CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Biological diversity (“biodiversity”) refers to a broad spectrum of types and levels of

biological variation. It is the variety of life and it plays an important role as collectively to

variations at all levels of biological organizations (Gaston and Spicer, 1998). All species are

interconnected and are seemingly dependent on one another. According to ClientEarth (2021),

biodiversity is the natural world around us, and the variety of all of the different kinds of organisms

– the plants, animals, insects and micro-organisms that live on our planet it is one of the most

precious and important things we have. The word biodiversity originates from the Greek word

Bios means life and the Latin word Diversitas means variety or difference; therefore, the word

biodiversity means the variety of life. Definitely, a lot of aspects we can deal with biodiversity and

its ecosystem. Without biodiversity, our entire support system for human, as well as animal life,

would collapse. We rely on nature to provide us with food and clean water, for a lot of medicines,

and to prevent flooding and other extreme weather effects. Our biodiversity is being dominated by

plants and herbivores that consumes them (Futuyma et al., 2009). Ecological niche breadth

(specialization) and niche differentiation (complementarily) play a crucial role for species

coexistence and hence biodiversity (Bluthgen et al., 2011). Despite the fact that species may seem

redundant when considering one function under a particular set of environmental variables, many

species are required to maintain several roles at various times and locations in a changing world

(Cardinale B. et al., 2011).

 Grasslands are one of the major ecosystems of the world, covering close to one-third of the

earth’s terrestrial surface (Suttie et al., 2005). Grasses are a plant with narrow leaves growing from

the base and some common grasses are used to cover the ground. These grasses are the most

valuable horizontal green plant with about 11,000 species, and more than 650 types. It is one of

the largest families of the flower plants (Almusaed, 2017). Grasses are the low, green, nonwoody

plants belonging to the grass family Poaceae, the sedge family Cyperaceae, and the rush family

Juncaceae (Lotha, 2023). They are usually seen in steppes or prairies, tundra, coastal marshes,

pioneer or early successional communities, disturbed sites and in certain aquatic communities (Lu

& Liu, 2002). Grasses that comes from the family of Graminea, has an important group of plants

that are deemed important in a variety of environment (Gould & Shaw, 1983).

Grasses are agriculture’s most important plat family (Keller and Feuillet, 2000). A well-

managed grass is globally recognized for their high biodiversity and for their social and cultural

values. These grasses could supply additional non-agricultural services, such as the water supply

and for flow regulation, carbon storage, erosion control, climate mitigation, pollination, and

cultural ecosystem services (Bengtsson et al., 2019). They also support an array of native

herbivores; they are usually affected for the energy consumption of this organisms. Different

species are usually capable of withstanding moderate grazing, but the frequent overgrazing causes

changes in its composition (Risser, 1988).

Grass is first and foremost a sustainable plant because it can store so much carbon in the

soil, thus, it can help reduce the CO2 levels in the atmosphere. The blending of different types and

varieties has led to a varied plant population that can stand up to all kinds of extremes (Barenburg,

2023). A plant species’ contaminant tolerance and growth potential are directly related to its

biochemistry and physiology (Huang et al., 2004). Thus, grasses are not only constituting staple
food crops but are grown as fodder for livestock, grown in ornamental landscape, soil conservation

and for bio-fuel feedstock (Pradhan, 2022).

Significance of the Study

This study which focuses on the inventory of grass species that could be a help in the future

research in effective environmental management. Although grasses are not deemed of great

importance as they may seem too common for people, but they are naturally a part of an ecosystem.

This inventory assessment on grasses can provide information that may be used to convince people

their importance and to be able to utilize them better.

Objectives of the Study

This study aims to conduct and document different grass species in the Visayas State

University – Alangalang Campus, Alangalang, Leyte. Specifically, this study ought to;

1. Determine the species compositions of grass species in VSU-Alangalang, and

2. Determine the species diversity of grasses in terms of richness, percent cover, percent

frequency and coefficient similarities indices (Sorenson’s coefficient and Jaccard’s Coefficient

similarity Index).

Scope and Delimitations of the Study

This study is limited only to the inventory of grass species on the campus of Visayas State

University, Alangalang, Leyte. This inventory is sought to determine the diversity, evenness, and

the similarities of species among sites – woodland, agricultural land, and grassland. Furthermore,

grasses were the only species considered in recording the data, and the study delimits on the

inventory of other plants species like herbs, shrubs, and ferns are not considered.
 CHAPTER 2

REAVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

In this chapter, it includes the ideas, finished thesis, generalizations, or conclusions,

methodologies and others. Those that were included in this chapter helps to familiarizing

information that are relevant and similar to the present today.

