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.
Recommended Citation
Chen, Hui, "Ecology of Japanese Brome (Bromus Japonicus Thunb.) on Limestone Soils in Western Kansas" (1988). Master's Theses. 2053.
DOI: 10.58809/YOIG7830
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/2053
Rights
© 1988 Hui Chen
Comments
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