A Preliminary Report on Controlled Burning Trials in Pine Plantations in Natal

SUMMARY Results from a number of controlled burns indicate that the practice could be a valuable tool in reducing fire hazard and in controlling weeds in pine stands. The most successful burns were in young (9 to 14 year old) stands of Pinus elliottii where up to 60 % of the fine litter was consumed. Burns in older stands of P. patula and P. taeda consumed very little of the fine litter. Burning can be safely carried out during the rainy season when soil and humus is thoroughly moist. Under correct burning conditions the stem bark will not be blackened more than 100 to 150 mm above ground level.