Savanna ecosystem project - progress report 1975/1976

Abstract

The results of the second full season (July 1975 - June 1976) of a cooperative multi-disciplinary investigation into the structure and function of a savanna ecosystem at Nylsvley in the Northern Transvaal are briefly reviewed. Rainfall during the period (684 mm) was slightly above the long-term average of 630 mm. Primary production and phytomass were measured using harvest techniques for above ground herbage, C02 gas exchange, and destructive sampling of woody plants for the determination of allometric regressions. Soil cores were taken for the estimation of below ground changes in root mass. Preliminary observations were made of rates and distribution of photosynthetic products in selected grasses and the seasonal variation in the monofluoroacetate concentration of the poisonous plant Di.chapeta.lum eymosum.