A belowground gopher fence (3 feet deep and 1 foot wide) and
above-ground rodent/deer fence (6 feet tall) was built around the plots in
1989. Each plot was subdivided into 4 subplots with galvanized sheet metal
(26 gauge, 48" x 12") in 1989.
Fertilization
Fertilizer is mixed and spread by hand twice a year,
once in early May and once in late June. All plots receive the same
fertilizer, with none of them getting any NH4NO3. For further information, see fertilization details.
Mammal Trapping
Small mammals are trapped in the fall to discourage
overwinter inhabitants. Pocket gophers are trapped out of the experiment as
soon as they appear (very infrequently).
Watering
All plots are watered to receive at least 1.5cm/wk in
April, May and October, and 2.5 cm/wk in June through September.
Weeding
All plots and aisles are routinely weeded to keep the area
free of unwanted plants and future seed sources.
Burning
Starting in 1991, these plots are burned each spring before
the plants start growing. This is to destroy litter so there is no litter
effect.