Bulk density, organic matter content, and total carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus content of soils collected from Acomastylis rossii and Kobresia myosuroides paired plots.

This study was initiated to examine bulk density and organic matter content differences between soils where Acomastylis rossii and Kobresia myosuroides were present. A subset of samples were also measured for total C, N, and P. Paired plots were randomly selected in locations where Kobresia and Acomastylis populations were adjacent to one another. Soil samples were collected from 35 plots, 22 and 13 of which had southerly and northerly aspects, respectively. Soil cores were removed with 3.5-cm interior diameter PVC pipe that was driven into the tundra by use of a rubber mallet. The minimum depth of individual cores was 9 cm, and these depths were recorded at the time of removal (15 July, 19 July, 22 July, and 9 August 1993).