Grassland’s Biodiversity

The most unique feature of Earth is the existence of life, and the most extraordinary feature

of life is its diversity (Cardinale et al., 2012). Biodiversity refers to all the different kinds of living

organisms within a given area. It considers all types and kinds of organisms existing on the planet

including plants, animals, and other microorganisms (Cadre, 2013). All species are interconnected

and are seemingly dependent on one another. Biodiversity is more than something beautiful to

look at, it is also what provides us with so many of our basic needs (Turnhout et al., 2020). Despite

the fact that species may seem redundant when considering one function under a particular set of

environmental variables, many species are required to maintain several roles at various times and

locations in a changing world (Cardinale et al., 2011). Diversity matters because it has a big effect

on the productivity and stability of natural ecosystems, and on the services, they provide (Roe,

2019). It has been observed that the planet’s biodiversity is steadily decreasing.

Grasses are rarely vining or aquatics; they are perennial or annual, terrestrial, and typically

free-standing. Grasses include all the cereal crops and 75% of cultivated forage crops (Barnes et

al., 1995). Instead of a taproot, lie in many dicotyledons, the root system comprises of fine, fibrous

roots. There are numerous explanations for why there are currently so many genera and species of

grasses, due to adaptations that make grasses ecologically successful, the grass spikelet has
apparently been a competent means of protecting the flower, developing the fruit, and dispersing

the seed (Watson, 1992). It has evolved into a myriad of forms y addition, loss, and modification

of parts. The seven families that make up the grass group within Poales are Poaceae, Restionaceae,

Centrolepidaceae, Anarthriaceae, Ecdeiocoleaceae, Flagellariaceae, and Joinvilleaceae (Hosch,

2008). Grasses occur in almost every habitat around the world from the equator to the polar

regions, sea level to mountain heights and aquatic to desert environments (Wheeler et al., 1982).

Grassland make up one of the planet’s predominant biomes and can cover up to 40% of its

land surface (Peterman and Buzhdygan, 2021). In terms of species variety, it may even dwarf

tropical rainforests as one of the planet’s most species-rich environments. Grasslands may support

a staggering variety of species, particularly in temperate areas (Axelrod, 1985).

Importance of Grasses

Ecological Importance

Grass is first and foremost a sustainable plant. Because it can store so much carbon in the

soil, it helps reduce the CO2 levels in the atmosphere. Grasses have acquired characteristics that

enable them to survive harsh climates, particular soil types, fires, and herbivory. Grasses faces

tougher challenges than in past especially due to climate change and increasing water shortages.

Grass with long roots, however, can easily extract more water from the soil, thus reducing the need

for irrigation (Almussaed et al., 2015). These factors all help to maintain grasslands by preventing

the establishment, survival, expansion, and dominance of woody plants. Grassland ecosystem

benefits they offer (Pettermann and Buzhdygan, 2021).

A study by Tomaskin and Tomaskinova (2012), have the results that confirms the

importance of non-production functions of grass swards that bring enormous ecological,

environmental, and social even if this value cannot be monetized. From the point of view of the

environmental functions, the grass swards root system constitutes some biological barrier fro crop

contaminations by heavy metals concentrated in soil. There has been the highest concentration in

soil and the reduced one in the tilling zone.

Agricultural Importance

Grass species are by far the most significant among plant crops. The first domesticated

plants were wheats (Triticum sp.) and barley (Hordeum vulagare) (Zohary and Hopf, 2000).

Today, the main crops for humans are bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), rice (Oryza sativa), maize

(Zeamays), sorghum (Sorgum bicolor), and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum). Although most of

these are currently considered minor crops; many additional grasses were domesticated as cereals.

(Simmonds, 1976). From an agricultural, economic, and ecological standpoint, the grass family is

without a doubt the most significant plant family to humanity (Wheeler et al., 1982).

Economic Importance

Grasses are of many importance economically, for instance, with food, fodder, beverages,

and even with industrial use. Several grass species are grown for ornamental purposes, extract and

process to be used in making various perfumes, medicines, soaps, and many others (Koirala, 2018).

