Energy Values of Plant Species and Litter of an Andropogon-Paspalum Grassland

Energy values of species, species groups, and litter in an Andropogon-Paspalum dominated grassland varied but were similar between and within years. Small between-year variations were related to differences in precipitation. Within-year variation was due primarily to phenologic changes and changes in ash content. Equations relating ash content to the actual energy value were highly significant and accounted for a majority of the variation. These equations provided an inexpensive technique for approximating energy values.