Marked populations of Themeda triandra and Sporobolus fimbriatus tillers were sequentially harvested at fortnightly intervals both under irrigation and under unamended moisture conditions. Sampling covered a period from tiller initiation through to senescence after flowering. Tiller masses and green leaf areas were used to derive absolute growth rates, relative growth rates, net assimilation rates and leaf area ratios respectively. Growth rates of Themeda triandra were higher, or were maintained at high levels for longer than those of Sporobolus fimbriatus. Moisture stress resulted in considerably depressed growth rates. Photosynthetic efficiency of spring emerging tillers was potentially greatest in midsummer, but this seasonal influence was masked by moisture stress on non?irrigated treatments.
Journal articles from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) African Journal of Range and Forage Science as well as related articles and reports from throughout the southern African region.