Jornada Data Catalog

Last update: 09/27/2009

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Research Categories

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Animal Projects
  • Project documentation: Animal Transects
    Abstract: Population densities of rabbits and bird census in various habitats over a series of years.
    • Data Set
    • Data set documentation: Animal transect - EML (30KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: birds, rabbits, lizards, animals, consumers, populations
      Abstract: Population densities of rabbits and bird census in various habitats over a series of years.

  • Project documentation: Effects of harvester ant nests on soil properties and vegetation
    Abstract: Cover and density of winter annual plants on the perimeters of ant nests were compared with those of adjacent reference sites in three habitats at Jornada LTER.
    • Data Sets
    • Data set documentation: Density and cover of winter annual plants - EML (18KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: ants, plant cover, belowground biomass, annual plants
      Abstract: The density and the cover of all winter annual plants were measured at regular intervals (approximately 30 days) on Pogonomyrmex rugosus nests

    • Data set documentation: Ant nest soil nutrients
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: ants, soil nutrients, annual plants
      Abstract: Data set contains chemical analyses for soil samples collected from five ant nests for each of the three sites for total nitrogen, (ammonium, nitrate), inorganic phosphorus, and exchangeable cations (K+, Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+). Also included is belowground biomass from five ant nests for each of the three sites.

    • Data set documentation: Ant nest soil organic matter - EML (12KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: ants, soil organic matter, annual plants
      Abstract: Data set contains % organic matter of soils sampled in January 1987 from ant nests and adjacent reference sites.

    • Data set documentation: Ant nest soil water content - EML (12KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: ants, soil water content, annual plants
      Abstract: Soil water content from ant nest edge soil and from adjacent reference sites (5 meter apart) was measured gravimetically at monthly intervals from January to May 1987.



  • Project documentation: Arthropod species composition from LVAR creosotebush study
    Abstract: A field study was conducted to test the hypothesis that creosotebush (Larrea tridentata) shrubs growing in naturally nutrient-rich sites had better quality foliage and supported greater populations of foliage arthropods than shrubs growing in nutrient-poor sites. This is data for foliage arthropods sampled from LVAR creosotebush shrubs. Sampling was done in April of 1985 and 1986.
    • Data Sets
    • Data set documentation: Arthropod trophic group composition data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: creosotebush, Larrea tridentata, foliage arthropods, phytophagous insects, plant-insect interactions, guild, trophic groups, herbivores, predators, omnivores
      Abstract: This is data for foliage arthropods sampled from LVAR creosotebush shrubs. Sampling was done in April of 1985 and 1986. Shrubs were sampled from 5 separate sites designated A-E. 10 shrubs of 3 different types, R=random, H=high quality, L=low quality were sampled at each site. Total numbers of taxa and individuals of each major trophic group, herbivores, predators, omnivores, from each of the 30 shrubs/site are listed.

    • Data set documentation: Arthropod species composition from LVAR creosotebush study
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: creosotebush (Larrea tridentata), phytophagous insects, foliage arthropods, plant-insect interactions, herbivory, spatial variation
      Abstract: This is data for foliage arthropods sampled from Lm LVAR creosotebush shrubs. Sampling was done in April of 1985 and 1986. Shrubs were sampled from 5 separate sites, designated A-E. 10 shrubs of 3 different selected types, random = R, high quality = H, low quality = L, were sampled at each site. Total numbers of individuals of each of the common species of foliage arthropods from each of the 30 shrubs/site are listed.

  • Project documentation: Jornada Grasshopper and Vegetation Study
    Abstract: Desert grasshopper assemblages from sites in the Chihuahuan desert were assessed for guilds on the basis of substrate or microhabitat use and morphological characteristics of component species. Grasshoppers were visually sampled in each quadrat/plot, once in May, July and September, in 1983, 1984 and 1985. Each individual grasshopper, its age, sex and substrate it was observed on, are recorded.
    • Data Sets
    • Data set documentation: Jornada Grasshopper Data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: grasshoppers, seasonal patterns, annual patterns, spatial patterns, assembly structure, population dynamics, habitat, substrates
      Abstract: Desert grasshopper assemblages from sites in the Chihuahuan desert were assessed for guilds on the basis of substrate or microhabitat use and morphological characteristics of component species. This is grasshopper data sampled from 9 plots on the east bajada of the Dona Ana Mts. Grasshoppers were visually sampled in each quadrat/plot, once in May, July and September, in 1983, 1984 and 1985. Each individual grasshopper, its age, sex and substrate it was observed on, are recorded.

    • Data set documentation: Jornada grasshopper plot herbaceous vegetation data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: annual plants, forbs, grasses, herbs, seasonal patterns, annual patterns, spatial patterns
      Abstract: This is data on annual herbaceous plants measured on Jornada grasshopper plots on the east bajada of the Dona Ana Mts. Annual plants were measured in the NE 1m2 of each quadrat, once in May, July and September in 1983, 1984 and 1985. All individuals of each species were counted and measured. A mean diameter, height, and the total number of individuals/1m2/quadrat were recorded.

  • Project documentation: Lizard Pitfall Traps
    Abstract: Pitfall trapping of lizards looking at diversity and density.
    • Data Set
    • Data set documentation: Lizard pitfall trap data - EML (63KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: arthropods, pitfall traps, consumers, populations
      Abstract: In conjunction with net primary production studies, consumer and faunal studies are conducted at or near NPP sites using pitfall traps. We use live traps, not employing ethylene glycol or other killing/preservative agents, with traps checked once a week at the minimum. Sampling-with-replacement is used with the lizards. Variables measured include species, sex, recapture status, snout-vent length, total length, weight, and whether tail is broken or whole.

  • Project documentation: Small Mammal Trapping (LTER-II)
    Abstract: Small mammal trapping looking at diversity and density.
    • Data Set
    • Data set documentation: Small mammal trapping (LTER-II) - EML (21KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: small mammals, animals, consumers, population dynamics
      Abstract: Small mammal live-traps are located on consumer pitfall plots. A grid of 20 traps is located on each consumer plot. Small mammals are trapped daily for a one-week period in the late spring and again in the late summer of each year. Data on species, sex, toe marks, weight, and reproductive condition are taken.

  • Project documentation: Transect Leaf-litter Microarthropods
    Abstract: Changes in microarthropod assemblages were monitored in six types of decomposing surface leaf-litter confined in mesh bags and set across a Chihuahuan Desert watershed for 17 months along the LTER-I Control transect. The following hypotheses were tested: 1) microarthropod density and diversity are higher in soils with maximum surface litter accumulation, and 2) temporal patterns of density and diversity are more dependent on seasonal factors and physical disturbances than on the decompositional stage of the litter.
    • Data Set
    • Data set documentation: Transect leaf-litter microarthropod data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: litter, microarthropods, creosotebush, decomposition, vine mesquite, mesquite, desert marigold, fluffgrass, black grama grass, mites, collembolans
      Abstract: Changes in microarthropod assemblages were monitored in six types of decomposing surface leaf-litter confined in mesh bags and set across a Chihuahuan Desert watershed for 17 months.

  • Project documentation: Small Mammal Exclosure Study
    Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not the activities of small mammals regulate plant community structure, plant species diversity, and spatial vegetation patterns in Chihuahuan Desert shrublands and grasslands. Ants, termites, and grasshoppers will be monitored since manipulations of small mammals will probably affect these arthropod consumers.
    INTERSITE study: Jornada LTER; Sevilleta LTER; Mapimi, Mexico
    • Data Sets
    • Data set documentation: SMES rabbit survey data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: lagomorphs, transects, small mammals, populations dynamics
      Abstract: Nighttime spotlighting of rabbits during the full moon at quarterly intervals is being used to estimate densities of jackrabbits and cottontail rabbits over time. Data on species, perpendicular distance from center of road to rabbit, and distance along survey route are taken.

    • Data set documentation: SMES rodent trapping data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: rodents, rodent trapping, small mammals, soil disturbance
      Abstract: Rodent trapping webs are being used to determine the composition of rodent species at each study site in cresotebush and black grama grassland vegetation zones, and to estimate densities of each species over time.

    • Data set documentation: SMES vegetation line intercept data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: vegetation, plant species, line intercept
      Abstract: Plant line intercept measurements are made along 6 lines within each of the 36 plots. Intercept length of plant species and bare soil are recorded. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

    • Data set documentation: SMES vegetation quadrat data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: vegetation, plant species, canopy cover
      Abstract: Plant species composition, cover, and above ground foliage height will be measured from each of the 36 quadrats on each plot. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

    • Data set documentation: SMES Cryptogam Crust Data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: cryptogam crusts, cryptobiotic crusts, cryptogams, microbiotic crusts, soil crust, soil surface
      Abstract: Percent cover measurements of cryptogam crusts are made on the soil surface of each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

    • Data set documentation: SMES Leaf Litter Data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: leaf litter, soil surface
      Abstract: Percent cover measurements of leaf litter are made on the soil surface of each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

    • Data set documentation: SMES Rabbit Feces Data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: rabbits, rabbit feces, rabbit pellets, fecal counts, scat counts
      Abstract: Total number of rabbit feces observed on each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Rabbit feces collected for first 5 years for possible analysis at later date. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

    • Data set documentation: SMES Soil Surface Disturbance
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: soil surface disturbance, animal tracks, animal digs, ant nests, spider burrows
      Abstract: Percent cover and vertical dimension (depth and/or height) of soil surface disturbance caused by animals. The type of disturbance is identified whenever possible. Observations are made on each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

    • Data set documentation: SMES termite casing data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: termites, casing, gallery carton, foraging activity
      Abstract: Termite mud casing on plant litter and dead standing plant material is measured on the quadrat. Measurements consist of length, diameter, and height. Observations are made on each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

  • Project documentation: Termite Baits
    Abstract: Surface measurement of termite consumption of organic material using baits.
    • Data Set
    • Data set documentation: Termite bait data - EML (28KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: termites, consumers, foraging activity
      Abstract: Data for Jornada LTERII termite bait weight loss. Toilet paper roll termite baits are placed on grids on each consumer plot. Data include initial bait weights and bait weights after baits have been retrieved from the field once each year. Weight loss is calculated as a measure of termite foraging activity.