Selection of particular grasses for landscape areas plays a major role in the activation of recreation

function throughout the walking and visiting od some picturesque regions, historic gardens.

Recreation function is an organic and spiritual necessity for human beings to escape from the

artificial environment of the cities (Al-samaraee, 2012). Bermuda grass for example, is a highly

variable, hardy, long-lived perennial grass, and is one of the most used warm-season forages in the

world. (Hacker et al., 1998).

Threats on Grasslands

Many studies suggest that species diversity and abiotic factors promote ecosystem

multifunctional. However, whether ecosystem multifunctional is impacted by phylogenetic

diversity remains controversial (Shu et al., 2022). Climate, topography, and human activities are

known to influence plant diversity. Human civilization’s expansion has a specific impact on

grassland biomes, which are defined by large areas of land where grasses are the primary form of

plant life. Human expansion into these areas are frequently threatens the grazing land for many

species of animals, which in turn provide a food source for larger predators (Carr, 2018). Due to

human population growth e.g. human activity-induced environmental changes and natural

environmental changes causing the agricultural and industrial production to extensively increasing

(Moloi et al., 2021). Almost half of all in temperate grassland and for about 16% of tropical

grassland have been converted to agricultural or industrial uses (Walters, 2019). The uniqueness

of grassland from most other biomes wherein grasslands are relatively simple in structure but rich

in number of species. However, most areas of the prairie have experienced serious declines in

biodiversity. Grasses have been especially impacted by decades of human induced alterations to

the prairies that have allowed for the invasion of non-native species. Today, non-native grasses

account for 13 - 30 percent of prairie grass species. Loss of diversity continues as forested patches,

tilled soil, and woody corridors increase on the prairie landscape. Grassland ecosystems worldwide

have been threatened by woody encroachment, which is a result of overgrazing, fire suppression,

grassland abandonment, nitrogen pollution, and increased atmospheric CO2. Fragmentation of

grasslands has reached ∼37% of grassland area globally, causing gradual losses of grassland

structure and functions. With this, the long-term intensive human activities caused vegetation

degradation, species loss and a decline in plant richness (Hussein et al., 2021).
Conservation of Grasses

Much of Earth’s grassland has been lost to agricultural development, threatening wildlife

but there are many emerging solutions in conserving grasses (Wolters, 2019). These plantlets can

be used in several ways to fulfil conservation goals including the repopulation of regions with

declining densities of threatened species that hold cultural meaning. However, the potential of in

vitro technologies in the conservation of plants that hold cultural meaning is understudied (Kulak,

et al., 2022). Due to excess degradation in the environment, grasses play a vital role in conservation

and restoration of biodiversity and in ecosystem by phytoremediation, in the environment’s carbon

sequestration, resistance of abiotic stress, soil conservation, nutritional security for livestock with

higher fodder value, and medicinal and aromatic property (Singh et al., 2022). The current levels

of grassland protection are not sufficient to maintain biodiversity and functioning of the grassland

biome. Temperate grasslands are, in fact, the least protected habitat in the world, with only ∼4%

of the biome under protected status (Petermann & Buzhdygan, 2021). Fodders and grasses can be

preserved either as hay (dried fodder) or as silage (wet fodder), depending on the weather

conditions and the available resources (Singh et al., 1995). Most especially, these grasses have

been directly impacted by decades of human induced alterations to the prairies that have allowed

for the invasion of non-native species. Certainly, the grassland biome is much different today than

before extensive alteration. But with continued persistence and action by dedicated conservation

interests, biodiversity can be preserved and increased throughout the region.

 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

Study Site

The municipality of Alangalang, Leyte is landlocked town with an area of 151 km2. It is

bounded on the North Barugo and San Miguel, on the South by Pastrana, on the Northeast by

Tacloban City, on the East by Santa Fe, and on the west by Jaro. The study will be conducted on

Visayas State University – Alangalang Campus that located on Barangay Binongtoan, Alangalang,

Leyte. It is approximately at north 110134.51” and east of 124049’43” with an elevation of 43.21

meter (141.78 ft) above sea level. Consequently, three (3) sampling sites will be selected through

a topography and existing vegetation in the area and labeled as sampling location 1, 2, and 3.

Sampling location 1 is randomly selected, then followed by subsequent sampling locations 2 and

3 guided by 5-meter interval. Each sampling locations display different types of soil

(Sanglahi,2022).

