Master's Theses

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Date of Award

Summer 1988

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

Advisor

Robert Nicholson

Abstract

Japanese brome (Bromus japonicas) is common, cool-season, introduced annual on native rangelands in western Kansas. It is usually abundant in valleys, gully basins, and on flat locations; but rare on microridges and tops of the shallow limy range site. The purpose of this study was to ascertain what major factors cause this facto and provide some data to describe the relation of the plant to its microenvironment. Conclusions were based on experiments conducted in the green house, laboratory, and field. Soil surface moisture probably played an important role in determining Japanese brome germination and seedling establishment. Properties of limestone soils had no effects on the plant germination; but they would be associated with soil surface moisture, thus affecting plant growth, development, and distribution on the shallow limy range site. The Soil properties could become more important when the soil surface moisture was sufficient. The litters cover perhaps acts as an important factor determining plant germination and establishment mostly on the locations where microenvironments are physically too dry. Some microsites might be suitable refuges for individuals or small populations of Japanese brome to succeed on the shallow limy range site.

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Rights

© 1988 Hui Chen

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