THE FESCUE GRASSLAND OF ALBERTA

Abstract

A distinction is drawn between the virgin fescue prairie described as the Festuca scabrella association, and the fescue grassland produced by mowing for hay or by grazing. The virgin or climax association, dominated by Festuca scabrella, is characterized by some 150 species of higher plants. Various of the associated species, notably a few of the grasses, increase greatly in frequency and coverage when the prairie is used as hay meadow or as pasture, while the fescue shows a corresponding decline. Where grazing has been heavy the fescue has virtually disappeared. The fescue association is considered in relation to Stipa, poplar, and other contiguous plant communities. The name 'submontane' for the fescue prairie of Alberta and Saskatchewan is inappropriate. The fescue association is believed to have been associated with the formation of the black soils of Alberta, including the soils of those black and gray-black zones occupied in recent times by wooded vegetation. The bulk of the organic matter in the black soils has apparently derived from a single species of grass, viz. Festuca scabrella. An understanding of climax communities and successional relationships is basic to a proper classification of range land for lease purposes, and to sound long-term administrative policy for this land.