Dates of records of occurrence for all bird species reported on Konza Prairie.
The purpose of this study is to monitor long-term changes in individual animal mass. The datasets include an annual summary of the bison herd structure, end-of-season weights of individual animals, and maternal parentage of individual bison.
Dates by species of documented records of breeding - either nests or dependent, fledged young - with contents of nest, nest placement information and location on Konza Prairie recorded by grid square.
Records of bird species based on line transect sampling, giving perpendicular distance of sighting from the transect line on 16 separate transects. Bird surveys were conducted 2-4 times per year in January, April, June, and October for a 29-year period from 1981 to 2009. Transects were designed to determine bird communities and population numbers associated with tallgrass prairie habitats with different experimental treatments (fire frequency, grazed by bison vs. ungrazed), riparian habitats on forest edge, and gallery forests dominated by oak woodland.
Fishes were collected by habitat (pool or riffle) at 6 sites in the Kings Creek watershed with a single-pass electrofishing survey with one person operating the electrofisher and two people dipnetting. Collections were made seasonally.
Long-term monitoring of gall-insect densities on Solidago canadensis, Vernonia baldwinii, and Ceanothus herbaceous. Gall abundances are censused in watersheds burned at one- to twenty- year intervals to asses the role of fire frequency and time since fire on gall-insect population dynamics. The data sets contain the following: Watershed fire frequency, number of growing seasons since last fire, plant species, number of galled stems, and number of censused stems. Censuses conducted for the 1989-1996 growing seasons except 1992 and 1994, next scheduled census is fall 1997.
Sweep samples for estimating grasshopper (Acrididae) composition and relative abundance at one site for each of 12 Konza Prairie LTER fire/grazing/soil treatment combinations (3 fire treatments x 2 soils x 2 grazing treatments). Samples were collected in June, August, and September. At each site on each occasion, 18 sets of 10 sweeps each (180 sweeps total) were taken. Stored data include for each site on each occasion: total number of each species (all instars combined) collected and total number for each instar for each species (180 sweeps combined).
Sweep samples were taken for grasshoppers (Acrididae) at two sites for each of 14 Konza Prairie LTER watersheds. Samples are taken in late July to early August. At each site on each occasion, 10 sets of 20 sweeps (200 sweeps total) are taken. Stored data include for each site on each occasion: total number of each species (all instars combined) collected and total number for each instar for each species (200 sweeps combined).
Sweep samples were taken for grasshoppers (Arcididae) at two upland sites on 5 watersheds at approximately two week intervals, June-Sept 1982. At each site on each occasion, 20 sets of 20 sweeps (400 sweeps total) were taken. Stored data include for each site on each occasion: total number of each species (all instars combined) collected and total number for each instar for each species (400 sweeps combined).
Sweep samples were taken for grasshoppers (Acrididae) at two sites for each of 14 Konza Prairie LTER watersheds. Samples are taken in late July to early August. At each site on each occasion, 10 sets of 20 sweeps (200 sweeps total) are taken. Stored data include for each site on each occasion: total number of each species (all instars combined) collected and total number for each instar for each species (200 sweeps combined).
Twenty replicate permanent 2x2 m plots were established in early 1991 along a randomly located transect, with a 2m space between each plot, on the following watersheds: 1B, 1D, annually burned HQB, 10B, 20D and infrequently burned HQB. Ten of the plots were randomly assigned as long-term mycorrhizal suppression plots. In each of these plots, AM fungi were suppressed by the application of the fungicide benomyl as a soil drench (7.5 liters per plot) at the rate of 1.25 g/m2 (active ingredient).
Location of leks and number of birds per lek are censused during late April and early May across Konza Prairie to document year to year densities of greater prairie chickens. This dataset is continued by CPC02 after 04/19/1999.
Location of leks and number of birds per lek are censused during late April and early May across Konza Prairie to document year to year densities of greater prairie chickens.
Belowground densities and biomass of macroarthropods on annually were measured by hand-sorting techniques. Total herbivore biomass was greater in soils of annually burned sites, and was composed largely of white grubs (Scarabaeidae).
Data set contains seasonal summaries (spring and autumn) of the number of individuals of each species of small mammal captured (relative abundance) on each grassland trapline. Each record contains year, season, trapline and number of individuals captured of each species. These live trap records are based on daily captures during two 4-day trapping periods in spring (late February to early April) and autumn (early October to mid-November) for each of 14 permanent traplines established on seven fire-grazing treatments (two traplines per treatment).
