Bioproductivity in relation to photosynthesis in four grassland ecosystems in Kenya

Abstract

Productivity studies were carried out in four grassland ecosystems differing in several environmental constraints using two harvesting programmes; "Continuous growt.h plo t s" CC G P) and "Permanent plots" CPP). The effects of environmental factors and clipping on production were investigated. Photosynthetic pathway exhibited by each grass species was ascertained anatomically while rates of photosynthesis and transpiration and associated leaf diffusive and mesophyll resistances were determined at various light and temperature levels