Abstract: This paper introduced the definition of caloric value, its representation and significance, and the research advances in plant caloric value, with the spatio-temporal variation of caloric value among and within plant species and groups as well as the factors affecting this variation, including climate, site condition, stress environment, human disturbance, and the intrinsic factors such as carbon concentration, ash content, and chemical composition of organic matter analyzed. The perspectives and limitations on the study of plant caloric value were also discussed.

Key words: Weeping lovegrass, Clipping intensity, R/FR ratio, Tillering