Produced by Michael G, former colleague. Good outline of temperate grasslands, with some Google Earth images of the steppes.

1. Grassland Biomes location, structure and functions

3. The temperate grassland biome Prairies of North America Pampas of South America Veldt of South Africa Russian / Mongolian Steppes Australian Bush Canterbury Plains, NZ

5. Steppe climate What do you think the general climate is like throughout the year and why? (think about factors such as latitude) Cool temperate climate for steppe grasslands (warm temperate climate for Veldt)

8. Typical Steppe climate graph

13. A Horizon 0-50cms Organic matter on top. Strong drying action by winds. Crumbly black topsoil. Matted, random root network with accumulation of mull humus and bases Ca, Ng, Na, K and some Fe, Al and Si. Grasses extract and return minerals. Many biota such as earthworms – nutrient mixing and aids drainage . B1 Horizon 50-100cms Fine vertical roots. Slight leaching of nutrients especially after spring snow melt and summer storms. Loess B2 Horizon 100-160cms Calcification occurs - nodules of CaCo 3 form. Loess C Horizon 160-200 cms weathered parent rock Lime-rich parent rock 200cms

22. Mineral recycling

24. Tropical rainforest Steppe nutrient storage nutrient storage L B S B L S

25. S B L Input dissolved in rainfall Release as litter decomposes Uptake by plants Loss in runoff Fall out as tissues die Input weathered from rock Loss by leaching