Data set contains seasonal summaries (spring, summer and autumn) of the number of individuals of each species of small mammal captured (relative abundance) on each woodland trapline. Each record contains year, season, trapline and number of individuals captured of each species.
Data set contains seasonal summaries (spring, summer and autumn) of the number of individuals of each species of small mammal captured (relative abundance) on each woodland trapline. Each record contains year, season, trapline and number of individuals captured of each species.
Data set contains seasonal summaries (spring, summer and fall) of the number of individuals of each species of small mammal caught (relative density) on each grassland census line. Each record contains trapline, year of last fire and number of individuals per species. These live trap records are based on daily captures during three 4-day trapping peroids, March, July and October, for each of 20 permanent census lines established on 10 fire-grazing treatments (2 lines per treatment).
Data set contains seasonal summaries (spring and autumn) of the the number of individuals of each species of small mammal captured (relative abundance) on each grassland trapline. Each record contains year, season, trapline and number of individuals captured of each species. These live trap records are based on daily captures during a single 4-day trapping period in spring (mid-March to early April) and autumn (late October to early December) for each of six permanent traplines established on two fire treatments (three traplines per treatment).
Data set contains seasonal summaries (spring, summer and autumn) of the number of individuals of each species of small mammal captured (relative abundance) on each prairie trapline. Each record contains year, season, trapline and number of individuals captured of each species. These live trap records are based on daily captures during 4-day trapping periods in spring (early March to early April), summer (late June to late July) and autumn (early October to mid-November) for each permanent trapline (two traplines per treatment).
This data set contains data describing Grasshopper Sparrow nests prior to 2017, and after that, additionally many Dickcissels, Eastern Meadowlarks, and other songbirds.. These nests were primarily found by rope dragging but also on surveys (see RI Survey Data Set), flushing birds during other activities, and via behavioral observations.
Data on the location, identity, and reproductive index (Vickery et al. 1992) of Grasshopper Sparrows prior to 2017, and after that, additionally many Dickcissels, Eastern Meadowlarks, Brown-headed Cowbirds and other songbirds within 10-ha plots on multiple watersheds units on Konza and on two adjoining units on the Rannells Preserve. Each plot was surveyed every ~7-10 days. These surveys documented individual sparrow, Dickcissel, and Eastern Meadowlark locations, and are used to calculate dispersal distances and territory densities and movements.
This data set includes data on the contents of sweep samples. We collected sweeps in select years during May, June, and/or July in 3 locations on each of the focal watersheds. Sweeps were 80m long and centered at veg points. Data consist of information about the sampling events, and sample wet mass, edible mass (combined mass of selected orders listed below).
Data set includes estimates of vegetation structure and composition collected during ~monthly sampling events on Konza Prairie watersheds and on the nearby Rannell’s Preserve. Vegetation data were collected from three (prior to 2017) or 10 randomly-selected locations on each watershed; two from outside the 10-ha plot (see project abstract) and one inside the plot. We sampled vegetation on each watershed once a month, during May, June, and July. Additional vegetation data were collected from bird nest sites within ~3 days of nests failing.
‘PBG’ datasets are associated with a long-term, large-scale study that is addressing the effects of fire-grazing interactions in the context of a Patch-Burn Grazing management system designed to promote grassland heterogeneity. Effects of patch-burn grazing management on plant and animal diversity and the nature and variety of wildlife habitat are being assessed in two replicate management units, each consisting of three pastures (watersheds) designated C03A/C03B/C03C and C3SA/C3SB/C3SC.
Long-term monitoring of bird presence is performed on Konza Prairie. The purpose was to determine bird species phenology of occurrence on entire Konza Prairie. Data on the presence, including documented nesting, of all bird species is recorded weekly in five-year periods e.g. 1980-1984, 1985-1989, 1990-1994.
Prairie stream fish communities have been monitored seasonally at multiple sites within the Kings Creek watershed since 1995. The objective of this sampling is to evaluate how these communities respond to seasonal and annual variation in environmental conditions. Specifically, we are interesting in testing the resistance and resilience of stream communities in response to flood and drought disturbances. One site in a downstream perennial reach of the watershed has been sampled since 1995.
