There is a serious deficiency in knowledge concerning the behaviour of fires in South Africa. Arising from this, an investigation was initiated to characterise the behaviour of head and back fires under a variety of environmental conditions. The results showed that head fires had a significantly greater rate of spread, length of flame and overall intensity than back fires. However, at ground level back fires were more intense and had a significant depressive effect on the recovery of the grass, resulting in lower yields. These results demonstrate the value of knowledge about fire behaviour in veld management; it is recommended that fire behaviour and its effect on vegetation always be taken cognisance of in any future research on fire in relation to vegetation.
Journal articles from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) African Journal of Range and Forage Science as well as related articles and reports from throughout the southern African region.