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.