The biogeochemistry of a north-temperate grassland with native ungulates: Nitrogen dynamics in Yellowstone National Park
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Authors: D. A. Frank, R. S. Inouye, N. Huntly, G. W. Minshall, and J. E. Anderson
Date: 1994
Journal: Biogeochemistry
Volume: 26
Number: 3
Pages: 163-188
Summary of Methods: Frank et al. determined how nitrogen (N) cycling in Yellowstone National Park related to topography and ungulate use. As found in previous grassland studies, the N mineralization rates in Yellowstone grasslands varied by topographic position; however, the rates measured in Yellowstone were higher than those previously reported for other grassland sties. Ungulate use may have contributed to the increase in N mineralization rates because grazers added large amounts of fecal and urinary N to the system and altered soil physical conditions. These results suggest that ungulate grazing does not alter the topographic N dynamics of Yellowstone grasslands but enhances N cycling in this system.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: grasslands, nitrogen cycling, herbivory, yellowstone national park
Annotation: A 10 x 10 m plot was established within a homogenous stand of the dominant vegetation at each site. Aboveground biomass was clipped to ground level at peak standing crop in July and August and in mid-October within each of the five 20 x 50 cm quadrats. At the study site, elk and bison occupy this area from October to May each year.
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