Soil moisture data for Saddle nodal plots, 1982 - 1989.

Soil moisture sampling in the Saddle area was performed at the ends (outside of) 12 permanent plots representing 6 plant communities or noda (two from each nodum) in the Saddle (May 1973). The design and location of the nodal plots was described in Pollak et al. (1988). Soil moisture data were collected from the 12 nodal plots weekly during the growing season from 1 June (Julian day 152) 1982 through mid-August 1988. Less-intensive sampling was done during the 1989 growing season. Sampling began when the plots became snow-free. The last sampling date varied among years and depended upon when plants had dehisced, weather, and available personnel. Soil moisture percentages were determined gravimetrically using soil samples collected outside of but adjacent to the ends of the plots (within 0.5 m of plot end). A #6 cork borer (64 mm^2) was used to remove a soil sample from each plot end (two per plot). Samples were taken from the rooting zone to a depth of 5 to 10 cm. A length of 5/8-inch diameter pipe (198 mm^2) was used instead of the cork borer in 1988. If rocks prevented an adequate sample depth, collection of a new sample was attempted nearby. Prior to the 1986 season a metal probe was used to detect below-ground rocks. Extracted cores were pushed into film canisters which were then sealed and labeled. Samples were collected before noon and were weighed within 10 hr. The wet soil samples were placed on aluminum pans, weighed, and oven dried at 100 degrees C for at least 24 hr. Dried soil was removed from the oven and immediately weighed. Prior to 1986 dried soil was placed in a dessicator for 15 min before weighing. Dried soil cores were saved and returned to the core holes. Wet+pan weights, dry+pan weights, and pan weights were recorded. Soil moisture was calculated as (((wet + pan weight) - (dry + pan weight)/((dry + pan weight) - pan weight)) * 100.