  • Project documentation: Transect Rabbit Herbage Wastage (LTER-I)
    Abstract: The study was undertaken to look at clipping, or browsing, of plants by rabbits in the creosotebush and upper mixed basin zone on the bajada below Mt. Summerford that extends down to College Playa. Data collected: rabbit pellet weight and total N content, rabbit browse material by species and total N content.
    • Data Sets



  • Project documentation: Transect Soil Disturbance (LTER-I)
    Abstract: Data were collected on disturbances on soil/surface for different categories of animal (for example, Novomesser ant). Information was used to calculate percent disturbance and soil disturbance density by animal on a fertilized (with NHNO3 in a concentration equal to 10g N/m2) transect and adjacent control transect.
    • Data Sets
    • Data set documentation: Transect soil disturbance
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: soil disturbance, rodent mounds, rodent diggings, burrows, ant mounds
      Abstract: Contains areas of disturbances on soil/surface for different categories of animal (for example, Novomesser ant). To be used to calculate % disturbance and soil disturbance density by animal.



  • Project documentation: Transect Termites (LTER-I)
    Abstract: Data set includes bi-weekly records of number of termites observed within and beneath each of 4 rolls of toilet paper placed at each of 91 stations on treatment and control transects. Observations of presence of termite activity at each roll (paper eaten, cartons constructed) are also included.

    • Data Sets
    • Data set documentation: Transect termites
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: termites, transect, density, activity
      Abstract: Data set includes bi-weekly records of number of termites observed within and beneath each of 4 rolls of toilet paper placed at each of 91 stations on treatment and control transects. Observations of presence of termite activity at each roll (paper eaten, cartons constructed) are also included.


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Climate Projects

  • Project documentation: Atmospheric Deposition (LTER)
    Abstract: Chemical analysis of atmospheric deposition as found in dryfall (dust) and wetfall precipitation since 1983.
    • Data Sets

  • Project documentation: Evaporation Pan data
    Abstract: Weekly pan evaporation at LTER Weather Station.
    • Data Sets
    • Data set documentation: Evaporation pan data (Jornada LTER)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: evaporation, water temperature, precipitation
      Abstract: Surface evaporation is measured weekly using an evaporation pan compatible with standard National Weather Service evaporation measurements. The following data is collected approximately once a week: max, min, and current H2O temperatures; initial water level; final water level; rainfall.

  • Project documentation: Transect Precipitation
    Abstract: Precipitation is recorded weekly at each of the 91 sampling stations located 30m apart along the LTER-I Control Transect from a direct-reading rain-gauge attached to the west cross-arm of the station marker.
    • Data Sets
    • Data set documentation: Transect precipitation
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: transect, precipitation, rainfall
      Abstract: At each of the 91 sampling stations that are located 30m apart along the LTER-I Control transect is a direct-reading rain-gauge attached to the west cross-arm of the station marker. Precipitation is recorded weekly.

  • Project documentation: Upper Trailer Soil Temperature
    Abstract: Temperature data was acquired using a mechanical chart recorder of soil temperatures at 5 cm and 20 cm soil depths at a site approximately 20' west of the Upper Trailer on the Jornada. (LTER-I)
    • Data Sets

  • Project documentation: USDA Climatological Data
    Abstract: Climate data collected at USDA Jornada Experimental Range Headquarters which is a NOAA weather station. Daily data has been collected since 1914 for minimum and maximum air temperature as well as daily precipitation. Pan evaporation data was collection from January 1956 through August 1979.
    • Data Sets

  • Project documentation: JER Standard Gauge Precipitation Data
    Abstract: The objective of this long-term project is to measure the precipitation across the entire Jornada Experimental Range. This is achieved by using a network of standard-can rain gages to continually collect the precipitation as it occurs. The collected precipitation is then measured monthly and the results are recorded on a data sheet which is later entered into a spreadsheet.
    • Data Sets
    • Data set documentation: JER standard gauge precipitation data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: precipitation, standard rain gauge, climate, weather
      Abstract: The objective of this long-term project is to measure the precipitation across the entire Jornada Experimental Range. This is achieved by using a network of standard-can rain gauges to continually collect the precipitation as it occurs. The collected precipitation is then measured monthly and the results are recorded on a data sheet which is later entered into a spread sheet.

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Decomposition Projects
  • Project documentation: LTER Fine Litter Decomposition Experiment (LIDET)
    Abstract: The primary objective of this study is to examine the control that substrate quality and climate have on patterns of long-term decomposition and nitrogen accumulation in above- and below-ground fine litter.
    INTERSITE study: Includes all major terrestrial biomes in North America. Twenty-eight sites are involved.
    • Data Sets
    • Data set documentation: LTER Fine Litter Decomposition Experiment (LIDET)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: decomposition, decay rates, litterbags, leaf litter, fine roots, wood, nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon fractions, LIDET
      Abstract: The primary objective of this study is to examine the control that substrate quality and climate have on patterns of long-term decomposition and nitrogen accumulation in above- and below-ground fine litter.
  • Project documentation: Termite Baits
    Abstract: Surface measurement of termite consumption of organic material using baits.
    • Data Sets
    • Data set documentation: Termite bait data - EML (28KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: termites, consumers, foraging activity
      Abstract: Data for Jornada LTERII termite bait weight loss. Toilet paper roll termite baits are placed on grids on each consumer plot. Data include initial bait weights and bait weights after baits have been retrieved from the field once each year. Weight loss is calculated as a measure of termite foraging activity.


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Hydrology Projects

  • Project documentation: Hydrology Natural Runoff Plots
    Abstract: Looking at infiltration and runoff rates as related to rain event duration and intensity as well as soil and organic movement as related natural runoff events in creosotebush and grassland zones.
    • Data Sets
    • Data set documentation: Hydrology plot surface runoff water chemistry - EML (22KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: hydrology, surface runoff, streamwater chemistry, nutrient cycling, nutrient transport
      Abstract: The data consists of chemical analyses of dissolved ions in samples of surface runoff from natural rainfall events collected from experimental hydrology plots in creosotebush scrub and grassland areas of the New Mexico State University Ranch and USDA Jornada Experimental Range. Chemical analyses are for F, Cl, NO3, SO4 by ion chromatography, NH4 by autoanalyzer, Ca, Mg, Na, K by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and total N and P by autoanalyzer.

    • Data set documentation: Hydrology natural runoff plots - runoff - EML (26KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: hydrology, runoff, sediment, precipitation, deposit, carbon
      Abstract: This is the Jornada Long Term Ecological Research site data base for the 2 x 2 meter natural rainfall-runoff plots. Variables include runoff depth, suspended sediment concentration, precipitation, deposited sediment, and % organic carbon.

    • Data set documentation: Hydrology natural runoff plots plant cover - EML (20KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: hydrology, plant cover
      Abstract: On 10/27/89, 03/14/90, and 10/19/90, % plant cover by species was measured on 20 2x2m hydrology run off plots using quadrats with 10x10cm units.


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Intersite Projects
  • Project documentation: LTER Fine Litter Decomposition Experiment (LIDET)
    Abstract: The primary objective of this study is to examine the control that substrate quality and climate have on patterns of long-term decomposition and nitrogen accumulation in above- and below-ground fine litter.
    INTERSITE study: Includes all major terrestrial biomes in North America. Twenty-eight sites are involved.
    • Data set documentation: LTER Fine Litter Decomposition Experiment (LIDET)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: decomposition, decay rates, litterbags, leaf litter, fine roots, wood, nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon fractions, LIDET
      Abstract: The primary objective of this study is to examine the control that substrate quality and climate have on patterns of long-term decomposition and nitrogen accumulation in above- and below-ground fine litter.

  • Project documentation: Small Mammal Exclosure Study
    Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not the activities of small mammals regulate plant community structure, plant species diversity, and spatial vegetation patterns in Chihuahuan Desert shrublands and grasslands. Ants, termites, and grasshoppers will be monitored since manipulations of small mammals will probably affect these arthropod consumers.
    INTERSITE study: Jornada LTER; Sevilleta LTER; Mapimi, Mexico
    • Data Sets
    • Data set documentation: SMES rabbit survey data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: lagomorphs, transects, small mammals, populations dynamics
      Abstract: Nighttime spotlighting of rabbits during the full moon at quarterly intervals is being used to estimate densities of jackrabbits and cottontail rabbits over time. Data on species, perpendicular distance from center of road to rabbit, and distance along survey route are taken.


    • Data set documentation: SMES rodent trapping data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: rodents, rodent trapping, small mammals, soil disturbance
      Abstract: Rodent trapping webs are being used to determine the composition of rodent species at each study site, and to estimate densities of each species over time.


    • Data set documentation: SMES vegetation line intercept data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: vegetation, plant species, line intercept
      Abstract: Plant line intercept measurements are made along 6 lines within each of the 36 plots. Intercept length of plant species and bare soil are recorded.

    • Data set documentation: SMES vegetation quadrat data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: vegetation, plant species, canopy cover
      Abstract: Plant species composition, cover, and above ground foliage height will be measured from each of the 36 quadrats on each plot. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

    • Data set documentation: SMES Cryptogam Crust Data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: cryptogam crusts, cryptobiotic crusts, cryptogams, microbiotic crusts, soil crust, soil surface
      Abstract: Percent cover measurements of cryptogam crusts are made on the soil surface of each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

    • Data set documentation: SMES Leaf Litter Data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: leaf litter, soil surface
      Abstract: Percent cover measurements of leaf litter are made on the soil surface of each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

    • Data set documentation: SMES Rabbit Feces Data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: rabbits, rabbit feces, rabbit pellets, fecal counts, scat counts
      Abstract: Total number of rabbit feces observed on each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Rabbit feces collected for first 5 years for possible analysis at later date. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

    • Data set documentation: SMES Soil Surface Disturbance
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: soil surface disturbance, animal tracks, animal digs, ant nests, spider burrows
      Abstract: Percent cover and vertical dimension (depth and/or height) of soil surface disturbance caused by animals. The type of disturbance is identified whenever possible. Observations are made on each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

    • Data set documentation: SMES termite casing data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: termites, casing, gallery carton, foraging activity
      Abstract: Termite mud casing on plant litter and dead standing plant material is measured on the quadrat. Measurements consist of length, diameter, and height. Observations are made on each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

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Plant Projects

  • Project documentation: Patterns of Net Primary Productivity
    Abstract: Patterns of net primary production over a range of ecosystem types and geographic areas of the Jornada basin with biomass and productivity estimates.
    • Data set documentation: Net primary production quadrat data - EML (415KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: productivity, harvest, plants, spatial and temporal patterns
      Abstract: Standing biomass is sampled three times a year: in winter (February - March), before shrubs begin spring growth; in spring (May), when shrubs and spring annuals have reached peak biomass; in fall (late summer; October), when summer annuals have reached peak biomass but before killing frosts. Data collected include percent cover, height, and phenological stage.
      • Attention Previous Data Users: This online data set has been CORRECTED and updated as of 24 January 2005. Additional QA resulted in corrections to some field data values. See [url link to doc] for specifics.

