Burn, Spray, Repeat: Taming Sericea Lespedeza | BGWT #493

Natural Resources University

In this episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, we hear from Kayla Moss, Extension Assistant at Oklahoma State University, about her groundbreaking research in Oklahoma. Moss shares how she tackled the invasive sericea lespedeza using a combination of fire, herbicide, and grazing. She discusses how growing-season burns, when followed by a well-timed herbicide application, delivered the most effective long-term control - reducing sericea cover from 35% to under 1%.

The episode also explores the unexpected return of native legumes after treatment, the resilience of sericea seedbanks, and the practical trade-offs producers face when balancing cattle gains with ecosystem health. Supported by co-hosts Dr. Laura Goodman, Dr. Mark Turner, and John Weir, this conversation is full of science-backed strategies, real-world challenges, and relatable advice for any land manager facing invasive species. Key Takeaways

1. Sericea lespedeza is highly invasive, with seedbanks that can persist for decades.
2. Growing-season fire followed by herbicide application a year later showed the most effective control.
3. Dormant-season fire alone may increase sericea cover.
4. Herbicide applied post-burn can reduce seed production significantly.
5. Cattle weight gains were not negatively affected by growing-season burns.
6. Native legumes like partridge pea and slender lespedeza can repopulate treated areas.
7. Seed germination of sericea is extremely tough, requiring even sulfuric acid in lab settings.
8. The cost of metsulfuron methyl herbicide is under $4 per acre.
9. Spot spraying and drone tech may offer future precision control options.
10. Integrated management is more practical and effective than standalone treatments.

Timestamps

00:01:46 – Meet the hosts and guest, Kayla Moss 00:02:37 – Overview of Osage County research site and plant community 00:03:29 – Introduction to sericea lespedeza and its invasive history 00:05:35 – Existing research gaps and integrating fire, herbicide, and grazing 00:07:04 – Wildlife implications and Bobwhite quail case studies 00:15:13 – Breakdown of treatment methods used in the study 00:19:01 – Impact of dormant vs. growing season fire 00:25:15 – Conditions of prescribed burns and drought effects 00:33:34 – Post-treatment results on sericea cover and seed production 00:40:01 – Native legumes returning after treatment 00:44:01 – Cattle weight gain comparisons and practical advice for landowners 00:51:31 – Final thoughts and takeaways

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