| Summary Information |
| Biome Transition Along Elevational Gradients in New Mexico (SEON) Study: Flux Tower
Net Primary Productivity (NPP) Quadrat Study at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge,
New Mexico (2011- present)
|
| Creator: |
| Individual: |
Marcy Litvak |
| Organization: |
SEV LTER |
| Physical Address: |
| Delivery Address: |
, |
| Postal Code: |
0 |
|
| Email: |
mlitvak@unm.edu |
| System ID: |
14590 |
|
| Associated Party: |
| Individual: |
Megan McClung |
| Organization: |
SEV LTER |
| Physical Address: |
| Delivery Address: |
1 University of New Mexico, 167 Castetter Hall, MSC03 2020 |
| City: |
Albuquerque |
| Locality: |
NM |
| Postal Code: |
87131 |
| Phone: |
United States |
|
| Email: |
mmcclung@sevilleta.unm.edu |
| Role: |
data manager |
|
| Associated Party: |
| Individual: |
Stephanie Baker |
| Organization: |
SEV LTER |
| Phone: |
(505) 277-8119 |
| Email: |
srbaker@sevilleta.unm.edu |
| Role: |
field crew |
|
| Associated Party: |
| Individual: |
Megan McClung |
| Organization: |
SEV LTER |
| Physical Address: |
| Delivery Address: |
1 University of New Mexico, 167 Castetter Hall, MSC03 2020 |
| City: |
Albuquerque |
| Locality: |
NM |
| Postal Code: |
87131 |
| Phone: |
United States |
|
| Email: |
mmcclung@sevilleta.unm.edu |
| Role: |
field crew |
|
| Associated Party: |
| Individual: |
Chandra Tucker |
| Organization: |
SEV LTER |
| Email: |
ctucker@sevilleta.unm.edu |
| Role: |
field crew |
|
| Publication Date: |
2015 |
| Language: |
english |
| Abstract: |
| The varied topography and large elevation gradients that characterize the arid and
semi-arid Southwest create a wide range of climatic conditions - and associated biomes
- within relatively short distances. This creates an ideal experimental system in
which to study the effects of climate on ecosystems. Such studies are critical givien
that the Southwestern U.S. has already experienced changes in climate that have altered
precipitation patterns (Mote et al. 2005), and stands to experience dramatic climate
change in the coming decades (Seager et al. 2007; Ting et al. 2007). Climate models
currently predict an imminent transition to a warmer, more arid climate in the Southwest
(Seager et al. 2007; Ting et al. 2007). Thus, high elevation ecosystems, which currently
experience relatively cool and mesic climates, will likely resemble their lower elevation
counterparts, which experience a hotter and drier climate. In order to predict regional
changes in carbon storage, hydrologic partitioning and water resources in response
to these potential shifts, it is critical to understand how both temperature and soil
moisture affect processes such as evaportranspiration (ET), total carbon uptake through
gross primary production (GPP), ecosystem respiration (Reco), and net ecosystem exchange
of carbon, water and energy across elevational gradients.We are using a sequence of
six widespread biomes along an elevational gradient in New Mexico -- ranging from
hot, arid ecosystems at low elevations to cool, mesic ecosystems at high elevation
to test specific hypotheses related to how climatic controls over ecosystem processes
change across this gradient. We have an eddy covariance tower and associated meteorological
instruments in each biome which we are using to directly measure the exchange of carbon,
water and energy between the ecosystem and the atmosphere. This gradient offers us
a unique opportunity to test the interactive effects of temperature and soil moisture
on ecosystem processes, as temperature decreases and soil moisture increases markedly
along the gradient and varies through time within sites.This dataset examines how
different stages of burn affects above-ground biomass production (ANPP) in a mixed
desert-grassland. Net primary production is a fundamental ecological variable that
quantifies rates of carbon consumption and fixation. Estimates of NPP are important
in understanding energy flow at a community level as well as spatial and temporal
responses to a range of ecological processes.Above-ground net primary production is
the change in plant biomass, represented by stems, flowers, fruit and foliage, over
time and incorporates growth as well as loss to death and decomposition. To measure
this change the vegetation variables in this dataset, including species composition
and the cover and height of individuals, are sampled twice yearly (spring and fall)
at permanent 1m x 1m plots. The data from these plots is used to build regressions
correlating biomass and volume via weights of select harvested species obtained in
SEV157, "Net Primary Productivity (NPP) Weight Data." This biomass data is included
in SEV292, "Flux Tower Seasonal Biomass and Seasonal and Annual NPP Data."
