CDR LTER

An examination of total C and N storage along upland-wetland gradients was initiated during August 1991. Three transects in sedge and graminoid dominated wetlands were established, with plots beginning in an upland prairie vegetation zone and ending in the center of the wetland. Within each vegetation zone and at each of the transitions between these zones, a core of soil or peat was collected. Cores were approximately 60-90cm in length, and in most cases, penetrated the mineral soil. The core was cut into 5-10cm sections or was cut at distinct changes in soil color or texture. The samples were tested for total C and N with a Carlo Erba analyzer. An additional set of cores, 20cm in length, were collected for separation and analysis of root biomass. In a 1 m2 plot at each of the core sites, the vegetation was described by estimating percent cover of each species. Above ground biomass was then collected along the transect in the middle of vegetation zones (but not at the transitions). Three randomly selected 1 m2 plots per zone were cleared of standing biomass and litter. The vegetation was dried and weighed, and a subsample from each plots litter was collected for analysis. Total C and N were measured on the Carlo Erba analyzer. Additional transects will be established during the summer of 1992 to include a wider range of wetland types.