in their office and going, "Isn't this really exciting?!?  The old farmer is burning again!"

Good luck and don't burn the county down.

Answer 4

well if u really want to burn it itll take along time to grow back trust me where i live if look all the ranches and farms they still have burnt feilds from the summer thanks to hot weather. so think about it if u want to harvest becuase it may be a thing that takes up alot of time but it would be easier just to cut it not burn it.

Answer 5

I'll add that sundown is a good time -- the wind usually lays and dark makes it easier to catch hot spots.

If there's a steady breeze set the fire on the down-wind edge so it has to go against the wind.  That will slow things down and make it easier to control.

If the weeds are tall and dry they will burn fast and have a lot of embers flying so it could be dangerous.

Could you use a sickle mower and lay the overgrowth down?  It could dry and would be easier to burn that way.

Answer 6

Before you start, question why you are burning. It will make potassium and phosphorus immediately available that is locked up in the grass and plant tops and raise the soil pH, valuable in acid soils. It will not kill the perennial plants but may, instead, stimulate their growth. Reseeding on the ash is not a good idea as the ash pH will harm germinating seeds as soon as moist, so it needs a long period of hard watering to remedy. Next question is what do you want to plant and is competition with the plants there a problem? Three ways to clear the land is to plow, cover, or mulch. Plowing repeatedly will eventually destroy your soil texture without addition of organics, and even then depending on the soil and area can still be a problem. One good plow will not really hurt as long as you keep up with the aftermath. If you just want more lawn and want to maintain that much, you can cover it with plastic (clear) and solarize it, killing all the plants by heat while maintaining it's structure. That will also keep toxins out of the land and ground water. You can also cover the area in heavy mulch to get the same result threw smothering. That is of value if planting crops like tomato or pepper, or any row crop. The mulch helps to manage weeds and keeps the plow in the barn. See what is available for mulch that is free (or cheap). Here we have a lot of seaweed and leaves/ pine needles and landscapers will probably drop them for free as well as the big beach cleaners (work smart and save money).There is of course a lot more to it than that and you may feel free to send me an email for more specifics. If you just want to have a bit of burn with a can of suds (my brother in law would like to help, A LOT!) have at it with care and a garden hose. Just manage small spots at a time. You can tell when you are out of control, you'll get really nervous and forget where you put your beer down. Have fun!