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| Keywords: |
| Keyword: |
primary production |
| Keyword Thesaurus: |
Core Areas |
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| Keywords: |
| Keyword: |
measurements |
| Keyword: |
climate |
| Keyword: |
elevation |
| Keyword: |
production |
| Keyword: |
primary production |
| Keyword: |
plants |
| Keyword: |
foliage |
| Keyword: |
grasses |
| Keyword: |
forbs |
| Keyword: |
vegetation |
| Keyword: |
stems |
| Keyword Thesaurus: |
LTER Controlled Vocabulary |
|
| Additional Information: |
| Other researchers involved with collecting samples/data: Chandra Tucker (CAT; 04/2014-present),
Megan McClung (MAM; 04/2013-present), Stephanie Baker (SRB; 09/2010-present), John
Mulhouse (JMM; 08/2009-06/2013), Amaris Swann (ALS; 08/2008-present)Data updated
08/18/15: MOSQ changed to MUSQ3; ARPUP6 changed to ARPU9; SPWR changed to SPPO6;
DANA changed to DANAN.
|
|
| Intellectual Rights: |
| Data Policies |
| This dataset is released to the public and may be freely downloaded. Please keep the
designated Contact person informed of any plans to use the dataset. Consultation or
collaboration with the original investigators is strongly encouraged. Publications
and data products that make use of the dataset must include proper acknowledgement
of the Sevilleta LTER. Datasets must be cited as in the example below.
Muldavin, E. 2004. Sevilleta LTER Fertilizer NPP Study Dataset. Albuquerque, NM: Sevilleta
Long Term Ecological Research Site Database: SEV155. (Date of download)
A copy of any publications using these data must be supplied to the Sevilleta LTER
Information Manager.
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|
| Distribution: |
| Online: |
| URL: |
http://sev.lternet.edu/node/6336 |
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|
| Coverage: |
| Geographic Goverage: |
| Geographic Description: |
Location: Deep Well is located on McKenzie Flats and is site of the longest running
SEV LTER met station, number 40, which has been active since 1988. In addition to
studies of meteorological variables, core line-intercept vegetation transects and
line-intercept transects from the 1995 and 2001 Deep Well fires are sampled here.
The mini-rhizotron study, blue and black grama compositional comparison, blue and
black grama patch dynamics investigation, and kangaroo rat population assessement
are all ongoing here. Deep Well Blue/Black Grama Mixed is also the location of the
warming and monsoon experiments, as well as portions of the line-intercept and vegetation
removal studies.
On August 4, 2009, a lightning-initiated fire began on the Sevilleta National Wildlife
Refuge. By August 5, 2009, the fire had reached the area of Deep Well Blue/Black Grama
Mixed. While portions of this site were burned, the entirety was not. See individual
projects for further information on the effects of the fire.Vegetation: The vegetation
of Deep Well Blue/Black Grama Mixed is Chihuahuan Desert Grassland, dominated by black
grama (Bouteloua eriopoda) and blue grama (B. gracilis). Other grasses found at the
site include dropseeds (Sporobolus spp.) and threeawns (Aristida spp.). Shrubs are
uncommon but those that occur include Yucca glauca, Ephedra torreyi, and four-wing
saltbush (Atriplex canescens). Herbaceous plants include Plantago purshii, Hymenopappus
filifolius, and globe mallows (Sphaeralcea spp.).
