Structure and Primary Productivty of Lamto Savannas, Ivory Coast

Lamto savannas (Ivory Coast) are characterized by the heterogeneity of their structure and by their dynamic evolution towards forest. Life—forms and phenological cycles of herbs, shrubs, and trees reflect the constraining factors of the environment. Biomass and productivity are largely dependent on soil and climate. The specific cycles of above— and belowground biomass allow an estimate of the primary productivity. Production of shrubs and trees, obtained from size—biomass correlations and growth measures, is compared with herb production to give an insight into the ecological balance of the savanna communities.