    • Data set documentation: Net primary production quadrat biomass data - EML (172KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: primary productivity, plants, biomass, canopy cover
      Abstract: These data sets contain calculated aboveground biomass values, by species, for each quadrat in each site for a given season. They are constructed (as outlined below) from the field data which are measurements of the physical dimensions (horizontal cover, vertical height) of plants or plant parts in the quadrats. Objective is to monitor patterns (both temporal and spatial) of aboveground biomass across a range of ecosystem types; to allow the estimation of net primary production and its variability in those ecosystems; and to provide a quantitative description of plant community structure over time in those ecosystems.
    • Data set documentation: Annual aboveground net primary production, SUMMARY - EML (28KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: primary productivity, plants, biomass
      Abstract: Summarizes mean aboveground net primary production, in g/m2/yr, by year for each of 15 sites. Annual totals derived by summing seasonal production values for winter (October - February), spring (February - May), and fall (May - October) increments for a single calendar year.
      • Attention: Data and regression equations have been temporary removed to recalculate based on the regression forced through zero. This will allow intersite comparability of data using similar methodology. It will be reposted here when that has been done.

    • Data set documentation: Annual aboveground net primary production, SUMMARY TABLE
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: primary productivity, plants, biomass
      Abstract: (Table format) Summarizes mean aboveground net primary production, in g/m2/yr, by year for each of 15 sites. Annual totals derived by summing seasonal production values for winter (October - February), spring (February - May), and fall (May - October) increments for a single calendar year.
      • Attention: Data and regression equations have been temporary removed to recalculate based on the regression forced through zero. This will allow intersite comparability of data using similar methodology. It will be reposted here when that has been done.

    • Data set documentation: Seasonal mean aboveground biomass, SUMMARY - EML (20KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: primary productivity, plants, biomass
      Abstract: Summarizes mean aboveground live biomass (summed across species), in g/m2, for each of 15 sites. Averages derived by estimating aboveground biomass of each species on each quadrat (NQBIOxxy DAT datasets) from non-destructive field measurements, summing across all species in a quadrat, and then averaging for all quadrats in a site.
      • Attention: Data and regression equations have been temporary removed to recalculate based on the regression forced through zero. This will allow intersite comparability of data using similar methodology. It will be reposted here when that has been done.

    • Data set documentation: Seasonal mean aboveground biomass, SUMMARY TABLE
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: primary productivity, plants, biomass
      Abstract: (Table format) Summarizes mean aboveground live biomass (summed across species), in g/m2, for each of 15 sites. Averages derived by estimating aboveground biomass of each species on each quadrat (NQBIOxxy DAT datasets) from non-destructive field measurements, summing across all species in a quadrat, and then averaging for all quadrats in a site.
      • Attention: Data and regression equations have been temporary removed to recalculate based on the regression forced through zero. This will allow intersite comparability of data using similar methodology. It will be reposted here when that has been done.

    • Data set documentation: Seasonal aboveground net primary production, SUMMARY - EML (21KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: primary productivity, plants, biomass
      Abstract: Summarizes aboveground net primary productivity (summed across species), in g/m2/yr, for each of 15 sites. Averages derived by calculating increment in biomass for each species in each quadrat during interval (winter - spring, spring - fall, or fall - winter), then summing all positive increments for each quadrat, and finally averaging for all quadrats in a site.
      • Attention: Data and regression equations have been temporary removed to recalculate based on the regression forced through zero. This will allow intersite comparability of data using similar methodology. It will be reposted here when that has been done.

    • Data set documentation: Seasonal aboveground net primary production, SUMMARY TABLE
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: primary productivity, plants, biomass
      Abstract: (Table format) Summarizes aboveground net primary productivity (summed across species), in g/m2/yr, for each of 15 sites. Averages derived by calculating increment in biomass for each species in each quadrat during interval (winter - spring, spring - fall, or fall - winter), then summing all positive increments for each quadrat, and finally averaging for all quadrats in a site.
      • Attention: Data and regression equations have been temporary removed to recalculate based on the regression forced through zero. This will allow intersite comparability of data using similar methodology. It will be reposted here when that has been done.

    • Data set documentation: Seasonal aboveground net primary production by species per plot, SUMMARY - EML (43KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: primary productivity, plants, biomass, climatic response
      Abstract: Summarizes aboveground net primary productivity over interval by species per plot, in g/m2, for each of 15 sites. Averages derived by calculating increment in biomass for each species in each quadrat during interval (winter - spring, spring - fall, or fall - winter), then summing all positive increments for each quadrat.
      • Attention: Data and regression equations have been temporary removed to recalculate based on the regression forced through zero. This will allow intersite comparability of data using similar methodology. It will be reposted here when that has been done.

    • Data set documentation: Net primary production reference harvest data - EML (36KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: vegetation, plant species, canopy cover
      Abstract: This is the reference harvest biomass data of plants near, but outside the grid of permanent NPP quadrats that was harvested for each of 15 sites located in 5 plant community zones. Height and cover are recorded in the field. Live biomass is weighed in the lab and all measurements are recorded as reference harvest data.

  • Project documentation: East & West Boundary Fence Plant Line Intercepts
    Abstract: Fence line plant line intercepts were established on either side of LTER exclosure excluded from grazing in 1982. Study provides the opportunity to investigate the response of vegetation with respect to landscape characteristics as well as release from grazing.
    • Data set documentation: East & west boundary fence plant line intercepts - Sorted data - EML (84KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: vegetative cover, line intercepts, plant cover, grazing effects, fence line
      Abstract: Data set consists of 15-meter plant line intercept measurements of perennials on either side of the LTER-I exclosure East and West boundary fence made at 5 year intevals to access response of plant community to the removal of grazing. Data is sorted by station, species i.d., then line segment. The LTER-I exclosure has been excluded from grazing since 1982. Data for Weeks 41, 247, 559, and 876.

    • Data set documentation: East & West Boundary Fence Plant Line Intercepts - Raw data (Book) - EML (52KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: vegetative cover, line intercepts, plant cover, grazing effects, fence line
      Abstract: Unsorted field data as recorded on data sheets. Data set consists of 15-meter plant line intercept measurements of perennials on either side of the LTER-I exclosure East and West boundary fence made at 5 year intevals to access response of plant community to the removal of grazing. The LTER-I exclosure has been excluded from grazing since 1982.

    • Data set documentation: East & West Boundary Fence Plant Line Intercepts - Raw data (Tape) - EML (36KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: vegetative cover, line intercepts, plant cover, grazing effects, fence line
      Abstract: Unsorted field data as recorded on cassette tape. Data set consists of 15-meter plant line intercept measurements of perennials on either side of the LTER-I exclosure East and West boundary fence made at 5 year intevals to access response of plant community to the removal of grazing. The LTER-I exclosure has been excluded from grazing since 1982.

    • Data set documentation: East & East & west boundary fence plant line intercepts - Summary Data - EML (51KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: vegetative cover, line intercepts, plant cover, grazing effects, fence line
      Abstract: This summary data set consists of percent cover of 9 species from the plant line intercept measurements on either side of the LTER-I exclosure East and West boundary fence. Data is sorted by station, species i.d., then line segment. Along the East Boundary fence, the east side is ungrazed (control) and the west side is grazed (treatment). Along the West Boundary fence, the east side is grazed and the west side is ungrazed. Each plant line transect is divided into 6 5-meter segments. All perennials were measured at about 5 year intervals as the length of intercept along a 30-meter line perpendicular to the fence. Summary data includes only four of the 6 5-meter intervals due to disturbance along fenceline. Data from the 5-meter segment on either side of the fence was not included in summarizing the data. Summary data includes only 9 of the perennial species.

  • Project documentation: Ecosystem Effects of Plant Diversity (Biodiversity Experiment)
    Abstract: One hypothesis is that plant biomass, rather than the species or functional group composition of the plants, is the critical regulator of ecosystem function.
    Another hypothesis is that the architecture and physiology of different groups of plants differ sufficiently that each functional group contributes in a unique way to ecosystem function.
    We therefore are testing the impact of removing various groups or growth forms from the plant community.

  • Project documentation: Fluff grass: Microarthropod effects on nitrogen availability
    Abstract: It is hypothesized that changing densities of soil microarthropods would result in changes in nitrogen availability. In order to test this hypothesis, Erionueron pulchellum rhizosphere soil samples were taken monthly from control plots, plots irrigated with 6mm/wk, plots soaked with chlordane (to remove microarthropods), and plots treated with chlordane that were irrigated with 6 mm/wk. These samples were analyzed for available inorganic nitrogen (NO3 and NH4), gravimetric soil moisture, plant shoot and root biomass, plant shoot and root total nitrogen, plant growth, microarthropod and nematode densities.
    • Data set documentation: Fluff grass mesocosm: mites and nematodes - EML (13KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: fluffgrass, chlordane, nematode, mite, nitrogen
      Abstract: A mesocosm experiment was conducted on fluff grass (Erioneuron pulchellum) plants to look at the effect of exclusion of mites (with chlordane), nematodes (NEMACUR), mites and nematodes, on soil available, total and microbial nitrogen.

    • Data set documentation: Mesocosm microarthropod numbers - EML (11KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: fluffgrass, microarthropods, mesocosm
      Abstract: A mesocosm experiment was conducted on fluff grass plants to look at the effect of exclusion of mites (with chlordane), nematodes (with NEMACUR), mites and nematodes, on soil available, total and microbial nitrogen. Numbers of microarthropods per 1000g of soil is recorded in this data file.

