Grassland Types Flashcards
Tropical grasslands: (3)
An intermediate vegetation type between woodland and tropical grassland.
Characterised by scattered trees or shrubs with a grass understory.
Occur in southern and Eastern Africa and Australia.
Natural grasslands: (4)
Form without human intervention.
Distribution and species determined by soil type and climate.
Occur in a generally hot and dry climate.
Can be classified into tropical and temperate.
Temperate grasslands: (2)
Most have been highly exploited and substantially altered through agriculture.
Occur in N America, Argentina, S Africa & China.
Semi-natural grasslands: (2)
Communities that reflect deflected climaxes due to human intervention.
Deforestation, burning or grazing are most common causes.
Intensive / Agricultural grasslands: (2)
Intentionally managed to produce crops.
Usually consist of a limited number of species.
NVC divides grasslands into:
Montane - pH <5
Mesotrophic - pH 5 - 6.5
Calcicolous - pH 6.5 - 8.5
Grassland classified by: Climate
Temperate / Tropical
Grassland classified by: Soil moisture
Wet / Dry
Grassland classified by: Degree of modification by humans
Natural / Semi-natural / Agricultural
Grassland classified by: Primary management
Meadow / Pasture / Sports turf
Grassland classified by: Botanical composition
NVC types.
