PBB03 Belowground Plot Experiment: Biomass and nutrient content of Roots at Konza Prairie

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. Standing crops of
live and dead grass roots(0.1 sq. m2 * 20cm deep samples) are taken in late summer
periodically from 64 belowground plots. N & P content are determined on live and dead
grass roots. N & P concentrations for forb roots are available for some plots in some
years. **See archived rawdata files in Rm 215 Bushnell.