    • Data set documentation: Fluffgrass rhizosphere N mineralization potential - EML (14KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: nitrogen, mineralization, fluffgrass, mites, irrigation, pesticides
      Abstract: Nitrogen mineralization potential of soil rhizosphere of Erioneuron pulchellum from Silva's dissertation research plots. Twenty 6 x 6 m plots were established with a 3 m buffer between plots. Five plots were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: (1) chlordane amendment 100ml AI (active ingredients) per 10,000 ml) to exclude microarthropods, (2) sprinkler irrigation (6 mm per week), (3) sprinkler irrigation (6 mm/week) plus chlordate amendment (as above), (4) control (no treatment). Three randomly located subsamples were taken from each plot consisting of a fluff grass plant and a soil core 10 cm in diameter and 15 cm deep centered on each plant. [taken from page 11 of dissertation]

    • Data set documentation: Fluff grass soil nitrogen
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: nitrogen, soil organic, nematodes, microarthropods
      Abstract: This data set consists of soil analyses for nitrate, ammonium, total nitrogen, moisture content, organic matter, mite weight, nematode weight and root weight of Erioneuron pulchellum soil rhizosphere samples taken at monthly intervals from Silva's dissertation research plots. Twenty 6 x 6 m plots were established with a 3 m buffer between plots. Five plots were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: (1) chlordane amendment 100ml AI (active ingredients) per 10,000 ml) to exclude microarthropods, (2) sprinkler irrigation (6 mm per week), (3) sprinkler irrigation (6 mm/week) plus chlordate amendment (as above), (4) control (no treatment). Three randomly located subsamples were taken from each plot.

    • Data set documentation: Fluff grass plant total nitrogen - EML (13KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: fluffgrass, dry weights, total nitrogen, Chlordane, irrigation
      Abstract: Dry weight biomass and total nitrogen were determined for flowers, green leaves and yellow and grey leaves of fluffgrass plants collected from plots.

    • Data set documentation: Fluff grass plant growth - EML (12KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: fluffgrass, Chlordane, irrigation, plant growth
      Abstract: This data set consists of periodic size measurements of permanently marked individual fluff grass plants. Measurements were taken in March, July, and September 1986.

    • Data set documentation: Fluffgrass anion exchange resins bags for NO3 - EML (12KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: resin-bag, fluffgrass, rhizosphere, decomposition, nitrogen, nitrate
      Abstract: An ion exchange resin bag technique (Binkley 1984, Lajtha 1988) was used to determine N availability in the rhizosphere of fluffgrass. Ion exchange resin bags were used to determine NO3.

    • Data set documentation: Fluffgrass cation exchange resin bags for NH4 - EML (12KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: resin-bag, fluffgrass, rhizosphere, decomposition, NH4, ammonium
      Abstract: An ion exchange resin bag technique (Binkley 1984, Lajtha 1988) was used to determine N availability in the rhizosphere of fluffgrass. Ion exchange resin bags were used to determine NH4.

    • Data set documentation: Fluff grass plant dynamics - EML (15KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: fluffgrass, irrigation, pesticide, mites, plant biomass, rhizosphere, nitrogen, microarthropod
      Abstract: Measurements are taken on Erioneuron pulchellum at monthly intervals. Three randomly located subsamples are collected from each plot. Data set contains plant diameters, mites soil weight, root weight, nematode soil weight, root total nitrogen, and nematode number.

    • Data set documentation: Fluff grass soil total nitrogen - EML (12KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: nitrogen, fluffgrass, water irrigation, Chlordane
      Abstract: Soil total Nitrogen was determined in the rhizosphere of fluffgrass.

  • Project documentation: Transect Root Decomposition
    Abstract: We designed a study to examine the long-term spatial and temporal patterns of mass loss, changes in nitrogen content and chemical composition during decomposition of roots in a desert watershed. Because nitrogen availability has been hypothesized to affect decomposition rates of buried litter in deserts, we studied decomposition of roots along a transect on a desert watershed that had been fertilized with ammonium nitrate and compared these results with the decomposition of roots along a transect that had not been fertilized.

    • Data set documentation: Root chemistry
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: root, decomposition, transect, nitrogen, tannin, lignin, carbohydrates, water solubles, acid solubles, non-polar substance
      Abstract: We designed a study to examine the long-term spatial and temporal patterns of mass loss, changes in nitrogen content and chemical composition during decomposition of roots in a desert watershed. Because nitrogen availability has been hypothesized to affect decomposition rates of buried litter in deserts, we studied decomposition of roots along a transect on a desert watershed that had been fertilized with ammonium nitrate and compared these results with the decomposition of roots along a transect that had not been fertilized. Plant species roots analyzed: Baileya multiradiata, Erioneuron pulchellum, Xanthocephalum sarothrae, Panicum obtusum, and Boutelou eriopoda. Variables measured: Total Tannin, Total Lignin, Carbohydrates/acid, Carbohydrates/water, Total Nitrogen, Nitrogen/water, Nitrogen/acid, Total Water Solubles, Total Acid Solubles, and Total Non-polar Substance.

    • Data set documentation: Root chemistry raw data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: root, decomposition, transect, nitrogen, lignin, water solubles, acid solubles, non-polar substance
      Abstract: We designed a study to examine the long-term spatial and temporal patterns of mass loss, changes in nitrogen content and chemical composition during decomposition of roots in a desert watershed. Because nitrogen availability has been hypothesized to affect decomposition rates of buried litter in deserts, we studied decomposition of roots along a transect on a desert watershed that had been fertilized with ammonium nitrate and compared these results with the decomposition of roots along a transect that had not been fertilized. Plant species roots analyzed: Baileya multiradiata, Erioneuron pulchellum, Xanthocephalum sarothrae, Panicum obtusum, and Boutelou eriopoda. Variables measured: Lignin, Water solubles, Acid solubles, Non-polar substance, Total Lignin, Total Water Solubles, Total Acid Solubles, and Total Non-polar Substance.

    • Data set documentation: Root weight
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: root, decomposition, transect
      Abstract: We designed a study to examine the long-term spatial and temporal patterns of mass loss, changes in nitrogen content and chemical composition during decomposition of roots in a desert watershed. Because nitrogen availability has been hypothesized to affect decomposition rates of buried litter in deserts, we studied decomposition of roots along a transect on a desert watershed that had been fertilized with ammonium nitrate and compared these results with the decomposition of roots along a transect that had not been fertilized. Plant species roots analyzed: Baileya multiradiata, Erioneuron pulchellum, Xanthocephalum sarothrae, Panicum obtusum, and Boutelou eriopoda. Variables measured: Initial Root Weight, Remaining Root Weight, Root Weight Loss, Percent Root Weight Loss.

  • Project documentation: Transect Vegetation Biomass
    Abstract: Soil mineralization and annual and perennial grass and forb biomass were examined on the control and fertilized treatment transects.
    • Data set documentation: Transect Vegetation Biomass
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: transect, biomass, grass, forb
      Abstract: Biomass of annual and perennial forbs and grasses was obtained from a one meter quad selected at random just downslope from each of the 6 5-meter segments of the 30 meter plant line intercepts located perpendicular to the transect station marker.
    • Data set documentation: Transect Soil Mineralization Potential (Field)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: mineralization potential, transects, biomass, nitrogen
      Abstract: Soil mineralization was examined on the control and fertilized treatment transects in association with the vegetation biomass study. Data set contains soil moisture correction factor, sample weight, total inorganic nitrogen (NO3+NO2-N), and nitrogen in ammonium (NH4-N) for Week F (field) of nitrogen mineralization potentials.

    • Data set documentation: Transect Soil Mineralization Potential (Initial)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: mineralization potential, transects, biomass, nitrogen
      Abstract: Soil mineralization was examined on the control and fertilized treatment transects in association with the vegetation biomass study. Data set contains soil moisture correction factor, sample weight, total inorganic nitrogen (NO3+NO2-N), and nitrogen in ammonium (NH4-N) for Week 0 (Initial) of nitrogen mineralization potentials.

  • Project documentation: Transect Litter Collection Study
    Abstract: Litter collected monthly from creosotebush and mesquite zones along the LTER-I Control and Treatment transects. Dry weight of total creosotebush and mesquite litterfall collected is recorded as well as leaf, stem, and seed fractions.

  • Project documentation: Drought recovery of Larrea tridentata
    Abstract: Drought recovery of Larrea tridentata - plant physiology.
    • Data set documentation: Drought recovery gas-exchange
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: leaf gas exchange, stomatal conductance, Ball-Berry model, photosynthetic capacity, leaf dark respiration
      Abstract: Leaf gas exchange with a portable photosynthesis system of Larrea tridentata was measured. The basic data obtained during gas exchange are i) stomatal conductance, ii) leaf-internal CO2 concentration during gas exchange, iii) leaf temperature during gas exchange, iv) CO2 assimilation rate, v) dark respiration, and vi) the microenvironment that existed just before cuvette was placed on leaf: windspeed, leaf temperature, CO2 and water-vapor partial pressures.

  • Project documentation: Valentines Creosotebush Lagomorph Study
    Abstract: Litter collected monthly from creosotebush and mesquite zones along the LTER-I Control and Treatment transects. Dry weight of total creosotebush and mesquite litterfall collected is recorded as well as leaf, stem, and seed fractions.
    • Data set documentation: Line intercept data of long-term vegetation responses to shrub removal and lagomorph exclusion in a creosotebush community
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: vegetation, plant species, canopy cover, creosotebush, lagomorphs, shrub removal, long-term study, desert ecology, shrub competition, black grama, creosotebush, rabbits, Gravelly Ridge exclosure, Dona Ana exclosure, Parker Tank
      Abstract: Three exclosure sites each with sixteen 21.3 x 21.3 m plots were established in 1938/39 to evaluate the effects of lagomorph exclusion and shrub removal in a creosotebush dominated community. The study sites, developed by Ken Valentine, were placed on the Jornada Experimental Range at the following locations: 1) outside the southeast corner of the Gravelly Ridges Artificial Revegetation Enclosure, 2) about one half mile southwest of Parker Tank, and 3) inside the Moisture Conservation Plots Enclosure about .15 mile east of the Dona Ana Revegetation Enclosure. Major dominant shrubs (creosotebush, mesquite, and tarbush) were individually severed at ground level and removed by hand in 1939, 1947, 1956, 1960, 1967, 1989, 1995, and 2001. Lagomorphs were excluded with poultry wire fencing in 1939 and integrity of fences is maintained. The objective of the original study was perennial grass responses to shrub removal, lagomorph exclusion, furrowing (shallow, hand raked furrows designed to trap surface water), and seeding (broadcast application of seeds of native perennials). Furrowing and seeding treatments were short lived and not repeated or maintained. All plots were sampled prior to initial treatment applications in 1938/39 and immediately following all subsequent shrub removal events. Each plot was divided into east and west halves and 14 randomly located 10.65 m line intercept transects were sampled for shrub canopy cover and perennial grass basal cover.

