Aboveground Biomass Dynamics of Blue Grama in a Shortgrass Steppe and Evaluation of a Method for Separating Live and Dead

Abstract

The relationship between live and dead biomass of blue grama and acetone extractable pigments was determined to assess its utility in predicting live and dead proportions of a mixed sample. We found the technique to be useful and recommend its use when exact separation is not required. Biomass dynamics of blue grama do not usually fit a parabolic model. Much of the variability in live biomass of blue grama can be explained by rainfall pattern during the growing season.