Chin J Plan Ecolo ›› 1987, Vol. 11 ›› Issue (2): 106-112.

Special Issue: 青藏高原植物生态学:群落生态学

• Research Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The Allocation of the Biomass and Energy in Kobresia humilis Meadow, Haibei District, Qinghai Province

Yang Fu-tun, Wang Qi-ji, Shi Shun-hai   

  • Published:1987-02-10
  • Contact: Zong Shi-xian

Abstract: This work was carried out at the Haibei research station of alpine meadow ecosystem in 1980. Not only the distribution range of the Kobresia humilis alpine meadow on the Qinghai-Xizang plateau is widespread, its quality is also excellent. It occupies a very important place in animal husbandry. We have investigated the allocation of the biomass and energy in Kobresia humilis meadow. We measured the biomass dynamics of above-underground by periodical harvest method, and the plants caloric values at different phenological stages were determined by JR-2800 bomb calorimeter. The result expressed: the biomass seasonal dynamics was obvious in Kobresia humilis meadow, the biomass of above ground varied with water and thermal conditions as well as growing development stages of the plants. The biomass above ground achieved peak value (296.66g/m2) on the 1st of September; Then the biomass gradual decreased until ceased before withering. The biomass of underground was medium durint the reviving period, minimum during flourishing period, maximum during the withering period. This concerned the growing development stages and organic matter transport. The plant’s caloric value in Kobresia humilis was maximum during flourishing period, medium during the withering period, minimum during the reviving period. The caloric values of plant groups: sedges was maximum, grasses medium, forbs minimum. The net primary production in Kobresia humilis meadow was 909.40g/m2·a; among others, aboveground part was 296.66g/m2·a; the underground was 596.67g/m2·a. and litter was 16.16g/m2·a; the solar energy storage of community was different in different growing period; the solar energy storage was maximum before the withering period. The utilization rate of solar energy in Kobresia humilis meadow was 0.295 per cent during the gowing season.