Figure 1: Geographical Position of Study Site

Research Materials

For establishment of transect lines, two (2) bamboo stands and a 23-meter transect line was

measured is utilizing by a tape measure. The bamboo stands serve as the indicators of the start and

end points of the transect lines, respectively. On the other hand, 0.5-meter × 0.5-meter quadrat grid

was used for data sampling. To measure the distance or interval between each quadrat along the

transect lines there is a use of meter tape to measure. Thus, the same equipment is used to measure

the interval between the sampling locations. (The Quadrant Cut Method to Measure Grass, 2023).

Data Gathering Procedure

In gathering grass species, we utilized a use of knife or bolo to collect a representative

sample of grass species and will be placed in plastic containers, labeled, and recorded. Local names

were gathered through interview with residents in the locality. Identification of the grass species

using taxonomic references like “Guide to Grassland Plants” by Santos (1983), and “Guide to

Philippine Flora and Fauna” (Vol. IV). Photographs of the grasses are taken to facilitate

identification (Goetz et al., 2019)

Data Analysis

The richness, percent cover and the similarity index of the grass species was derived.

Species richness (s) emphasizes the number of different species represented in an

ecological community.

Percent frequency (%) emphasizes how often a species occur in samples.

# of quadrats species is found

% 𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 =
totsl # of quadrats
 Percent cover (%) emphasizes how much space a species occupies in a quadrat sample.

Sorenson’s coefficient similarity index (SCSI) emphasizes of joint appearance of species

presence in both compared paired groups rather than their mismatches of species occurrences. The

index is also termed as the Dice Similarity Index. SCSI is use for the pairwise comparison of

species compositions of the three (3) different sampling locations.

2Sc
𝑆𝐶𝑆𝐼 = 𝑥100
Sa + Sb + 2Sc

Where:

Sc = number of species common in two samples

Sa = number of species unique to the station a

Sb = number of species unique to the station b

Jaccard’s coefficient similarity index (JCSI), is another form of similarity index for binary

data which has an equal relevance to SCSI, however, it is use to have a clear state of the presence

and absence of species between different paired forest areas. It is easily computed as

Sc
𝐽𝐶𝑆𝐼 = 𝑥 = 𝑥100
Sa + Sb + Sc

Where:

Sc = number of species common in two samples

Sa = number of species unique to the station a

Sb = number of species unique to the station b

 CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents the results and discussion of the data gathered on the assessment of

grass species composition, richness, percent cover (%), and the similarity index from three areas

such as Site 1 (woodland), site 2 (cropland), and site 3 (grassland) in Visayas State University

Alangalang Campus.

Grass Species Composition

A total of eight (8) species belonging to three (3) families were identified and counted in

the different land-use types in Visayas State University, Alangalang Campus. As shown in table

1, the grass species recorded and identified have been dominated by the Poaceae family having six

(6) species all over which are composed of Chrysopogon aciculate, Cynodon nlemfuensis,

Digitaria sanguinalis, Microstegium vimineum, Paspalum conjugatom, and Paspalum

scrobiculatom. On the other hand, only one species each has been recorded for both Cyperaceae

and Fabaceae family which are Cyperus rotundus and Minosa pudica, respectively.

Table 1. List of Grass Species identified in Visayas State University – Alangalang Campus

FAMILY NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

Cyperaceae Cyperus rotundus Linn. Nutsedge

Fabaceae Mimosa pudica Linn Shameplant
Chrysopogon aciculata Retz Love Grass
Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst Star Grass
Digitaria sanguinalis Scrob. Hairy Crab Grass
Poaceae Microstegium vimineum Trin. Stiltgrass
Paspalum conjugatom Berg. Carabao Grass
Paspalum scrobiculatom Linn Kudu Millet
 Grass Species Distribution

There were four (3) grass species found in woodland inside the campus of Visayas State

University, Alangalang, Leyte namely; Microstegium vimineum, Paspalum conjugatom, and

Paspalum scrobiculatum, belonging to family Poaceae. While there are five (4) grass species found

in cropland namely; Cyperus rotundus, Digitaria sanguinalis, Mimosa pudica, and Paspalum

conjugatom, belonging to family Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, and Poaceae respectively. In the grassland

site, a total of four (4) grass species were found and recorded, namely; Cyperus rotundus,

Chrysopogon aciculatas, Cynodon nlemfuensis, and Paspalum conjugatum, belonging to family

Cyperaceae and Poaceae respectively. Among the identified grass species, only Paspalum

conjugatom appeared on all thrre (3) sites. The species found in all sites probably are adaptive in

different land area they grow and are able to tolerate certain conditions (delos Angeles, 2020).

