Title | Population dynamics of grass-forb complexes on a semidesert range and some demographic aspects of James rushpea (Hoffmanseggia jamesii Torr. and Gray) |
Publication Type | Thesis |
Year of Publication | 1981 |
Authors | Suliman MMohamed |
Number of Pages | 169 |
Date Published | 1981 |
University | New Mexico State University |
City | Las Cruces, New Mexico |
Thesis Type | Ph.D. Dissertationpp |
Call Number | 00328 |
Keywords | demography, Hoffmanseggia, demography,grass-forb complexes, dissertation, dissertations, grass-forb complex,population dynamics, Hoffmanseggia,demography, plant,James rushpea,Hoffmanseggia, population dynamics,grass-forb, theses, thesis |
Abstract | Dynamics of forbs and important grass species from 1915 to 1974 were investigated utilizing records from long-term charted quadrats on the Jornada Experimental Range, USDA, SEA-AR, in southern New Mexico. A short-term demographic study focusing on longevity and age-structure of the perennial forb, James rushpea (Hoffmanseggia jamesii), was also conducted using a technique for counting growth increments. Interesting results were obtained by the study of some demographic aspects of James rushpea. A maximum number of 9 growth increments was found for this species. A highly significant correlation (P<.001) was found between the number of growth increments and the cormlike base circumference (cm.). Age-structure of this species was described by two patterns: A J-shaped pattern on protected and highly disturbed sites, and an inverse J-shaped pattern on lightly grazed sites. |