,
|
| Bounding Coordinates: |
| West Bounding Coordinates: |
-106.7358 |
| East Bounding Coordinates: |
-106.7358 |
| North Bounding Coordinates: |
34.3592 |
| South Bounding Coordinates: |
34.3592 |
| Bounding Altitude: |
| Altitude Minimum: |
1600 |
| Altitude Maximum: |
1600 |
| Altitude Units: |
meter |
|
|
|
| Temporal Coverage: |
| Date Range: |
| Begin Date: |
| Calendar Date: |
2012-01-06 |
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| End Date: |
| Calendar Date: |
2015-04-22 |
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|
|
| Contact: |
| Position Title: |
Information Manager |
| Organization: |
LTER Network Office |
| Physical Address: |
| Delivery Address: |
UNM Biology Department, MSC03-2020 |
| Delivery Address: |
1 University of New Mexico |
| City: |
Albuquerque |
| Locality: |
NM |
| Postal Code: |
87131-0001 |
| Phone: |
USA |
|
| Phone: |
505 277-2535 |
| Phone: |
505 277-2541 |
| Email: |
tech-support@lternet.edu |
| URL: |
http://www.lternet.edu |
|
| Contact: |
| Individual: |
Sevilleta Information Manager |
| Organization: |
SEV LTER |
| Email: |
data-use@sevilleta.unm.edu |
|
| Contact: |
| Individual: |
Marcy Litvak |
| Organization: |
SEV LTER |
| Physical Address: |
| Delivery Address: |
, |
| Postal Code: |
0 |
|
| Email: |
mlitvak@unm.edu |
| System ID: |
14590 |
|
| Publication Place: |
Sevilleta LTER |
| Method Step: |
| Description: |
| Above-Ground Net Primary Productivity (ANPP) measurements:Above-ground net primary
production data is collected two times each year, spring, and fall. Spring measurements
are taken in April or May when shrubs and spring annuals have reached peak biomass.
Fall measurements are taken in either September or October when summer annuals have
reached peak biomass but prior to killing frosts. Vegetation data is collected on
a palm top computer. A 1-m2 PVC-frame is placed over the fiberglass stakes that mark
the diagonal corners of each quadrat. When measuring cover it is important to stay
centered over the vegetation in the quadrat to prevent errors caused by angle of view
(parallax). Each PVC-frame is divided into 100 squares with nylon string. The dimensions
of each square are 10cm x 10cm and represent 1 percent of the total area.The cover
(area) and height of each individual live (green) vegetative unit that falls within
the one square meter quadrat is measured. A vegetative unit consists of an individual
size class (as defined by a unique cover and height) of a particular species within
a quadrat. Cover is quantified by counting the number of 10cm x 10cm squares filled
by each vegetative unit. It is possible to obtain a total percent cover greater than
100% for a given quadrat because vegetative units for different species often overlap.Niners
and plexidecs are additional tools that can help accurately determine the cover a
vegetative unit. A niner is a small, hand-held PVC frame that can be used to measure
canopies. Like the larger PVC frame it is divided into 10cm x 10cm squares, each square
representing 1% of the total cover. However, there are only nine squares within the
frame, hence the name “niner.” A plexidec can help determine the cover of vegetative
units with covers less than 1%. Plexidecs are clear plastic squares that are held
above vegetation. Each plexidec represents a cover of 0.5% and has smaller dimensions
etched onto the surface that correspond to 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.25% cover.It
is extremely important that cover and height measurements remain consistent over time
to ensure that regressions based on this data remain valid. Field crew members should
calibrate with each other to ensure that observer bias does not influence data collectionCover
Measurements:Grasses-To determine the cover of a grass clump, envision a perimeter
around the central mass or densest portion of the plant, excluding individual long
leaves, wispy ends, or more open upper regions of the plant. Live foliage is frequently
mixed with dead foliage in grass clumps and this must be kept in mind during measurement
as our goal is to measure only plant biomass for the current season. In general, recently
dead foliage is yellow and dead foliage is gray. Within reason, try to include only
yellow or green portions of the plant in cover measurement while excluding portions
of the plant that are gray. This is particularly important for measurements made in
the winter when there is little or no green foliage present. In winter, sometimes
measurements will be based mainly on yellow foliage. Stoloniferous stems of grasses
that are not rooted should be ignored. If a stem is rooted it should be recorded as
a separate observation from the parent plant.Forbs-The cover of forbs is measured
as the perimeter of the densest portion of the plant. If the forb is an annual it
is acceptable to include the inflorescence in this measurement. If the forb is a perennial,
do not include the inflorescence as part of the cover measurement. Measure all foliage
that was produced during the current season, including any recently dead (yellow)
foliage. Avoid measuring gray foliage that died in a previous season.Cacti-For cacti
that consist of a series of pads or jointed stems (Opuntia phaecantha, Opuntia imbricata)
measure the length and width of each pad to the nearest cm instead of cover and height.
