Riparian plant, algae, and moss nitrogen and carbon isotopes across the iUTAH watersheds

This dataset reports the nitrogen isotope composition of leaves from 11 common riparian plant species collected from streams across the three iUTAH watersheds in October 2013 and July-August 2014. In addition, algae and moss samples were collected at many of the same sites on the Salt Lake Valley streams in September 2014. See the attached abstract and methods for more details.

Leaf samples were collected at 255 sites. Sites consisted of a ~ 30 m transect parallel to the stream, including both sides of the stream when possible. We sampled leaves from up to 11 species representative of the local flora when present (see spreadsheet for species names). Plants were only sampled if they were in close proximity (< 2 m) of the perennial channel or were visibly rooted in the stream. At each site, we collected 5 – 15 leaves from each species, including a mixture of mature sun and shade leaves from all parts of the plant. Where multiple individuals of the same species were present at the same site, we sampled leaves from up to five individuals, which were then composited by species. We sampled Salt Lake Valley sites during late September / early October 2013, and Cache and Heber Valley sites in late July 2014.

Please approach the algae/moss carbon isotope data with caution as carbonates were not removed prior to analysis; however, samples were thoroughly rinsed in deionized water to remove associated sediment.