Soil Surface Dynamics in the Chihuahuan Desert at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico (1994-2013)

Observations of the soil surface on the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge indicate that the surface is very dynamic. During collections of decomposition bags it has been noted that the bags are frequently resting on pedestals of soil, often 2-3cm above the surrounding surface. This study will attempt to measure the dynamics of the soil surface using a specially designed soil bridge. The soil bridge will allow for repeated measurements of the relative height of the soil surface at several sites on the Sevilleta. These measurements will be used to assess the impact of the changing soil surface on nutrient cycling.对塞维利塔国家野生动物保护区（Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge）内土壤表层的观测显示，其表层动态变化极为显著。在收集分解袋（decomposition bags）的过程中，研究人员发现这些分解袋常被架设于土壤墩之上，高度通常较周围地表高出2至3厘米。本研究拟采用特制土壤测桥（soil bridge）量化测定该土壤表层的动态变化过程：该测桥可实现对塞维利塔保护区内多个监测点位土壤表层相对高度的重复测量，所得数据将用于评估土壤表层动态变化对养分循环（nutrient cycling）的影响。