Final answer:
Optimal soil temperatures for warm-season grasses are between 65°F and 75°F. These temperatures promote the growth of grasses in temperate grasslands during their growing seasons, aided by root systems that enrich the soil. Controlled burns are sometimes used to manage these grasslands effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Optimal soil temperatures for warm-season grasses are essential for ensuring a vibrant and healthy grassland ecosystem. In temperate grasslands, such as North American prairies or Eurasian steppes, the climate is characterized by moderate to hot summers and cold winters, which define specific growing seasons for plants. Warm-season grasses thrive when soil temperatures reach between 65°F and 75°F (approximately 18°C to 24°C). This temperature range fosters the germination and growth of warm-season grasses during the late spring and summer months when conditions are ideal for their development.
The dense vegetation and fertile soils of temperate grasslands are due in part to the extensive root and rhizome systems beneath the surface, providing stability and replenishing organic material. These grasses form a significant part of the ecosystem in regions with annual precipitation between 25 cm to 75 cm (9.8-29.5 in) and the soils are often mollisols, which are highly regarded for agricultural uses due to their richness and fertility. Management practices, such as controlled burns, are sometimes necessary to maintain the grassland's treeless state and support the growth of grasses over woody vegetation.