Habitat preferences of twenty‐seven grasses

Abstract

A statistical analysis of species/habitat data from 521 sites in the Orange Free State is presented with a view to establishing relationships for use in aerial photograph interpretation. Quantitative data on the association between 27 common grasses and the following habitat factors are evaluated: altitude, aspect, slope, stoniness, erosion, trampling, soil pH, consistency, texture and structure. The results indicate the differences in ecological amplitude of the species concerned and suggest that meaningful extrapolation from aerial photographs may be obtained as a result of the highly significant associations established.

UITTREKSEL

‘n Statistiese ontleding van spesies/habitat data vanaf 521 standplase in die Oranje‐Vrystaat is aange‐bied, met die doel om verwantskappe vir gebruik by lugfoto‐interpretasie te bepaal. Kwantitatiewe data our die assosiasie tussen 27 belangrike grasse en die volgende faktore word geëvalueer : helling, aansig, hoogte, klipperigheid, erosie, vertrapping, grond pH, tekstuur, konsistensie en struktuur. Die resultate dui op die verskil in ekologiese gevoeligheid tussen die betrokke spesies en wys op die moontlikheid van betrou‐bare afleidings t.o.v. botaniese komposisie vanaf lugfotos.