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Methods for Experiment 099 -

Sampling

In 1991, a core of soil or peat was collected within each vegetation zone and at each of the transitions between these zones. These 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 oven dried at 65degrees C and were finely ground after removing large sticks or roots. Total C and N were measured on the 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. After grinding the subsamples, 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.