Variation in decomposition, N mineralization, and soil respiration rates
across
a precipitation gradient in the Central Great Plains
(ARS #180)
Rebecca L. McCulley, SGS-LTER, Room 206, Natural Resources, CSU, Ft. Collins, CO 80523-1478
970-491-2746 mcculley@cnr.colostate.edu
Indy Burke, Forest Science Dept., Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO 80523
970-491-1620 indy@cnr.colostate.edu
Objective: I will characterize decomposition parameters across a precipitation gradient from eastern Colorado to eastern Kansas. I will also implement a precipitation manipulation to determine the plasticity of each ecosystem along the gradient to changing global climate.
Methods: I will construct 16 of the above-mentioned exclosures. 4 will receive increased growing season precipitation. 4 will receive 50% less growing season precipitation. 4 will have a rain-out shelter present but will have weekly irrigation added to match the precipitation that the 4 controls receive. On these exclosures, I will measure productivity (above- and belowground), decomposition rates, nitrogen mineralization, soil respiration, soil organic matter, litter quality, and mineralizable C and N pools. Everything but productivity, soil organic matter, and mineralizable C and N pools will be measured on a monthly basis during the growing season.
Study Area: I will set up plots in one of the LTER-affiliated pastures on the CPER (5- look on included map). I will construct 10' X 10' exclosures on currently grazed upland areas of these pastures. (exclosure 5a)
ESA 2001 Power Point- Regional and temporal trends of net nitrogen mineralization across the Central Great PLains of North America
03/21/2002