Variation in grassland in relation to slope aspect in central Saskatchewan

Abstract

Previous studies in the grassland of central Canada have been mainly concerned with delimiting the norm, that is with those communities which are considered to be growing in average environments. In such environments, microclimate is believed to be producing its fullest effect. Coupland (1950) in his extensive survey of the Mixed Prairie in Saskatchewan states that the summits and hollows were avoided when sampling in a hilly region, and general notes on the effect of slope on the vegetation were deemed sufficient as a preliminary survey. Moss (1944) and Moss and Campbell (1947) commented on the variations in the composition of vegetation on slopes in some regions of Alberta. Again no quantitative data were given.

This investigation was made, therefore, to amplify the general conclusions with objective results obtained by sampling vegetation on slopes of different aspect, the depressions being omitted. Some information as to the microclimate of the areas was also obtained, although this was of only a preliminary nature.