Habitat preferences of twenty-seven grasses

Abstract

A statistical analysis of species/habitat data from 521 sites in the Orange Free State is presented with a view to establishing relationships for use in aerial photograph interpretation. Quantitative data on the association between 27 common grasses and the following habitat factors are evaluated: altitude, aspect, slope, stoniness, erosion, trampling, soil pH, consistency, texture and structure. The results indicate the differences in ecological amplitude of the species concerned and suggest that meaningful extrapolation from aerial photographs may be obtained as a result of the highly significant associations established.

Keywords: grasses|habitat preferences|statistical analyses|Orange Free State|relationships|quantitative measures|evaluations|altitudes|aspects|slopes|stones|erosion|trampling|pH|structures|habitat factors|species lists