Original Articles

‘n Tegniek om beskikbare bogrondse fitomassa van graspolle in ontblaring‐studies te kwantifiseer*

Published in: Journal of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa
Volume 8 , issue 4 , 1991 , pages: 189–192

DOI: 10.1080/02566702.1991.9648289

Author(s): J.J. Jordaan Departement Landbou‐ontwikkeling (Transvaalstreek), Republiek van Suid‐Afrika , N.F.G. Rethman Departement Plantproduksie, Republiek van Suid‐Afrika , P.A. Pieterse Departement Plantproduksie, Republiek van Suid‐Afrika

Keywords: Growth form , leaf distribution , standing matter availability , utilization

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Abstract

A technique to quantify available above‐ground phytomass of grass tufts in defoliation studies is described. Highly significant correlations were found between tuft volume and above‐ground phytomass in eighteen out of twenty‐two species that were examined. Tuft volume can therefore be used to calculate the above‐ground phytomass of a tuft. This can then be used to obtain a more objective description of utilization. The determination of the relative percentage utilization is based on the percentage material removed from a known amount.

« Habitat preferences of twenty‐three grass species in the Bankenveld

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