Ungulate stimulation of nitrogen cycling and retention in Yellowstone National Park grasslands
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Authors: D. A. Frank, P. M. Groffman, R. D. Evans, and B. Tracy
Date: 2000
Journal: Oecologia
Volume: 123
Number: 1
Pages: 116-121
Summary of Methods: Frank et al. examined the effects of variable site condition and herbivory on net N mineralization, nitrification, denitrification and inorganic N, leaching inside and adjacent to 33-year or older exclosures, on the northern winter range in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Significantly, greater net N mineralization and nitrification occurred per unit area on grazed sites and, simultaneously, grazing also reduced N loss from the soil. The authors suggest that this later result most likely stems from grazer promotion of microbial productivity. These soil 15N results suggest that ungulates inhibited N loss at the seven study sites. Such documented evidence for consumer control of N availability to plants, microbial productivity, and N retention in Yellowstone Park is further testimony for the widespread regulation of grassland processes by large herbivores.
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: grassland, nitrogen cycle, ungulates, yellowstone national park, 15n
Annotation: Grazing intensity is not specified.
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