Master's Theses

Department

Biology

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

Herbage dynamics of three plant communities were estimated from June, 1971, to May, 1972, on a Mixed Prairie grassland in Trego County, Kansas. Specific functional attributes estimated were: (1) net primary production, (2) productivity rates, and (3) standing crops of mulch. The relationships of available soil moisture to net primary production was assessed. The three communities sampled were Andropogon gerardi, Bouteloua gracilis-Buchloe dactyloides, and Bouteloua curtipendula-Bouteloua gracilis. Net primary production for these three communities was estimated at 430, 238, and 257 g/m2, respectively. Forbs contributed 45% of the estimate of net primary production (257 g/m2) in the Bouteloua curtipendula-Bouteloua gracilis community. In the Andropogon gerardi community, daily productivity rates for Andropogon gerardi were relatively stable from June to August, 1971, whereas rates for total green herbage increased during the same period. Rate of production for Bouteloua gracilis plus Buchloe dactyloides in the Bouteloua gracilis-Buchloe dactyloides community was highest in August, 1971. Bromus japonicas was the only major cool season species of grass in this community and reached its peak standing crop and highest productivity rate in May, 1972. Mulch was the dominant biomass component in all three communities and levels remained relatively constant during the sample period.

Keywords

Andropogon furcatus, Trego County (Kan.), Side-oats grama, Soil conservation, Biology, Grasses, Prairies, Analysis

Advisor

Dr. Gary K. Hulett

Date of Award

Spring 1974

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Rights

© The Author(s)

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