NSC01 Chemistry and physical characteristics of soils from Konza LTER watersheds with different fire and grazing treatments

Soil chemical and physical characteristics are quantified on selected LTER watersheds adjacent to LTER vegetation sampling plots. Sampling was initiated in 1982, and is repeated every five years. A subset of variables (e.g., pH, Bray extractable P, total C, exchangeable cations) is measured on all sample dates, while additional specific variables (e.g., bulk density, soil texture, CaCO3 content, trace metals, extractable inorganic N) are measured less frequently. Methods for C and N analysis have changed over time. C content of samples from 1982, 1987 and 1997 was derived from Walkley-Black measurements of % soil organic matter (OM) content, using a conversion factor of 1.72 (%C = %OM / 1.72). Soil C content of samples from 1992, 2002 and later were determined by dry combustion and gas chromatography (i.e., Carlo-Erba C/N analyzer). N content of samples prior to 1992 was based on Kjeldahl digeston. N content of samples from 1992 on were determined by dry combustion and gas chromatography (i.e., Carlo-Erba C/N analyzer). Additional details regarding sampling protocols and analytical methods are available in the Konza LTER Methods Manual.