Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest: microbial biomass and activity at climate gradient plots, 2010-2012

In October 2010, as part of a study of the relationships between snow
depth, soil freezing and nutrient cycling
(http://www.ecostudies.org/people_sci_groffman_snow_summary.html), we
established 6 20 x 20 m plots (intensive plots) and 14 10 x 10-m plots
(extensive plots) following an elevation gradient, with eight of the
plots facing north and twelve facing south. Seasonal (spring, summer
autumn) measurements of soil nitrate (NO3-) and
ammonium (NH4+) concentrations, microbial
biomass carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content, microbial respiration,
potential nitrification and N mineralization rates, and
denitrification potential occurred from 2010 – 2012.

These data were gathered as part of the Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study
(HBES). The HBES is a collaborative effort at the Hubbard Brook
Experimental Forest, which is operated and maintained by the USDA
Forest Service, Northern Research Station.