Primary production of a grassland in Nairobi National Park, Kenya.
Abstract
Primary production of a grassland in Nairobi National Park was estimated at harvest and by mortality estimates of the 3 most abundant grass spp. (Themeda triandra, Setaria phleoides, Pennisetum mezianum). Net primary DM production was 651 and 420 g/m2 as a result of long and short rains in March-April and Oct.-Dec., resp. Productivity for the whole year was 705, 249 and 13 g/m2 for T. triandra, S. phleoides and P. mezianum, resp. Reduction due to grazing by large herbivores amounted to <4% of annual net primary production. Implications of the results for management of the park are discussed.