Vegation Changes During a 30‐Year Period in Grassland Communities Near Hays, Kansas

Abstract

Three plant communities near Hays, Kansas, showed considerable change in the composition of their dominant vegetation over the 30—year period from 1932 to 1961. The short grass community was dominated by Buchloe dactyloides and Bouteloua gracilis in 1932 and dominated only by Bouteloua gracilis in 1961. The little bluestem community was dominated by Andropogon scoparius during favorable years but by Bouteloua curtipendula and Bouteloua gracilis during drought years. The dominants of the little bluestem—big bluestem community were Andropogon scoparius and Andropogon gerardi in 1932 but by 1961 Andropogon gerardi was the only dominant. Two droughts periods, 1933—39 and 1952—56, were important in affecting these vegetation changes.