  • Project documentation: Permanent Chart Quadrat Data
    Abstract: Permanent quadrats record vegetation changes since 1915 in a range of grassland and soil texture types. More than 100 1 x 1 m**2 quadrats were set up during 1915-32 to study the response of major forage species to cattle grazing and precipitation. Basal area of perennial grasses, locations of annual grasses, forbs, and shrubs, and sometimes canopy cover of major shrubs were charted. Almost all quadrats were charted annually until 1947, and a portion of the quadrats were charted annually between 1947 and 1979. One hundred and six quadrats were relocated and charted in 1995 and again in 2001.
    • Data set documentation: Documentation to meet current information management standards of the data sets listed in section 10 of the project documentation are in progress. They will be placed online when completed.
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: vegetation change, grasses, forbs, shrubs, basal area, long-term study, quadrats


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Soil Projects
  • Project documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores
    Abstract: In the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico, mesquite occurs in a variety of landscape populations where water may accumulate: at depth from channeling and concentration of water into low-lying areas (playas and arroyos); in high infiltration soils which permit deep infiltration and limit evaporation (dunes); and, as scattered individuals expanding into former grasslands where rooting is limited to the depth of infiltration of incident rainfall. We hypothesized that Prosopis glandulosa growing in these systems would vary considerably in root distribution and maximum rooting depth. The creosote system was expected to be more shallow rooted, and unlike mesquite, the community has been well characterized. The objective of these studies was to examine nematode, microarthropod, micronutrient, and nutrient concentrations at deep and surface soils in the different mesquite communties.
    • Data Sets
    • Data set documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores: Deep Soil Microarthropods - EML (18KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: mesquite, deep cores, soil microarthropods
      Abstract: Data set consists of microarthropods and microarthropod numbers found at different soil depths associated with four mesquite ecosystems (playa, coppice dune, arroyo, and grassland).

    • Data set documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores: Deep Soil Core Micronutrients - EML (19KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: soil micronutrients, mesquite deep cores
      Abstract: Soil cores were collected under mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) trees at playa, wash, sand dune, and grassland sites on the Jornada LTER site to depths of 15, 9, 7, and 4 m. Soil cores (to 4 m) were also taken under creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) near the wash site. Soils were extracted and analyzed for micronutrients, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn.

    • Data set documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores: Deep Soil Core N-Mineralization - EML (21KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: nitrogen mineralization, mesquite, deep cores
      Abstract: Soil cores collected under mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) trees at several sites and under Larrea at one site at the Jornada LTER were incubated to determine the N-mineralization potential.

    • Data set documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores: Deep Soil Core Nutrients - EML (24KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: mesquite, deep cores, soil nutrients
      Abstract: We have hypothesized that large rhizobial population densities can occur at considerable depths in woody legume systems where deep moisture also occurs. However, associated with deep soil environments are low concentrations of soil nutrients that might affect nodulation and also limit survival of free-living rhizobia. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine if results from a previous study of a mesquite woodland utilizing groundwater in the Californian Sonoran desert were generizable to mesquite systems in other deserts where root depth varied with ecosystem type and (2) examine possible relationships of soil properties and host-plant phenology to rhizobial concentrations. Data set contains total nitrogen, total phosphorous,NH4-N, NO3-N, PO4-P, percent moisture, total roots, tap roots, fine roots, vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza, rhizobia Most Probable Number, and Rhizobia log (1+MPN).

    • Data set documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores: Deep Core Soil Saturation Extracts - EML (23KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: mesquite, deep cores, soil nutrients
      Abstract: We have hypothesized that large rhizobial population densities can occur at considerable depths in woody legume systems where deep moisture also occurs. However, associated with deep soil environments are low concentrations of soil nutrients that might affect nodulation and also limit survival of free-living rhizobia. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine if results from a previous study of a mesquite woodland utilizing groundwater in the Californian Sonoran desert were generizable to mesquite systems in other deserts where root depth varied with ecosystem type and (2) examine possible relationships of soil properties and host-plant phenology to rhizobial concentrations. Data set contains analyses for SO4, sodium, calcium, manganese, sodium-absorption-ration, total cations, electrical conductivity, pH, saturation percentage, total carbon, inorganic carbon, organic carbon, and gravimetric soil moisture.

    • Data set documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores: Surface Soil Microarthropods - EML (18KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: surface soils, mesquite, microarthropods
      Abstract: The objective of the present research was to determine whether there have been changes in the structure and function of the surface (0-20cm) soil system, the zone most affected by litter decomposition, which is associated with the rapid movement of mesquite from historical habitats (arroyo and playa fringe) into recent habitats (grassland and dunes). We hypothesized that the soil biotic communities would be poorly developed in the recent mesquite habitats because of lower soil C and nutrient concentrations. Data set contains microarthropod code, order, family, total number of mites, and trophic group for microarthropods sampled at two depth ranges in the top 20 cm of soil.

    • Data set documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores: Surface Soil Nematodes - EML (23KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: surface soils, mesquite, nematodes
      Abstract: The objective of the present research was to determine whether there have been changes in the structure and function of the surface (0-20cm) soil system, the zone most affected by litter decomposition, which is associated with the rapid movement of mesquite from historical habitats (arroyo and playa fringe) into recent habitats (grassland and dunes). We hypothesized that the soil biotic communities would be poorly developed in the recent mesquite habitats because of lower soil C and nutrient concentrations. Data set contains Baerman Funnel extracted nematodes (fungal feeders, bacterial feeders, omnivore-predator, total plant parasites, total nematodes) and Elutriator extracted nematodes (fungal feeders, bacterial feeders, omnivore-predator, total plant parasites, total nematodes).

    • Data set documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores: Surface Soil Nutrients - EML (26KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: surface soils, mesquite, nutrients
      Abstract: The objective of the present research was to determine whether there have been changes in the structure and function of the surface (0-20cm) soil system, the zone most affected by litter decomposition, which is associated with the rapid movement of mesquite from historical habitats (arroyo and playa fringe) into recent habitats (grassland and dunes). We hypothesized that the soil biotic communities would be poorly developed in the recent mesquite habitats because of lower soil C and nutrient concentrations. As a result of these differences we predicted lower rates of net N mineralization in the soils from recent mesquite habitats. Data set contains analyses for gravimetric soil moisture, pH, phosphate, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, NO3-N nitrogen mineralization, total inorganic nitrogen, NH4-N nitrogen mineralization, organic carbon, inorganic carbon, total roots, tap roots, intermediate roots, and fine roots.

    • Data set documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores: Surface Soil Canopy Position Nutrients - EML (18KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: mesquite, surface soil nitrogen, soil nutrients, spatial properties
      Abstract: Soils were sampled under Prosopis at four sites and under Larrea at one site on the Jornada Desert Site on October 1, 1986. Samples were taken from two depths (0-15cm, 15-30cm) for three canopy positions and one interzone position for each tree or shrub. Four trees or shrubs were sampled at each site. The soils were analyzed for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), and inorganic N-- nitrate-N and ammonium-N.

  • Project documentation: Grama/Mesquite Leaching Mineralization Potential Survey
    Abstract: Soil samples collected 5/12 and 5/13/86 to survey N availability in a variety of grassland and mesquite habitats. Objective is development of hypotheses about desertification processes that degrade grassland into mesquite dominated ecosystems.
    • Data set documentation: Grama/Mesquite Leaching Mineralization Potential Survey - EML (10KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: nitrogen mineralization; leaching incubations; desertification; mesquite; black grama
      Abstract: Soil samples collected 5/12 and 5/13/86 to survey N availability in a variety of grassland and mesquite habitats. Objective is development of hypotheses about desertification processes that degrade grassland into mesquite dominated ecosystems. Measurements made of inorganic soil nitrogen.

  • Project documentation: Crust Evolution
    Abstract: The project was designed to test the hypothesis that the abrasion of a surface crust is proportional to the vertical flux of kinetic energy delivered by saltating sand grains. This flux energy is related to the mass flux of saltating grains. Associated data sets are currently being processed for inclusion in Information Management System.
    • Data set documentation: Sand mass flux data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: saltation, particle mass flux, BSNE, sandblasting, abrasion
      Abstract: Mass of particles collected by BSNE dust samplers located at multiple heights up to 1 meter. The BSNE sampler points into the wind and catches airborne particles through its 2 square centimeter area mouth.
      • DATA: Currently being processed for inclusion in Information Management System.

  • Project documentation: Modeling of Wind Erosion at the Jornada del Muerto
    Abstract: The goal of the project is to mathematically model the wind erosion of the Jornada del Muerto based on a modification of a model designed for the Sahara desert by Marticorena and Bergametti.
    • Data sets: Currently being processed for inclusion in Information Management System.

  • Project documentation: NPP Soil Water Content
    Abstract: Monthly soil water content measurements are made at 10 depths (where possible) at each of 10 access tubes at each of the 15 LTER-II NPP sites using a neutron probe (Campbell Model 503DR Hydroprobe).
    • Data set documentation: NPP soil water content
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: soil water content
      Abstract: Monthly soil water content measurements made at 10 depths (where possible) at each of 10 access tubes at each of the 15 LTER-II sites using a neutron probe (Campbell Model 503DR Hydroprobe).

