The Korean Journal of Ecology

The Ecological Society of Korea (한국생태학회)
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Biomass Structure and Dry Matter Dynamics in a Fire Influencing Montane Subtropical Humid Grassland, Western Ghats Southern India

  • Paulsamy, S (Department of Botany, Kongunadu Arts and Science Collage) ;
  • Manian, S. (Department of Botany, Bharathiar University) ;
  • Udaiyan, K. (Department of Botany, Bharathiar University) ;
  • Arumugasamy, K. (Department of Botany, Kongunadu Arts and Science Collage) ;
  • Nagarajan, N. (Department of Botany, Kongunadu Arts and Science Collage) ;
  • Kil, B.S. (Division of Life Science, Wonkwang University)
  • Published : 2001.08.01
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Abstract

The biomass structure for three major components viz., the dominant grass, Chrysopogon zeylanicus Thw., the 'other grasses' and the'remaining species'and dry matter dynamics for total community were studied over a period of one year in an annual fire influenced subtropical humid grassland community in Western Ghats, India. The biomass of aboveground, belowground and litter compartments were high as in other humid grasslands and generally have positive correlation with rainfall, rainy days and relative humidity with the exception of litter parts. The above and belowground net primary productions (4,561 and 722 g/㎡, respectively) were also higher and were comparable with other humid tropical grasslands. The turnover of organic matter was rapid, Of the total input of 14.47 g/㎡ into the system, about 86.3% was allocated to above ground parts and 13.7% to below ground parts. The total disappearance was 2.56 g/㎡ and it was accounted to be 17.68% of the total output. The net surplus of dry matter (82.32%) in the post fire community indicates that the grassland was maintained in a seral stage. Hence it is suggested that prescribed burning may keep this ecosystem in a highly productive and seral stage.

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References

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