Fire interval effects on flowering of grasses in Kansas bluestem prairie

TitleFire interval effects on flowering of grasses in Kansas bluestem prairie
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Publication1983
AuthorsHulbert, LC, Wilson, JK
EditorKucera, CL
Pagination255 -257
PublisherDepartment of Biology, Southwest Missouri State University
Conference LocationSpringfield, MO
Accession NumberKNZ0043
Keywordsflowering, prairie, tallgrass
Abstract

The height, density, and weight of flower stems of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardi), Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans), and little bluestem (A. scoparius) on ungrazed areas burned in spring of 1979 differed with respect to time elapsed since the areas had been last burned: 1, 2, or 6 years previously. These results were found on deep, fertile soils on lower slopes in areas experimentally burned on Konza Prairie Research Natural Area in Geary County, Kansas. Height, density, and weight of flower stems of big bluestem were highly significantly greater as the length of interval increased. Indian grass and little bluestem showed some of the same tendency, but primarily showed marked reductions in the 6-year interval area, resulting in an increased dominance by big bluestem