    • Data set documentation: NPP soil water content raw data - EML (17KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: soil water content
      Abstract: Raw count data from monthly soil water content measurements made at 10 depths (where possible) at each of 10 access tubes at each of the 15 LTER-II sites using a neutron probe (Campbell Model 503DR Hydroprobe).
      • DATA: ZIP format (1,380 KB). Extracts to 4,211 KB. (1989 - 2009)
  • Project documentation: Soil-Geomorphic-Vegetation Relationships in the Jornada Basin
    Abstract: The goal of this project is to investigate the relationships between soils, geomorphology, and vegetation change in the Jornada Basin. This endeavor is divided into three approaches: (1) field mapping, (2) thin sections of root-fungal-mineral configurations, and (3) prehistoric ecogeomorphic evolution.
    • Data sets: Currently being processed for inclusion in Information Management System.
  • Project documentation: Soil Nutrient Distribution In Long-Term NPP Plots
    Abstract: Soil nutrient distribution beneath and between plant canopies in mesquite, grassland, playa, creosotebush, and tarbush plant communities in June 1989.
    • Soil nutrient distribution in long-term NPP plots - 1989 - EML (23KB)
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: soil nutrients, mesquite, grassland, playa, creosotebush, tarbush
      Abstract: The LTER plant biomass plots was sampled in June 1989. A total of 750 soil samples were collected from 5 depths (0- 10, 10-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-100 cm), 2 locations (under and between shrubs), within 5 vegetation zones (Mesquite, Grassland, Playa, Creosotebush, Tarbush), 3 sites per zone (site with low, medium, and high biomass, ranked based on FALL-89 biomass), and 5 directions per site (in buffer zone just outside of NPP plots N, S, E, W, and in the center of NPP plots C). Samples were analyzed for pH, CaCO3, NaHCO3- extractable P, KCl-extractable NH4 and NO3, total kjeldahl N, Saturation extrac cations, and DTPA-extractable micronutrients.
  • Project documentation: Transect Soil Nitrogen
    Abstract: In the spring of 1982, as part of the establishment of the Jornada Long-Term Ecological Research site in southern New Mexico, a 135 ha portion of a 1500 ha, internally drained, watershed was exclosed from grazing by domestic livestock. Prior to exclosure the watershed, as well as the rest of the Jornada basin, had been moderately to heavily grazed for the past 100 years. Concurrent with grazing, the vegetation had undergone a dramatic change from desert grassland, with an almost continuous cover of C4 perennial grasses, to isolated patches of the original grassland in a mosaic with desert shrub dominated plant communities (Buffington and Herbel, 1965). The exclosure lies along a northeast facing piedmont slope at the base of a steep isolated mountain peak, and covers a variety of component landforms from the foot of the mountain to the basin floor. The northeast side of the exclosure is immediately upslope of the College Playa located near the NMSU College Ranch. Three parallel transects (2.7 km in length) run from the middle of the College Playa up into the foot of Mt. Summerford. The Control transect is to the west, the Treatment transect on the east side of the Control transect, and the Alternate Control to the east of the Treatment transect. Each transect is 30 meters wide with a 45 meter buffer zone between each transect. The Treatment transect was treated annually until 1987 with NHNO3 in a concentration equal to 10g N/m2. The station markers at 30 meter intervals along each transect. NO3 + NO2-N and NH4-N levels of soil samples collected at each station along transect. Moisture content of soil samples is also included.
    • Data set documentation: Transect Soil Nitrogen
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, nitrogen, desert, soil, transects
      Abstract: NO3 + NO2-N and NH4-N levels of soil samples collected at each station along transect. Moisture content of soil samples is also included.
  • Project documentation: Transect Soil Physics
    Abstract: Soils were collected from LTER I transects and analyzed for various characteristics including particle size, cations, moisture content, total nitrogen and PO4-P. Transects pass across different vegetation zones of the Jornada Basin.
    • Data set documentation: Transect soil cations
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: soil, cations, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, transect
      Abstract: Levels of basic cations (Ca, Mg, Na, K) extractable in 1N ammonium acetate (NH4Ac) from soils collected at stations C01 through C90 along the LTER-I Control transect.

    • Data set documentation: Transect soil phosphate
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: phosphate, bicarbonate extracts, aqueous extracts, dilute salt extracts, desert, soil nutrients
      Abstract: PO4-P levels in CaCl2 and NaHCO3 extracts of soils collected at each station along transect. Moisture content of soil samples is also included. No soil samples were collected along the fertilized (treated transect) in January 1985; January 1986 data contains both fertilized (treated) and control transect samples.

    • Data set documentation: Transect particle size analysis
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: soil, sand, clay, silt, physical, calcium carbonate, organic carbon, particle size
      Abstract: Soil along the LTER I Control transect was sampled at 30 meter intervals from station C01 through C89. Soil characteristics were measured at 4 depths (30, 60, 90, and 120 cm) for the percent composition of clay, silt, sand, very coarse sand, coarse sand, medium sand, fine sand, very fine sand, calcium carbonate, organic carbon and coarse fragments greater than 2mm.

    • Data set documentation: Transect total nitrogen in soil
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: nitrogen, transect, soil nutrients
      Abstract: Total nitrogen in soil was determined on control and treatment (fertilized) transects by Kjeldahl digestion.

  • Project documentation: Transect Soil Water Content
    Abstract: Soil water content measurements at 5 depths at 30 meter intervals on 2 LTER-I transects extending along a 2.7 km elevational gradient where one transect was treated with nitrogen once annually from 1982 - 1987. Measurements taken at 2 week intervals from April 1982 to 1987, monthly since.
    • Data set documentation: Transect soil water content
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: soil water content, transect, lysimeter, spatial variability
      Abstract: Monthly soil water content measurements made at 5 depths at each of 89 stations on the LTER-I Control transect and at every 5th station on the nitrogen fertilized LTER-I Treatment transect using a neutron probe (Campbell Model 503DR Hydroprobe).

    • Data set documentation: Transect soil water content raw data
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: soil water content, transect, lysimeter, spatial variability
      Abstract: Raw count data from monthly soil water content measurements made at 5 depths at each of 89 stations on the LTER-I Control transect and at every 5th station on the nitrogen fertilized LTER-I Treatment transect using a neutron probe (Campbell Model 503DR Hydroprobe).
  • Project documentation: Transect Soil Water Potential
    Abstract: Soil water potential for 1986 - 1988 measured with screen-cage soil psychrometers along treatment and control transects every 5 stations (30 meter intervals) at 5cm, 15cm and 30cm depths. Data include Soil temperatures and Soil Water Potential at 3 depths. Dew Point and calibration slope and intercept for each psychrometer are included in order to convert microvolt readings to -bar readings.

    • Data set documentation: Transect Soil Temperature and Dew Point
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: transect, soil water potential, soil moisture, soil temperature
      Abstract: Soil water potential (raw) recorded on data sheets for Wescor screen-cage soil psychrometers along treatment and control transects every 5 stations at 5cm, 15cm and 30cm depths. Soil temperatures at these depths and calibration slope and intercept for each psychrometer are included in order to convert microvolt readings to -bar readings. Variables include Soil Temperature and Dew Point at 3 depths. Also slope and y-intercept for regression.

    • Data set documentation: Transect Soil Water Potential 1986 - 1987
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: transect, soil water potential, soil moisture, soil temperature
      Abstract: Soil water potential recorded on data sheets for psychrometers along treatment and control transects every 5 stations at 5cm, 15cm and 30cm depths. Soil temperatures at these depths and calibration slope and intercept for each psychrometer are included in order to convert microvolt readings to -bar readings. Variables include Soil Temperature and Soil Water Potential at 3 depths for 1986 - 1987.

    • Data set documentation: Transect Soil Water Potential - 1988
      Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
      Keywords: transect, soil water potential, soil moisture, soil temperature
      Abstract: Soil water potential recorded on data sheets for psychrometers along treatment and control transects every 5 stations at 5cm, 15cm and 30cm depths. Soil temperatures at these depths and calibration slope and intercept for each psychrometer are included in order to convert microvolt readings to -bar readings. Variables include Soil Temperature and Soil Water Potential at 3 depths for 1988.


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Animal Data Sets




  • Data set documentation: Arthropod trophic group composition data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: creosotebush, Larrea tridentata, foliage arthropods, phytophagous insects, plant-insect interactions, guild, trophic groups, herbivores, predators, omnivores
    Abstract: This is data for foliage arthropods sampled from LVAR creosotebush shrubs. Sampling was done in April of 1985 and 1986. Shrubs were sampled from 5 separate sites designated A-E. 10 shrubs of 3 different types, R=random, H=high quality, L=low quality were sampled at each site. Total numbers of taxa and individuals of each major trophic group, herbivores, predators, omnivores, from each of the 30 shrubs/site are listed.

  • Data set documentation: Arthropod species composition from LVAR creosotebush study
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: creosotebush (Larrea tridentata), phytophagous insects, foliage arthropods, plant-insect interactions, herbivory, spatial variation
    Abstract: This is data for foliage arthropods sampled from Lm LVAR creosotebush shrubs. Sampling was done in April of 1985 and 1986. Shrubs were sampled from 5 separate sites, designated A-E. 10 shrubs of 3 different selected types, random = R, high quality = H, low quality = L, were sampled at each site. Total numbers of individuals of each of the common species of foliage arthropods from each of the 30 shrubs/site are listed.


  • Data set documentation: Lizard pitfall trap data - EML (63KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: arthropods, pitfall traps, consumers, populations
    Abstract: In conjunction with net primary production studies, consumer and faunal studies are conducted at or near NPP sites using pitfall traps. We use live traps, not employing ethylene glycol or other killing/preservative agents, with traps checked once a week at the minimum. Sampling-with-replacement is used with the lizards. Variables measured include species, sex, recapture status, snout-vent length, total length, weight, and whether tail is broken or whole.



  • Data set documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores: Deep Soil Microarthropods - EML (18KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: mesquite, deep cores, soil microarthropods
    Abstract: Data set consists of microarthropods and microarthropod numbers found at different soil depths associated with four mesquite ecosystems (playa, coppice dune, arroyo, and grassland).

  • Data set documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores: Surface Soil Microarthropods - EML (18KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: surface soils, mesquite, microarthropods
    Abstract: The objective of the present research was to determine whether there have been changes in the structure and function of the surface (0-20cm) soil system, the zone most affected by litter decomposition, which is associated with the rapid movement of mesquite from historical habitats (arroyo and playa fringe) into recent habitats (grassland and dunes). We hypothesized that the soil biotic communities would be poorly developed in the recent mesquite habitats because of lower soil C and nutrient concentrations. Data set contains microarthropod code, order, family, total number of mites, and trophic group for microarthropods sampled at two depth ranges in the top 20 cm of soil.

