Patterns of Shoot Growth in a Semi-Arid Grassland in Zimbabwe

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Abstract
Grass shoot yields in a semi-arid rangeland in south-western Zimbabwe were recorded over 5 years to observe patterns of growth in relation to the erratic rainfall characteristics of the region. Total grass yield, and the growth of the three predominant species (Cymbopogon plurinodis (Stapf) Stapf ex Burtt Davy, Heteropogon contortus (L.) Roem. and Schult. and Themedia triandra Forssk.), were interpreted in relation to the availability of soil moisture in the growing season. Different growth strategies were inferred from patterns of shoot growth and of phenology. It was concluded that the timing of rainfall within a growing season was important in that it conferred an advantage to one of other of these species which differed markedly in their temporal ability to respond to favourable conditions of soil moisture with shoot growth. This phenomenon could account for observed differences in the proportions of these species from year to year and might have important implications for rangeland improvement.

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