The relative frequency of occurrence of plants (or plant parts) is determined at increasing distances from a focus, where the relative frequency is unity. The area under the resulting frequency/distance curve is determined, as a measure of spread. Effect of treatments on spread can be compared by comparing these areas. A rate?of?spread index can be calculated from areas determined at successive times. A model is proposed which enables the area under the curve to be estimated from only three (or even two) frequency determinations. The amount of field work is thereby much reduced. Use of the model is illustrated by comparing the spread of Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyu) and several Cynodon cullivars in a nursery.
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.