According to a study by Cayssials and Rodriguez (2013) grass species are more favor in

growing in open habitats, as light is a basic requirement for grass growth. Warm-season grasses

are are generally more heat and drought tolerant than cool-season grasses, but they are less tolerant

on shade. Although shade can increase herbaceous biomass productivity under individual tree

crowns (Belsky, 1994) it can also lead to the exclusion of warm-season grass species (Parr et al.,

2014). Roots on shaded grass grow shallow, and the growth slows. Paspalum conjugatom is one

example of warm season grasses, to which it is less tolerant to shade (Martin et al., 2017).
Table 2. Distribution of Grass Species across the sampling site in different land-use types of
Visayas State University, Alangalang Campus (2023)

WHETHER PRESENT OR ABSENT

SCIENTIFIC NAME SITE 1 SITE 2 SITE 3
(WOODLAND) (CROPLAND) (GRASSLAND)
Chrysopogon aciculatas - - +
Cynodon nlemfuensis - - +
Cyperus retondus - + +
Digitaria sanguinalis - + -
Microstegium vimineum + - -
Mimosa pudica - + -
Paspalum conjugatom + + +
Paspalum scrobiculatom + - -
Legend: (+) = Present (-) = Absent

Percent Cover (%)

Table 3 indicates that in site 1, which is the woodland, most plots were covered by

Paspalum conjugatum, with total average of 25.2% from all the plots established. It is then

followed by Microstegium vimineum, with a percent cover of 1% while the Paspalum

scrobiculatum only covered about 0.4% from all the plots in site 1. In site 2, which is the cropland,

the grass species Digitaria sanguinalis, covered 45% of all plots established, followed by Mimosa

pudica with 29%, Paspalum conjugatum with 23.4%, and Cyperus rotundus with 2.6% cover. In

site 3, which is the grassland, most plots were covered by Paspalum conjugatom, with a total

average of 83.4% from all the plots established. It is then followed by Chrysopogon aciculatas

with 9.4%, then by Cynodon nlemfuensis with 4.2% and Cyperus rotundus with a percent cover of

3%. The visual estimates were made with the aid of 0.5m x 0.5m quadrat that were subdivided into

25 small squares marked off within the quadrat frame. Each small square ‘filled’ by a species was

counted as 4% cover.
Table 3. Percent cover by Grass Species in all Land-use Types of Visayas State University,
Alangalang, Campus (2023).

Plot (% Cover)
Site Species Average (% Cover)
1 2 3 4 5
1 (WL) Microstegium viminuem 3 2 0 0 0 1
Paspalum conjugatum 17 22 28 24 35 25.2
Paspalum scrobiculatom 0 0 2 0 0 0.4
2 (CL) Cyperus rotundus 0 0 5 0 8 2.6
Digitaria sanguinalis 0 75 55 80 15 45
Mimosa pudica 90 0 31 15 9 29
Paspalum conjugatum 10 25 9 5 68 23.4
3 (GL) Chrysopogon aciculatas 18 5 14 0 10 9.4
Cynodon nlemfuensis 0 6 0 0 15 4.2
Cyperus rotundus 0 0 5 10 0 3
Paspalum conjugatom 82 89 81 90 75 83.4

Percentage Frequency (%)

As shown in table 4, the Paspalum conjugatum is the most frequent grass species to appear

on all plots, having a percent frequency of 100% from all the sites. In site 1, Microstegium

vimineum appeared on 2 out of 5 plots, resulting on 40% frequency percentage, followed by

Paspalum scrobiculatum appearing on 1 out of 5 plots in site 1, resulting on having only 20%

frequency percentage. In site 2, Mimosa pudica and Digitaria sanguinalis appeared on 4 out of 5

plots, resulting on having 80% frequency percentage, followed by Cyperus rotundus appearing on

2 out of 5 plots resulting on having 40% frequency percentage. In site 3, Chrysopogon aciculatas

appeared on 4 out of 5 plots, resulting on 80% frequency percentage, followed by Cynodon

nlemfuensis and Cyperus rotundus appearing on both 2 out of 5 plots, resulting on 40% frequency

percentage.

