Changes of biomass in some perennial grass species.

Abstract

Patterns of seasonal herbaceous biomass change in a burned, ungrazed savanna woodland are reported. A standard clipping technique was used and material farmed in the current season was separated from that formed in the previous season for three perennial grass species: Brachiaria nigropedata, Andropogon gayanus and Aristida stipitata. Different regression formulae were applied to characterize seasonal treads in total biomass, decrease at previous season's biomass during the growing season and increase in current season's biomass. Regression formulae were used in combination to determine pattern of decrease of current season's biomass.

Keywords: andropogon gayanus; aristida stipitata; biomass; botany; brachiaria nigropedata; change; grasses; herbaceous biomass; namibia; perennial grass; savanna; south west africa