PBB01 Belowground Plot Experiment: Aboveground net primary productivity of tallgrass prairie based on accumulated plant biomass

To address the potential interactive effects of fire, aboveground biomass removal,
and nutrient amendments on above- and belowground responses, a long-term field experiment
was initiated in 1986 as part of the Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER)
program. The general goals of this experiment are: 1) to document both short- and
long-term responses of plants and soils to fire, aboveground biomass removal (a surrogate
for grazing in these small plots), and nutrient amendments (additions of N and/or P); and
2) to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying tallgrass prairie
responses to fire, aboveground biomass removal and nutrient enrichment. Peak foliage
biomass is measured annually in late fall (September to October) on the 64 belowground
plots. Effects of burning, mowing and N + P additions on aboveground NPP are measured. Two
0.1m2 quadrats harvested per plot). 2003 was the last year the mowing treatment was
implemented.