In the Philippines, Paspalum conjugatum is widely known and is usually consumed for

livestock as well as landscaping (Garduque et al., 2019) Since Paspalum conjugatum has a 100%
percent frequency based on the study of Rojas-Sandoval (2018) P. conjugatum tolerates high levels

of disturbances and pollution, grows vigoriously under partial shade, spreads easily by its seeds

and stolons, and can withstand acidic and low-nutrient soils. Around Pacific region, it has been

stated that some native forests have become extinct due to this grass pest.

Table 4. Frequency percentage of grass species in different land-use types of Visayas State
University, Alangalang Campus (2023).

Plot (Distribution)
Site Species Average (% Frequency)
1 2 3 4 5
Microstegium viminuem + + - - - 40
1 (WL) Paspalum conjugatum + + + + + 100
Paspalum scrobiculatom - - + - -- 20
2 (CL) Cyperus rotundus - - + - + 40
Digitaria sanguinalis - + + + + 80
Mimosa pudica + - + + + 80
Paspalum conjugatum + + + + + 100
3 (GL) Chrysopogon aciculatas + + + - + 80
Cynodon nlemfuensis - + - - + 40
Cyperus rotundus - - + + - 40
Paspalum conjugatom - - - - - 100
Legend: (+) = Present (-) = Absent

Sorensen’s Coeffiecient Similarity Index (SCSI) and Jaccard’s Coefficient Similarity

Index (JCSI)

The table below summarizes that paired Location 1 (A) X Location 2 (B) as well as the

paired Location 1 (A) and Location 3 (B) showed lower SCSI and JSCI percentages of less than

50% of having shared species. The former accounts SCSI and JCSI percentages for 28.57% and

16.67%, respectively. On the other hand, the latter accounts SCSI and JSCI percentages for

28.57% and 16.67%, respectively. Nonetheless, paired Location 2 (A) X Location 3 (B) showed

greater SCSI percentages of more than 50%, and a relatively high JSCI percentage. To be exact,

this pair accounts for 50% and 33.33% which represent higher shared similar species.
Table 5. Comparison of Species Composition of the Three Sampling Locations using Sorensen’s
Coefficient

Similarity
Presence of Species
Indices
Paired No. of No. of No. of Shared Total No. of
areas Unique Unique Species of Unique and SCSI JCSI
Species to Species to Location A & Shared (%) (%)
Location A Location B B Species
Location 1
(A) X
2 3 1 6 28.57 16.67
Location 2
(B)
Location 1
(A) X
2 3 1 6 28.57 16.67
Location 3
(B)
Location 2
(A) X
2 2 2 6 50 33.33
Location 3
(B)
 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

Grass, the world's most important crop and it is first and foremost a sustainable plant.

Accordance to its importance grasses also has important ecological functions; it protects against

soil erosion, it absorbs water, it purifies the air we breathe and so much more, however, this

study is intended at assessing the condition of grass species in the advent of anthropogenic

activities. Hence, this is also conducted to assess the presence of grass species composition

within the premises of Visayas State University.

Specifically, an inventory of grass species was performed as this method provides

significant information and assists in developing innovative and effective strategies on how to

conserve and manage the university’s grass community. This study particularly sought to

determine the species compositions of grass species and to determine the species diversity of

grasses in terms of richness, percent cover, percent frequency and coefficient similarities indices

(Sorenson’s coefficient and Jaccard’s Coefficient similarity Index) of the three sampling locations

in VSU-Alangalang as the study area.

The results showed that a total of eight (8) species belonging to three (3) families were

identified and counted in the three sampling locations – Poaceae, Fabaceae, and Cyperaceae.

Herewith, of all the grass species encountered, only Paspalum conjugatom appeared on all

sampling locations while the least species can be seen among all sampling locations are Cyperus

rotundus and Minosa pudica.

The grass distribution among all sampling locations found out that there were four (3) grass

species found in woodland namely; Microstegium vimineum, Paspalum conjugatom, and

Paspalum scrobiculatum, belonging to family Poaceae. While there are five (4) grass species found

in cropland namely; Cyperus rotundus, Digitaria sanguinalis, Mimosa pudica, and Paspalum

conjugatom, belonging to family Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, and Poaceae respectively. In the grassland

site, a total of four (4) grass species were found and recorded, namely; Cyperus rotundus,

Chrysopogon aciculatas, Cynodon nlemfuensis, and Paspalum conjugatum, belonging to family

Cyperaceae and Poaceae respectively.

