KBS086:Plant Biomass of the Biodiversity Gradient Experiment
The LTER Biodiversity Gradient Experiment (a.k.a. Biodiversity Experiment Plots or BExP) was a long-term study at the LTER Main Site consisting of a series of 21 different experimental treatments (B1-B21) that formed a plant species diversity gradient ranging from bare soil to single-crop rotations to multiple-crop rotations to annually fallowed fields with early successional plant communities. Plant species richness thus varied from 0 to >15 in any given 3-year rotation cycle. Treatment plots were 9.1×27.4 meters (30×90 feet) replicated in each of 4 randomized blocks (R1-R4). The experiment was established in 2000, retired after the 2019 harvest, and followed by a 2020 sorghum crop in all plots to examine residual effects.
- Status: active
- Temporal Coverage 2001-09-07 to 2011-10-18
- Repository Link https://doi.org/10.6073/pasta/a98b8d810e39918e1a6fa68c5f81f621
Tables
- KBS032-004 Cover Crop and Non-crop Biomass
Cover crop and non-crop (weed) biomass prior to harvest of the Biodiversity Gradient Experiment. See the Weed Harvest protocol for sampling methodology, frequency, and processing. Data were also collected in 2002-2004 for the paper below, but are not yet included in this datatable.
For a description and analysis of this experiment, see “Smith, R. G., K. L. Gross, and G. P. Robertson. 2008. Effects of crop diversity on agroecosystem function: Crop yield response. Ecosystems 11:355-366”, available here.