  • Data set documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores: Surface Soil Nematodes - EML (23KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: surface soils, mesquite, nematodes
    Abstract: The objective of the present research was to determine whether there have been changes in the structure and function of the surface (0-20cm) soil system, the zone most affected by litter decomposition, which is associated with the rapid movement of mesquite from historical habitats (arroyo and playa fringe) into recent habitats (grassland and dunes). We hypothesized that the soil biotic communities would be poorly developed in the recent mesquite habitats because of lower soil C and nutrient concentrations. Data set contains Baerman Funnel extracted nematodes (fungal feeders, bacterial feeders, omnivore-predator, total plant parasites, total nematodes) and Elutriator extracted nematodes (fungal feeders, bacterial feeders, omnivore-predator, total plant parasites, total nematodes).


  • Data set documentation: Small mammal trapping (LTER-II) - EML (21KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: small mammals, animals, consumers, population dynamics
    Abstract: Small mammal live-traps are located on consumer pitfall plots. A grid of 20 traps is located on each consumer plot. Small mammals are trapped daily for a one-week period in the late spring and again in the late summer of each year. Data on species, sex, toe marks, weight, and reproductive condition are taken.


  • Data set documentation: SMES rabbit survey data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: lagomorphs, transects, small mammals, populations dynamics
    Abstract: Nighttime spotlighting of rabbits during the full moon at quarterly intervals is being used to estimate densities of jackrabbits and cottontail rabbits over time. Data on species, perpendicular distance from center of road to rabbit, and distance along survey route are taken.


  • Data set documentation: SMES rodent trapping data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: rodents, rodent trapping, small mammals, soil disturbance
    Abstract: Rodent trapping webs are being used to determine the composition of rodent species at each study site in cresotebush and black grama grassland vegetation zones, and to estimate densities of each species over time.

  • Data set documentation: SMES vegetation line intercept data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: vegetation, plant species, line intercept
    Abstract: Plant line intercept measurements are made along 6 lines within each of the 36 plots. Intercept length of plant species and bare soil are recorded. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

  • Data set documentation: SMES vegetation quadrat data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: vegetation, plant species, canopy cover
    Abstract: Plant species composition, cover, and above ground foliage height will be measured from each of the 36 quadrats on each plot. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

  • Data set documentation: SMES Cryptogam Crust Data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: cryptogam crusts, cryptobiotic crusts, cryptogams, microbiotic crusts, soil crust, soil surface
    Abstract: Percent cover measurements of cryptogam crusts are made on the soil surface of each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

  • Data set documentation: SMES Leaf Litter Data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: leaf litter, soil surface
    Abstract: Percent cover measurements of leaf litter are made on the soil surface of each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

  • Data set documentation: SMES Rabbit Feces Data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: rabbits, rabbit feces, rabbit pellets, fecal counts, scat counts
    Abstract: Total number of rabbit feces observed on each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Rabbit feces collected for first 5 years for possible analysis at later date. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

  • Data set documentation: SMES Soil Surface Disturbance
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: soil surface disturbance, animal tracks, animal digs, ant nests, spider burrows
    Abstract: Percent cover and vertical dimension (depth and/or height) of soil surface disturbance caused by animals. The type of disturbance is identified whenever possible. Observations are made on each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

  • Data set documentation: SMES termite casing data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: termites, casing, gallery carton, foraging activity
    Abstract: Termite mud casing on plant litter and dead standing plant material is measured on the quadrat. Measurements consist of length, diameter, and height. Observations are made on each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.
  • Data set documentation: Termite bait data - EML (28KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: termites, consumers, foraging activity
    Abstract: Data for Jornada LTERII termite bait weight loss. Toilet paper roll termite baits are placed on grids on each consumer plot. Data include initial bait weights and bait weights after baits have been retrieved from the field once each year. Weight loss is calculated as a measure of termite foraging activity.






  • Data set documentation: Transect termites
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: termites, transect, density, activity
    Abstract: Data set includes bi-weekly records of number of termites observed within and beneath each of 4 rolls of toilet paper placed at each of 91 stations on treatment and control transects. Observations of presence of termite activity at each roll (paper eaten, cartons constructed) are also included.

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Climate Data Sets

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Decomposition Data Sets
  • Data set documentation: Termite bait data - EML (28KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: termites, consumers, foraging activity
    Abstract: Data for Jornada LTERII termite bait weight loss. Toilet paper roll termite baits are placed on grids on each consumer plot. Data include initial bait weights and bait weights after baits have been retrieved from the field once each year. Weight loss is calculated as a measure of termite foraging activity.

  • Data set documentation: LTER Fine Litter Decomposition Experiment (LIDET)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: decomposition, decay rates, litterbags, leaf litter, fine roots, wood, nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon fractions.
    Abstract: The primary objective of this study is to examine the control that substrate quality and climate have on patterns of long-term decomposition and nitrogen accumulation in above- and below-ground fine litter.
    INTERSITE study: Includes all major terrestrial biomes in North America. Twenty-eight sites are involved.

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Hydrology Data Sets

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Intersite Data Sets

  • Data set documentation: SMES rabbit survey data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: lagomorphs, transects, small mammals, populations dynamics
    Abstract: Nighttime spotlighting of rabbits during the full moon at quarterly intervals is being used to estimate densities of jackrabbits and cottontail rabbits over time. Data on species, perpendicular distance from center of road to rabbit, and distance along survey route are taken.


  • Data set documentation: SMES rodent trapping data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: rodents, rodent trapping, small mammals, soil disturbance
    Abstract: Rodent trapping webs are being used to determine the composition of rodent species at each study site, and to estimate densities of each species over time.


  • Data set documentation: SMES vegetation line intercept data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: vegetation, plant species, line intercept
    Abstract: Plant line intercept measurements are made along 6 lines within each of the 36 plots. Intercept length of plant species and bare soil are recorded.

  • Data set documentation: SMES vegetation quadrat data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: vegetation, plant species, canopy cover
    Abstract: Plant species composition, cover, and above ground foliage height will be measured from each of the 36 quadrats on each plot. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

  • Data set documentation: SMES Cryptogam Crust Data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: cryptogam crusts, cryptobiotic crusts, cryptogams, microbiotic crusts, soil crust, soil surface
    Abstract: Percent cover measurements of cryptogam crusts are made on the soil surface of each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

  • Data set documentation: SMES Leaf Litter Data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: leaf litter, soil surface
    Abstract: Percent cover measurements of leaf litter are made on the soil surface of each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

  • Data set documentation: SMES Rabbit Feces Data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: rabbits, rabbit feces, rabbit pellets, fecal counts, scat counts
    Abstract: Total number of rabbit feces observed on each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Rabbit feces collected for first 5 years for possible analysis at later date. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

  • Data set documentation: SMES Soil Surface Disturbance
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: soil surface disturbance, animal tracks, animal digs, ant nests, spider burrows
    Abstract: Percent cover and vertical dimension (depth and/or height) of soil surface disturbance caused by animals. The type of disturbance is identified whenever possible. Observations are made on each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

  • Data set documentation: SMES termite casing data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: termites, casing, gallery carton, foraging activity
    Abstract: Termite mud casing on plant litter and dead standing plant material is measured on the quadrat. Measurements consist of length, diameter, and height. Observations are made on each of the 36 one square meter quadrats per plot at creosote and black grama grassland sites. Treatment plots include Control, Rabbit exclusion, Rabbit and rodent exclusion, and cattle exclusion.

  • Data set documentation: LTER Fine Litter Decomposition Experiment (LIDET)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: decomposition, decay rates, litterbags, leaf litter, fine roots, wood, nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon fractions.
    Abstract: The primary objective of this study is to examine the control that substrate quality and climate have on patterns of long-term decomposition and nitrogen accumulation in above- and below-ground fine litter.
    INTERSITE study: Includes all major terrestrial biomes in North America. Twenty-eight sites are involved.

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Plant Data Sets

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Soil Data Sets
  • Data set documentation: Nitrogen volatilized as ammonia -- 1988 - EML (26KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: ammonia volatilization, trace gas fluxes
    Abstract: Ammonia volatilization was measured at creosotebush, grassland, and playa sites in the Chihuahuan Desert.

  • Data set documentation: Nitrogen volatilized as ammonia -- 1989
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: ammonia volatilization, trace gas fluxes, ammonium, nitrate
    Abstract: Ammonia volatilization was measured at creosotebush, grassland, and playa sites in the Chihuahuan Desert.

  • Data set documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores: Deep Soil Core Micronutrients - EML (19KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: soil micronutrients, mesquite deep cores
    Abstract: Soil cores were collected under mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) trees at playa, wash, sand dune, and grassland sites on the Jornada LTER site to depths of 15, 9, 7, and 4 m. Soil cores (to 4 m) were also taken under creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) near the wash site. Soils were extracted and analyzed for micronutrients, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn.

  • Data set documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores: Deep Soil Core N-Mineralization - EML (21KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: nitrogen mineralization, mesquite, deep cores
    Abstract: Soil cores collected under mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) trees at several sites and under Larrea at one site at the Jornada LTER were incubated to determine the N-mineralization potential.

  • Data set documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores: Deep Soil Core Nutrients - EML (24KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: mesquite, deep cores, soil nutrients
    Abstract: We have hypothesized that large rhizobial population densities can occur at considerable depths in woody legume systems where deep moisture also occurs. However, associated with deep soil environments are low concentrations of soil nutrients that might affect nodulation and also limit survival of free-living rhizobia. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine if results from a previous study of a mesquite woodland utilizing groundwater in the Californian Sonoran desert were generizable to mesquite systems in other deserts where root depth varied with ecosystem type and (2) examine possible relationships of soil properties and host-plant phenology to rhizobial concentrations. Data set contains total nitrogen, total phosphorous,NH4-N, NO3-N, PO4-P, percent moisture, total roots, tap roots, fine roots, vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza, rhizobia Most Probable Number, and Rhizobia log (1+MPN).