Cacti that occur as a dense ball/clump of stems (Opuntia leptocaulis) are measured
using the same protocol as shrubs. Pincushion or hedgehog cacti (Escobaria vivipara,
Schlerocactus intertextus, Echinocereus fendleri) that occur as single (or clustered)
cylindrical stems are measured as a single cover.Yuccas-Make separate observations
for the leaves and caudex (thick basal stem). Break the observations into sections
of leaves that are approximately the same height and record the cover as the perimeter
around this group of leaf blades. The caudex is measured as a single cover. The thick
leaves of yuccas make it difficult to make a cover measurement by centering yourself
over the caudex of the plant. The cover of the caudex may be estimated by holding
a niner next to it or using a tape measure to measure to approximate the area.Height
Measurements:Height is recorded as a whole number in centimeters. All heights are
vertical heights but they are not necessarily perpendicular to the ground if the ground
is sloping.Annual grasses and all forbs-Measure the height from the base of the plant
to the top of the inflorescence (if present). Otherwise, measure to the top of the
green foliage.Perennial grasses-Measure the height from the base of the plant to the
top of the live green foliage. Do not include the inflorescence in the height measurement.
The presence of live green foliage may be difficult to see in the winter. Check carefully
at the base of the plant for the presence of green foliage. If none is found it may
be necessary to pull the leaf sheaths off of several plants outside the quadrat. From
this you may be able to make some observations about where green foliage is likely
to occur.Perennial shrub and sub-shrubs-Measure the height from the base of the green
foliage to the top of the green foliage, ignoring all bare stems. Do not measure to
the ground unless the foliage reaches the ground. Plants rooted outside but hanging
into a quadrat-Do not measure the height from the ground. Measure only the height
of the portion of the plant that is within the quadrat.Recording the Data:Excel spreadsheets
are used for data entry and file names should begin with the overall study (npp),
followed by the date (mm.dd.yy) and the initials of the recorder (.abc). The final
format should be as follows: npp_flux.mm.dd.yy.abc.xls. File names should be in lowercase.
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| Data Table: |
| Entity Name: |
sev253_nppfluxquadrat_20150819.txt |
| Entity Description: |
Data for sev253, biome transition along elevational gradients NPP study. |
| Object Name: |
sev253_nppfluxquadrat_20150819.txt |
| Data Format: |
| Text Format: |
| Number of Header Lines: |
1 |
| Record Delimiter: |
\r\n |
| Attribute Orientation: |
column |
| Simple Delimited: |
| Field Delimiter: |
, |
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| Distribution: |
| Online: |
| URL: |
https://pasta.lternet.edu/package/data/eml/knb-lter-sev/253/219268/3f4820b8f6e2eb01f294cf2968ebe909 |
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| Coverage: |
| Temporal Coverage: |
| Date Range: |
| Begin Date: |
| Calendar Date: |
2011-05-04 |
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| End Date: |
| Calendar Date: |
2014-10-08 |
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| Attribute List: |
| Attribute Name: |
year |
| Attribute Label: |
year |
| Attribute Definition: |
The year in which data was collected. |
| Storage Type: |
date |
| Measurement Scale: |
| Datetime: |
| Format String: |
YYYY |
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|
| Attribute Name: |
season |
| Attribute Label: |
season |
| Attribute Definition: |
The season in which data was collected. |
| Storage Type: |
string |
| Measurement Scale: |
| Nominal: |
| Non Numeric Domain: |
| Enumerated Domain: |
| Code Definition: |
| Code: |
1 |
| Definition: |
winter |
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| Code Definition: |
| Code: |
2 |
| Definition: |
spring |
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| Code Definition: |
| Code: |
3 |
| Definition: |
fall |
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| Attribute Name: |
date |
| Attribute Label: |
date |
| Attribute Definition: |
The date on which data or a sample was collected. |
| Storage Type: |
date |
| Measurement Scale: |
| Datetime: |
| Format String: |
MM/DD/YY |
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|
| Attribute Name: |
site |
| Attribute Label: |
site |
| Attribute Definition: |
The site at which data was collected for sev 253, the Biome Transition Along Elevational
Gradients in New Mexico Net Primary Productivity (NPP) Study.
