The losses of nutrients by fire were assessed in a Trachypogon savanna located in Calabozo, Venezuela. About 95% of the biomass, 97% of N, 61% of P, 76% of K and 65% of Ca and Mg were transferred to the atmosphere. Ash deposition returned between 21-34% of Mg, Ca, K and P and 0.2% of N. Previous data indicated that precipitation and atmospheric fixation (in the case of N) could replace the rest of N, Ca, K and Mg transferred to the atmosphere. As a consequence of frequent burning (annual or biannual), the soil of the savanna showed lower organic matter and available P and K content when it is compared with a 32 year protected savanna.