A controlled burn is when plants in an area are burned while being closely ____________________?

A controlled burn is when plants in an area are burned while being closely monitored.

Controlled burns are used by fire fighters, farmers, and those involved in prairie restoration. When used correctly, controlled burns have many benefits to an ecosystem. Some of these benefits are identified below.

• Controlled burns are a means of preventing natural forest fires. As leaf litter and organic matter builds on a forest’s floor, the likelihood of a natural forest fire of large proportions increases. Controlled burns help to reduce the risk of huge fires that can be devastating to an ecosystem.


• Controlled burns add nutrients back to the soil, making the soil more fertile.


• Controlled burns stimulate the germination of some plants. Therefore, controlled burns can help start the regrowth and regeneration of a forest.


• Some seeds require heat to break their outer covering in order to start growing.