About Postharvest Burning

Because postharvest field burning is a controversial topic to many Idahoans, several myths exist about the burning process and how farmers today are dealing with this issue.

Grass growers burn their Kentucky bluegrass fields in late summer for a number of reasons. Burning reduces residue, controls diseases and weeds, removes straw, and stimulates growth. It also creates a higher quality seed that increases yields and controls seed purity. If farmers were not allowed to burn their grass fields, they would end up producing very low-quality seeds that would prevent them from being able to survive as farmers. If these grass growers could not make a living off of growing bluegrass, they would have to turn to another crop. In doing so, the many benefits of bluegrass would go unrealized and dust would increase up to five times its present rate. Other drawbacks that might occur include strict quarantine laws being placed on imported seeds and plants, harmful human diseases (such as ergot) becoming more prevalent, and the growth of more weeds.

Growers in Idaho have a very short window of 45 days in which they can burn their bluegrass fields. Over this 45-day period, farmers may only burn on a total of 14 days, beginning with the first ignited field. Completing the burning is often a challenging process because weather and wind conditions must be just right for the growers to receive the clearance to burn their fields. Oftentimes, as shown in the table below, the burning is completed in less than 14 days, with minimum impact to the surrounding community.

Benefits of Kentucky Bluegrass
About Postharvest Burning
Facts vs. Myths About Postharvest Burning
The Grass Seed Industry
Grass Seed Research Programs