A mathematical approach to fitting parameters in a competition model.
Abstract
Mathematical parameters were fitted to a 2-species competition model [H.A. 32: 1572] and a statistical test for the hypothesis that the species are competing for the same space was developed. The resulting analyses were applied to data from an experiment in which perennial ryegrass, white clover and Holcus lanatus were grown in monoculture and 2-species mixtures and cut from 3 in. to 1 in. or from 5 in. to 2 in. Results suggested that H. lanatus differed in behaviour from the other 2 species, there were indications of mutual inhibition between H. lanatus and clover, and that lenient cutting appeared to allow greater competitive interference between species.-R.B.