Seasonal and Morphological Variation in Caloric Content of Andropogon Gerardi, Andropogon Scoparius, and Buoteloua Curtipendula in the Hays, Kansas Area

Author

N. David Schmidt, Fort Hays Kansas State College

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

DOI

10.58809/ULEQ7636

Date of Award

Summer 1967

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

Advisor

G. K. Hulett

Abstract

Plant samples were taken from July 6, 1966 to March 3, 1967. The caloric content was determined for three morphological parts of Andropogon gerardi, Andropogon scoparius and Bouteloua curtipendula in a peroxide bomb calorimeter. Highly significant differences existed between the different morphological parts with standing dead containing the most energy while roots and litter contained less. A highly significant difference was noted in the species x part interaction and a significant difference was noted in the month x part interaction. The data indicate that a good portion of these significant differences was due to the great difference in energy content of morphological parts. Standing dead and root values of Andropogon scoparius in the study area were found to be quite similar to those of Andropogon virginicus in Georgia. However, the western litter value was much lower. Energy values were established for three grass species of the Kansas Mixed Prairie. The value established for Andropogon gerardi and Andropogon scoparius was 3519 g cal/g dry wt and the value for Bouteloua curtipendula was 3373 g cal/g dry wt.

Comments

For questions contact ScholarsRepository@fhsu.edu

Recommended Citation

Schmidt, N. David, "Seasonal and Morphological Variation in Caloric Content of Andropogon Gerardi, Andropogon Scoparius, and Buoteloua Curtipendula in the Hays, Kansas Area" (1967). Master's Theses. 1089.
DOI: 10.58809/ULEQ7636
Available at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/1089

Rights

© 1967 Noel David Schmidt