Basic Abiotic Factors (Topic 2 & 3)
Temperate grasslands receive low to moderate levels of precipitation per year ranging from 20-35 inches. Rainfall typically occurs during late spring and early summer. In the northern hemisphere, precipitation is usually in the form of snow. Temperatures in the grasslands vary tremendously throughout the year with the summer temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) and winter temperatures reaching -40 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Fahrenheit). Strong winds blow in temperate grasslands and the lack of trees and other wind breaks cause disruptions and displacement in the soil. The soil is made of a deep organic layer that is formed by the decaying roots of the grasses and stems/leaves of the prairie plants. The rich soil composition has made it one of the best soils for agriculture.
Temperate grasslands have an absence of tall plants such as woody shrubs and trees. They have a deep root system with allows shorter types of grasses to be firmly rooted in the ground to reduce erosion and conserve water. Taller grasses are found in warmer areas with more rainfall. Fire is a natural recurring feature in grasslands. Because temperate grasslands are an open ecosystem in that they have little biotic and abiotic factors blocking the sun, they have a high input of solar radiation.
Limiting factors include the levels of annual precipitation. Grass fires limit the growth of other plant life as tree seedlings and saplings are destroyed before they could grow. The dynamic temperatures during the winter and summer are also a limiting factor. The grazing of livestock causes disruptions in the grasslands and allows for the spreading of cacti and invasive brush.
Temperate grasslands have an absence of tall plants such as woody shrubs and trees. They have a deep root system with allows shorter types of grasses to be firmly rooted in the ground to reduce erosion and conserve water. Taller grasses are found in warmer areas with more rainfall. Fire is a natural recurring feature in grasslands. Because temperate grasslands are an open ecosystem in that they have little biotic and abiotic factors blocking the sun, they have a high input of solar radiation.
Limiting factors include the levels of annual precipitation. Grass fires limit the growth of other plant life as tree seedlings and saplings are destroyed before they could grow. The dynamic temperatures during the winter and summer are also a limiting factor. The grazing of livestock causes disruptions in the grasslands and allows for the spreading of cacti and invasive brush.