  • Data set documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores: Deep Core Soil Saturation Extracts - EML (23KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: mesquite, deep cores, soil nutrients
    Abstract: We have hypothesized that large rhizobial population densities can occur at considerable depths in woody legume systems where deep moisture also occurs. However, associated with deep soil environments are low concentrations of soil nutrients that might affect nodulation and also limit survival of free-living rhizobia. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine if results from a previous study of a mesquite woodland utilizing groundwater in the Californian Sonoran desert were generizable to mesquite systems in other deserts where root depth varied with ecosystem type and (2) examine possible relationships of soil properties and host-plant phenology to rhizobial concentrations. Data set contains analyses for SO4, sodium, calcium, manganese, sodium-absorption-ration, total cations, electrical conductivity, pH, saturation percentage, total carbon, inorganic carbon, organic carbon, and gravimetric soil moisture.

  • Data set documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores: Surface Soil Nutrients - EML (26KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: surface soils, mesquite, nutrients
    Abstract: The objective of the present research was to determine whether there have been changes in the structure and function of the surface (0-20cm) soil system, the zone most affected by litter decomposition, which is associated with the rapid movement of mesquite from historical habitats (arroyo and playa fringe) into recent habitats (grassland and dunes). We hypothesized that the soil biotic communities would be poorly developed in the recent mesquite habitats because of lower soil C and nutrient concentrations. As a result of these differences we predicted lower rates of net N mineralization in the soils from recent mesquite habitats. Data set contains analyses for gravimetric soil moisture, pH, phosphate, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, NO3-N nitrogen mineralization, total inorganic nitrogen, NH4-N nitrogen mineralization, organic carbon, inorganic carbon, total roots, tap roots, intermediate roots, and fine roots.

  • Data set documentation: Mesquite Soil Cores: Surface Soil Canopy Position Nutrients - EML (18KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: mesquite, surface soil nitrogen, soil nutrients, spatial properties
    Abstract: Soils were sampled under Prosopis at four sites and under Larrea at one site on the Jornada Desert Site on October 1, 1986. Samples were taken from two depths (0-15cm, 15-30cm) for three canopy positions and one interzone position for each tree or shrub. Four trees or shrubs were sampled at each site. The soils were analyzed for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), and inorganic N-- nitrate-N and ammonium-N.

  • Data set documentation: Fluffgrass rhizosphere N mineralization potential - EML (14KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: nitrogen, mineralization, fluffgrass, mites, irrigation, pesticides
    Abstract: Nitrogen mineralization potential of soil rhizosphere of Erioneuron pulchellum from Silva's dissertation research plots. Twenty 6 x 6 m plots were established with a 3 m buffer between plots. Five plots were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: (1) chlordane amendment 100ml AI (active ingredients) per 10,000 ml) to exclude microarthropods, (2) sprinkler irrigation (6 mm per week), (3) sprinkler irrigation (6 mm/week) plus chlordate amendment (as above), (4) control (no treatment). Three randomly located subsamples were taken from each plot consisting of a fluff grass plant and a soil core 10 cm in diameter and 15 cm deep centered on each plant. [taken from page 11 of dissertation]

  • Data set documentation: Fluff grass soil nitrogen
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: nitrogen, soil organic, nematodes, microarthropods
    Abstract: This data set consists of soil analyses for nitrate, ammonium, total nitrogen, moisture content, organic matter, mite weight, nematode weight and root weight of Erioneuron pulchellum soil rhizosphere samples taken at monthly intervals from Silva's dissertation research plots. Twenty 6 x 6 m plots were established with a 3 m buffer between plots. Five plots were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: (1) chlordane amendment 100ml AI (active ingredients) per 10,000 ml) to exclude microarthropods, (2) sprinkler irrigation (6 mm per week), (3) sprinkler irrigation (6 mm/week) plus chlordate amendment (as above), (4) control (no treatment). Three randomly located subsamples were taken from each plot.

  • Data set documentation: Grama/Mesquite Leaching Mineralization Potential Survey - EML (10KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: nitrogen mineralization; leaching incubations; desertification; mesquite; black grama
    Abstract: Soil samples collected 5/12 and 5/13/86 to survey N availability in a variety of grassland and mesquite habitats. Objective is development of hypotheses about desertification processes that degrade grassland into mesquite dominated ecosystems. Measurements made of inorganic soil nitrogen.

  • Data set documentation: Sand mass flux data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: saltation, particle mass flux, BSNE, sandblasting, abrasion
    Abstract: Mass of particles collected by BSNE dust samplers located at multiple heights up to 1 meter. The BSNE sampler points into the wind and catches airborne particles through its 2 square centimeter area mouth.
    • DATA: Currently being processed for inclusion in Information Management System.

  • Data set documentation: NPP soil water content
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: soil water content
    Abstract: Monthly soil water content measurements made at 10 depths (where possible) at each of 10 access tubes at each of the 15 LTER-II sites using a neutron probe (Campbell Model 503DR Hydroprobe).

  • Data set documentation: NPP soil water content raw data - EML (17KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: soil water content
    Abstract: Raw count data from monthly soil water content measurements made at 10 depths (where possible) at each of 10 access tubes at each of the 15 LTER-II sites using a neutron probe (Campbell Model 503DR Hydroprobe).

  • Data set documentation: Soil nutrient distribution in long-term NPP plots - 1989 - EML (23KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: soil nutrients, mesquite, grassland, playa, creosotebush, tarbush
    Abstract: The LTER plant biomass plots was sampled in June 1989. A total of 750 soil samples were collected from 5 depths (0- 10, 10-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-100 cm), 2 locations (under and between shrubs), within 5 vegetation zones (Mesquite, Grassland, Playa, Creosotebush, Tarbush), 3 sites per zone (site with low, medium, and high biomass, ranked based on FALL-89 biomass), and 5 directions per site (in buffer zone just outside of NPP plots N, S, E, W, and in the center of NPP plots C). Samples were analyzed for pH, CaCO3, NaHCO3- extractable P, KCl-extractable NH4 and NO3, total kjeldahl N, Saturation extrac cations, and DTPA-extractable micronutrients.

  • Data set documentation: Soil nutrient distribution in long-term NPP plots - 1991 - EML (21KB)
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: soil nutrients, mesquite, grassland, playa, creosotebush, tarbush
    Abstract: Soil nutrient distribution in NPP quads in the Mesquite, Grassland, Playa, Creosotebush, and Tarbush plant communities sampled at 3 spatial scales of grids. Samples were analyzed for Saturation percentage, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen, pH, and Gravimetric Water.

  • Data set documentation: Transect Soil Nitrogen
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, nitrogen, desert, soil, transects
    Abstract: NO3 + NO2-N and NH4-N levels of soil samples collected at each station along transect. Moisture content of soil samples is also included.

  • Data set documentation: Transect soil cations
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: soil, cations, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, transect
    Abstract: Levels of basic cations (Ca, Mg, Na, K) extractable in 1N ammonium acetate (NH4Ac) from soils collected at stations C01 through C90 along the LTER-I Control transect.

  • Data set documentation: Transect soil phosphate
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: phosphate, bicarbonate extracts, aqueous extracts, dilute salt extracts, desert, soil nutrients
    Abstract: PO4-P levels in CaCl2 and NaHCO3 extracts of soils collected at each station along transect. Moisture content of soil samples is also included. No soil samples were collected along the fertilized (treated transect) in January 1985; January 1986 data contains both fertilized (treated) and control transect samples.

  • Data set documentation: Transect particle size analysis
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: soil, sand, clay, silt, physical, calcium carbonate, organic carbon, particle size
    Abstract: Soil along the LTER I Control transect was sampled at 30 meter intervals from station C01 through C89. Soil characteristics were measured at 4 depths (30, 60, 90, and 120 cm) for the percent composition of clay, silt, sand, very coarse sand, coarse sand, medium sand, fine sand, very fine sand, calcium carbonate, organic carbon and coarse fragments greater than 2mm.

  • Data set documentation: Transect total nitrogen in soil
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: nitrogen, transect, soil nutrients
    Abstract: Total nitrogen in soil was determined on control and treatment (fertilized) transects by Kjeldahl digestion.

  • Data set documentation: Transect soil water content
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: soil water content, transect, lysimeter, spatial variability
    Abstract: Monthly soil water content measurements made at 5 depths at each of 89 stations on the LTER-I Control transect and at every 5th station on the nitrogen fertilized LTER-I Treatment transect using a neutron probe (Campbell Model 503DR Hydroprobe).

  • Data set documentation: Transect soil water content raw data
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: soil water content, transect, lysimeter, spatial variability
    Abstract: Raw count data from monthly soil water content measurements made at 5 depths at each of 89 stations on the LTER-I Control transect and at every 5th station on the nitrogen fertilized LTER-I Treatment transect using a neutron probe (Campbell Model 503DR Hydroprobe).

  • Data set documentation: Transect Soil Temperature and Dew Point
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: transect, soil water potential, soil moisture, soil temperature
    Abstract: Soil water potential (raw) recorded on data sheets for Wescor screen-cage soil psychrometers along treatment and control transects every 5 stations at 5cm, 15cm and 30cm depths. Soil temperatures at these depths and calibration slope and intercept for each psychrometer are included in order to convert microvolt readings to -bar readings. Variables include Soil Temperature and Dew Point at 3 depths. Also slope and y-intercept for regression.

  • Data set documentation: Transect Soil Water Potential 1986 - 1987
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: transect, soil water potential, soil moisture, soil temperature
    Abstract: Soil water potential recorded on data sheets for psychrometers along treatment and control transects every 5 stations at 5cm, 15cm and 30cm depths. Soil temperatures at these depths and calibration slope and intercept for each psychrometer are included in order to convert microvolt readings to -bar readings. Variables include Soil Temperature and Soil Water Potential at 3 depths for 1986 - 1987.

  • Data set documentation: Transect Soil Water Potential - 1988
    Data set access: UNRESTRICTED Requires notification of Jornada LTER Data Manager and responsible investigator prior to downloading.
    Keywords: transect, soil water potential, soil moisture, soil temperature
    Abstract: Soil water potential recorded on data sheets for psychrometers along treatment and control transects every 5 stations at 5cm, 15cm and 30cm depths. Soil temperatures at these depths and calibration slope and intercept for each psychrometer are included in order to convert microvolt readings to -bar readings. Variables include Soil Temperature and Soil Water Potential at 3 depths for 1988.