Control of invasive weeds with prescribed burning: Journal Article
/DiTomaso, J.M., ML Brooks, EB Allen, R Minnich, PM Rice, and GB. Kyser. 2006. Weed Technology20:535-548.
This review evaluates the current state of knowledge on prescribed burning as a tool for invasive weed management. Prescribed burning has primarily been used as a tool for the control of invasive late-season annual broad leaf and grass species, particularly yellow star thistle, medusa head, barb goat grass, and several bromes. However, timely burning of a few invasive biennial broadleaves (e.g., sweetclover and garlic mustard), perennial grasses (e.g., bluegrasses and smooth brome), and woody species (e.g., brooms and Chinese tallow tree) also has been successful. In many cases, the effectiveness of prescribed burning can be enhanced when incorporated into an integrated vegetation management program. Although there are some excellent examples of successful use of prescribed burning for the control of invasive species, a limited number of species have been evaluated. In addition, few studies have measured the impact of prescribed burning on the long-term changes in plant communities, impacts to endangered plant species, effects on wildlife and insect populations, and alterations in soil biology, including nutrition, mycorrhizae, and hydrology.
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