hollow phase A stage in the cyclical pattern of vegetation change in grassland, at which a hollow forms from the erosion of an old grass hummock during the degenerate phase. Colonization of the bare soil by grass seedlings triggers the development of a new hummock. Compare building phase; degenerate phase; and mature phase.

hollow phase A stage in the cyclical pattern of vegetation change in grassland, at which a hollow forms from the erosion of an old grass hummock during the degenerate phase. Colonization of the bare soil by grass seedlings triggers the development of a new hummock. Compare BUILDING PHASE; MATURE PHASE; and DEGENERATE PHASE.