Comparison of Botanical Composition, Soil Carbon Content, and Root Distribution of Subirrigated Meadows in The Nebraska Sandhills

Authors

Eric M. Mousel, South Dakota State UniversityFollow
Walter H. Schacht, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
c. William Zanner, University of Minnesota
David A. Wedin, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

Spring 2007

Comments

Published in GREAT PLAINS RESEARCH 17:1, pages 47-60 (Spring 2007). Copyright © 2007 Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Abstract

Characterizing vegetation composition, carbon/nitrogen (C/N) content of soils, and root-mass distribution is critical to understanding carbon sequestration potential of subirrigated meadows in the Nebraska Sandhills. Five subirrigated meadows dominated by cool-season (C₃) graminoids and five meadows dominated by warm-season (C₄) grasses were selected throughout the Nebraska Sandhills. Vegetation, soil carbon and nitrogen, and root-mass density distribution were sampled in each meadow. Meadows dominated by C₃ vegetation had 12% greater (P < 0.1) yields than meadows dominated by C₄ vegetation. Total root-mass density was 30% greater (P < 0.1) in C₄-dominated meadows than C₃-dominated meadows. Total carbon and nitrogen content was 65% and 53% greater (P < 0.1), respectively, in the A horizon of C₃-dominated meadows, but was 43% and 52% greater (P < 0.1), respectively, in the C horizon of C₄-dominated meadows. Although meadows dominated by C₃ vegetation had more carbon in the soil profile, much of the carbon in C₃-dominated meadows appeared to be recalcitrant C₄ carbon from historic vegetation.