The effect of fire on forage production and quality.

Abstract

Most of southern African ecosystems have in the short term and in the absence of fire a positive accumulation of gross primary yield. The short-term effects of fire are noted, not only in terms of reducing the net primary yield, but also, for example, destruction of moribund plants, stimulation of germination in some species, and rejuvenation of the woody components of fynbos and savanna. Long-term effects are also mooted. Fire also affects forage acceptability by stock and by wild ungulates and other grazers and browsers, a function of altering nutrient and energy content, and digestibility. Forage availability is also altered.-P.J.Jarvis