OT - Burning fields

I don't know if it really helps, I just like seeing the fields glowing!

Dug the Pyro

I burn as much as I have time for, which ain't much. A drip torch works bettern a propane deal.

In more northern climates we like to have a good growth die down in fall. It protects the young grass from spring frosts. What can happen is early warm days can start growth, then it can turn cold again. When I say cold I'm talking single digit F numbers. That will kill the new grass if exposed. Soon as the risk of severe frost is gone you hit it with A/N and the old growth just disintergrates. We also find fire does as much damage to grass as it does to the weeds. Some of the most weed infested pastures I've ever seen were burned every year.

As I said earlier don't think the same rules apply everywhere. Climate is everything.

A lot of people say that old layer of brown grass is ugly and hurting growth. So many times in climates with winter we get early nice warm weather, then in two weeks back to winter for a spell. Nice to have that new grass and legumes covered by the old growth. After that is over hit it with an application of A/N. The old growth will decompose quickly and it will tickle the feet of the new. Man may not have spring tonic, but his grass surely does.

Anyhow I took a late September cutting off it. Not sure the field would have survived winter. My cutting made that even less likely, but we will see. I wanted some hay off it, see what I need to do this spring.

Burn fields now? How do you get the fire to light under the snow?????

--->Paul