The Distribution of Photosynthetic Pathway Types on a Mixed-grass Prairie Hillside

Abstract

Plant distributions were examined on a N-facing, mixed-grass prairie hillside near Fort Collins, Colorado. Three plant communities were recognized along the hillside. An Agropyron smithii-dominated community was found at the hilltop, while a Poa-Hordeum-dominated community was located at the base of the slope. Midslope areas supported a Bouteloua-Agropyron-dominated community. Each topographic location had different soil moistures and textures. Grasses with the C4 photosynthetic pathway had highest importance values on well-drained sites where soil moisture was lowest and soils were coarsest. C3 graminoids predominated on the relatively moist upper and lower portions of the hillside.