Soil biota counts from the Biotic Effects Experiment (BEE), McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica (1999-2024, ongoing)

Increases in soil temperature and moisture may change the bioavailability of essential elements by altering solubility and diffusion rates in soils, or by changing the amounts of organic compounds. Long-term experiments in the Bonney, Hoare and Fryxell basins have been established with three treatments: 1) increased moisture, 2) soil warming (ITEX chambers), and 3) soil warming + increased moisture. The identification and abundance of soil biota are reported. Only control treatments have been measured since the 2014-2015 austral summer.