The percent cover in each sampling loactions indicates that in site 1 (woodland), from the

plots that being established most of it were covered by Paspalum conjugatum with total average

of 25.2%, followed by Microstegium vimineum, with a percent cover of 1% while the Paspalum

scrobiculatum only covered about 0.4%. In site 2 (cropland), the grass species Digitaria

sanguinalis, covered 45% of all plots established, followed by Mimosa pudica with 29%,

Paspalum conjugatum with 23.4%, and Cyperus rotundus with 2.6% cover. In site 3 (grassland),

most plots were covered by Paspalum conjugatom, with a total average of 83.4% then followed

by Chrysopogon aciculatas with 9.4%, Cynodon nlemfuensis with 4.2% and Cyperus rotundus

with a percent cover of 3%.

The results in the percentage frequency shows that from all the sites the grass species,

Paspalum conjugatum is the most frequent grass species to appear on all plots, having a percent

frequency of 100%. In site 1 (woodland), Microstegium vimineum appeared on 2 out of 5 plots,

resulting on 40% frequency percentage, followed by Paspalum scrobiculatum appearing on 1 out

of 5 plots having only 20% frequency percentage. In site 2 (cropland), Mimosa pudica and

Digitaria sanguinalis appeared on 4 out of 5 plots, resulting on having 80% frequency percentage,

followed by Cyperus rotundus appearing on 2 out of 5 plots resulting on having 40% frequency

percentage. In site 3, Chrysopogon aciculatas appeared on 4 out of 5 plots, resulting on 80%

frequency percentage, followed by Cynodon nlemfuensis and Cyperus rotundus appearing on both

2 out of 5 plots, resulting on 40% frequency percentage.

Lastly, the result showed that paired Location 1 (A) X Location 2 (B) as well as the paired

Location 1 (A) and Location 3 (B) showed lower SCSI and JSCI percentages of less than 50% of

having shared species. On the other hand, paired Location 2 (A) X Location 3 (B) showed greater

SCSI percentages of more than 50%, and a relatively high JSCI percentage.

Conclusions

Based on the outcome of the study, the researchers found that there are eight (8) grass

species belonging to three (3) families in the different land-use types in Visayas State University,

Alangalang Campus. Among the grass family, the Poaceae have the higher count of grass species

while the family that have a least grass species would be Cyperaceae and Fabaceae family.

Meanwhile, on the grass species distribution there were a presence of Paspalum conjugatom on

all sites.

Furthermore, the researchers concluded that Visayas State University, Alangalang Campus

has a high species richness as revealed by the values of Percent Cover and Percentage Frequency.

Additionally, the similarity indices revealed that there two out of three paired locations that have

a lower SCSI and JCSI percentages of less than 50% of having shared species. The researchers

conclude that having a less than 50% similarities among all sites indicate that there has a high

diversity of grass species in Visayas State University, Alangalang Campus.

Recommendation

Based on the findings and the results that were obtained, the future researchers are suggests

to study other parameters that might be considered for the improvement of the study:

a.) Conduct an inventory for more than three sampling locations;

b.) Other types of plant species should also be inventoried aside from grasses only;

c.) Aside from a simple inventoried, examine or assess also the environmental factors that

might be the reasons behind the floral diversity of the species;

d.) Include also the abundance and other diversity indices; and

e.) Find if there is a significant difference among the sampling locations

 APPENDIX A

DOCUMENTATION

PLATE 1. Placement of Quadrat

 APPENDIX B

DATA GATHERED

(Inventoried Grass Species)

Chrysopogon aciculatas Cynodon nlemfuensis

Cyperus rotundus Digitaria sanguinalis

Microstegium vimineum Mimosa pudica

Paspalum scrobiculatom Paspalum conjugatum

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INVENTORY OF GRASS SPECIES
IN VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY
ALANGALANG CAMPUS

Researched by:

Apostol, Kylamarie T.

Cadorna, Lailane B.

Caones, Abadiano A.

Dorado, Erika Mae V.

Nares, Mary Jane

June 2023