Fire has always been controversial. In the past I have used it, and may, in a rare circumstance use it again. With the equipment we have available to us now, fire is an outdated, archaic practice.
It has been obvious to me for many years that fire was destructive to soil health. Denuding a field by any means, negatively impacts soil. Fire not only removes the litter that, at some point in time will become part of the organic component of the soil, but it also burns some of the SOM already present. The soil, losing its cover, is exposed to the natural elements and become warmer in the summer and colder in the winter. Bare soil effects natural processes, some associated with temperature extremes, that impact moisture available to the soil as well as moisture in the soil. This in turn effects the soil biota, that effects nutrient cycling, which has an effect on raising crops. This is not linear as the statement may insinuate, but is a complex interrelationship of many elements. We are slowing gaining the understanding that processes resulting from less tillage, and more cover is basic to improving soil health.
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