Structural and Non-Structural Energy Components in Grassland Communities: I-Total Sugars

Abstract

Total sugar concentration in the above ground (live) shoots ranged from 4.18% (August) to 11.99% (February) on Site I, 3.46% (September) to 11.98% (Februay) on Site II and 4.49% (April) to 2.67% (February) on Site III. For standing dead vegetation, it showed a range of 1.79% (September) to 6.34% (January) in Site I, 1.7% (August) to 5.18% (February) in Site II and 1.79% (August) to 4.78% (September) in Site III. For litter compartment, the percentage ranged from 1.04% (November) to 5.07% (September) in Site I, 0.63% (December/ January) to 3.57% (February) on Site II and 0.92% (April) to 6.28% (June) on Site III. In below-ground parts it varied between 1.27% (September) to 11.46% (February). 1.96% (September) to 8.18% (June) and 2.36% (August) to l0.02% (March) in Sites I-III respectively.