A Model of the root biomass dynamics of a shortgrass prairie dominated by blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis)

Abstract

This paper reports on a compartment model of the root biomass dynamics of a short-grass prairie dominated by blue grama in which fluxes between compartments are time-varying functions controlled by the donor or acceptor compartment. The objectives of the modelling were (i) to synthesize into a conceptual framework the available information on root biomass dynamics, (ii) to detect those processes which are highly sensitive, and (iii) to elicit critical lacunae in our knowledge of the system. The sensitivity analysis of the model indicated that the rate of translocation of carbon from the above-ground carbon pool to the nonsuberized roots, their rate of respiration and death, and the rate of their ageing are crucial in changing the pattern of carbon distribution in the whole system.