Temperate Grasslands

Grassland Biomes location, structure and functions

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The temperate grassland biome Prairies of North America Pampas of South America Veldt of South Africa Russian / Mongolian Steppes Australian Bush Canterbury Plains, NZ

Steppe terrain in Russia and Mongolia ,[object Object],[object Object]

Steppe climate What do you think the general climate is like throughout the year and why? (think about factors such as latitude) Cool temperate climate for steppe grasslands (warm temperate climate for Veldt)

Steppe climate ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Mean annual temperatures ranging from –15 in winter to +20 in summer. Continental interior results in low temperatures during winter.

Steppe climate ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Precipitation is a dictating factor on grassland biomes and grass type – more rain generally means taller grasses. Low precipitation (not enough for trees) of around 250-500mm per year. More precipitation in western steppe than in east as there are less rain-bearing winds. 75% of all precipitation falls during the summer months.

[object Object],Steppe climate Threats of drought and fire.

Temperate grassland soils ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

A Horizon 0-50cms Organic matter on top. Strong drying action by winds. Crumbly black topsoil. Matted, random root network with accumulation of mull humus and bases Ca, Ng, Na, K and some Fe, Al and Si. Grasses extract and return minerals. Many biota such as earthworms – nutrient mixing and aids drainage . B1 Horizon 50-100cms Fine vertical roots. Slight leaching of nutrients especially after spring snow melt and summer storms. Loess B2 Horizon 100-160cms Calcification occurs - nodules of CaCo 3 form. Loess C Horizon 160-200 cms weathered parent rock Lime-rich parent rock 200cms

Last lesson … ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

Why no trees? ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

Steppe biodiversity ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

Flora What advantages do you think these grasses have for survival in the environment that they live in? ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

F auna ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

GPP and NPP in temperate grasslands ,[object Object],[object Object]

[object Object],Comparative NPP rates in different biomes Temperate forest – 5000 Kcal/m 2 /yr Temperate grasslands – 2000 Kcal/m 2 /yr Desert – 500 Kcal/m 2 /yr

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Tropical rainforest Steppe nutrient storage nutrient storage L B S B L S

S B L Input dissolved in rainfall Release as litter decomposes Uptake by plants Loss in runoff Fall out as tissues die Input weathered from rock Loss by leaching

Temperate Grasslands

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