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| Storage Type: |
string |
| Measurement Scale: |
| Nominal: |
| Non Numeric Domain: |
| Enumerated Domain: |
| Code Definition: |
| Code: |
Burn03 |
| Definition: |
This site was burned in 2003 and is designated "control." |
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| Code Definition: |
| Code: |
Burn09 |
| Definition: |
This site was burned in 2009 and is designated "burned." |
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| Attribute Name: |
treatment |
| Attribute Label: |
treatment |
| Attribute Definition: |
The treatment applied to a site.
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| Storage Type: |
string |
| Measurement Scale: |
| Nominal: |
| Non Numeric Domain: |
| Enumerated Domain: |
| Code Definition: |
| Code: |
B |
| Definition: |
burned |
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| Code Definition: |
| Code: |
C |
| Definition: |
control |
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| Attribute Name: |
quad |
| Attribute Label: |
quad |
| Attribute Definition: |
The quadrat at which data was collected. |
| Storage Type: |
string |
| Measurement Scale: |
| Nominal: |
| Non Numeric Domain: |
| Text Domain: |
| Definition: |
The quadrat at which data was collected. |
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| Attribute Name: |
species |
| Attribute Label: |
species |
| Attribute Definition: |
The Kartez code for a plant species as designated by the USDA Plants Database. |
| Storage Type: |
string |
| Measurement Scale: |
| Nominal: |
| Non Numeric Domain: |
| Text Domain: |
| Definition: |
The Kartez code for a plant species as designated by the USDA Plants Database. |
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| Attribute Name: |
obs |
| Attribute Label: |
obs |
| Attribute Definition: |
The sequential number given to a specific vegetative unit within a quadrat. |
| Storage Type: |
string |
| Measurement Scale: |
| Nominal: |
| Non Numeric Domain: |
| Text Domain: |
| Definition: |
The sequential number given to a specific vegetative unit within a quadrat. |
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| Attribute Name: |
cover |
| Attribute Label: |
cover |
| Attribute Definition: |
The percent cover of an observation (or vegetative unit) for a given species. |
| Measurement Scale: |
| Ratio: |
| Unit: |
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| Custom Unit: |
percentage |
| Numeric Domain: |
| Number Type: |
real |
| Bounds: |
| Minimum: |
0.01 |
| Maximum: |
100 |
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| Attribute Name: |
height |
| Attribute Label: |
height |
| Attribute Definition: |
The height of an observation (or vegetative unit) for a given species. For grasses,
this is the average height of green foliage. For herbs, it includes the inflorescence,
if applicable.
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| Measurement Scale: |
| Ratio: |
| Unit: |
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| Standard Unit: |
centimeter |
| Precision: |
1 |
| Numeric Domain: |
| Number Type: |
real |
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| Attribute Name: |
count |
| Attribute Label: |
count |
| Attribute Definition: |
The number of records within a vegetative unit for a given species. |
| Storage Type: |
string |
| Measurement Scale: |
| Nominal: |
| Non Numeric Domain: |
| Text Domain: |
| Definition: |
The number of records within a vegetative unit for a given species. |
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| Attribute Name: |
comments |
| Attribute Label: |
comments |
| Attribute Definition: |
A special statement related to an observation. |
| Storage Type: |
string |
| Measurement Scale: |
| Nominal: |
| Non Numeric Domain: |
| Enumerated Domain: |
| Code Definition: |
| Code: |
na |
| Definition: |
not applicable |
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