Data set contains summaries (summer) of the number of individuals of each species of small mammal captured (relative abundance) on each transect. Each record contains date, treatment, transect, trap station, species, specimen number, recapture status, specimen disposition, external body measurements (where applicable), reproductive information, and miscellaneous associated comments.
These data show the locations of research conducted at the below ground plots near Konza Headquarters. Record type 1 (GIS350) describes the 64 belowground plots receiving a variety of nutrient, burn, and mowing treatments. Data for BMS01, BMS02, and BNS01 are collected on these plots. Record type 6 (GIS355) describes the locations of the Micro-Rhizotrons. Two spatial datasets lie on the belowground plots, but are classified separately. These are the Lysimeters on belowground plots (GIS455) and Aboveground biomass on belowground plots (GIS505) datasets.
These data show the sampling locations for the consumer datasets at Konza Prairie. GIS400 defines the starting points for sweep samples of grasshoppers across Konza Prairie. These data may be used in conjunction with the sweep sample datasets (CGR02). GIS401 defines the starting points for sweep samples of grasshoppers across Konza Prairie, focusing on grazing impact. These data may be used in conjunction with the sweep sample datasets (CGR02Z). GIS405 defines the trap locations for small mammal sampling across Konza Prairie. These data may be used in conjunction with CSM0X.
These data show locations of samples and research areas at Konza that do not fit under our standard classifications. GIS 600 contains the locations of the Hulbert plots on Konza Prairie. GIS605 contains locations for rainfall shelters, ramps, experimental streams, restoration plots, the weather station, grasshopper cages, the climate extremes project. Currently no associated LTER datasets exist for these locations. GIS 610 provides a record of the historic Konza gridded location system. Older datasets may reference these locations with a column letter and row number.
These data show the components of the irrigation system near Konza Prairie HQ. Record types 1, 2, 3 and 4 demarcate the locations of the study plots heads (GIS550), transect lines (GIS551), irrigation lines (GIS552), and irrigation line joints (GIS553). Record types 4 and 5 describe the location of the storage piles (GIS554) and the irrigation reservoir (GIS555). This data may be used in conjunction with the Irrigation Transect Studies (WATXX) data.
Rainfall Manipulation Plots facility (RaMPs) is a unique experimental infrastructure that allows us to manipulate precipitation events and temperature, and assess population community, and ecosystem responses in native grassland. This facility allows us to manipulate the amount and timing of individual precipitation events in replicated field plots at the Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site.
Climate extremes, such as drought, are increasing in frequency and intensity, and the ecological consequences of these extreme events can be substantial and widespread. Yet, little is known about the factors that determine recovery (or resilience) of ecosystem function post-drought. Such knowledge is particularly important because post-drought recovery periods can be protracted depending on drought legacy effects (e.g., loss key plant populations, altered community structure and/or biogeochemical processes).
Chronic nutrient additions can lead to drastic shifts in the plant community through time, both within tallgrass prairie in other grassland ecosystems worldwide. Nutrient addition experiments have answered many questions about patterns of diversity loss and community shifts; however, the level of nutrients which must be added to cause community shifts is unknown. To date, all nitrogen (N) addition experiments at Konza have added 10 g m-2 (e.g., NutNet Plots; Phosphorus (P) Plots; Belowground Plots), yet current rates of N deposition are one-tenth of that level.
The dataset (Key for Plant Species Codes in Konza Prairie Community Composition Datasets) contains a numeric code for each vascular plant species that has been recorded in any Konza Prairie LTER plant community composition dataset (e.g. PVC02, PBG01, WAT01, BGPVC). Each code designates a vasular plant taxon (species level). Variables include: family, genus, specific epithet, lifespan, growth form, origin, photosynthetic pathway (for grasses).
The distribution, structure and function of mesic savanna grasslands are strongly driven by fire regimes, grazing by large herbivores, and their interactions. This research addresses a general question about our understanding of savanna grasslands globally: Is our knowledge of fire and grazing sufficiently general to enable us to make accurate predictions of how these ecosystems will respond to changes in these drivers over time? Some evidence suggests that fire and grazing influence savanna grassland structure and function differently in South Africa (SA) compared to North America (NA).
The distribution, structure and function of mesic savanna grasslands are strongly driven by fire regimes, grazing by large herbivores, and their interactions. This research addresses a general question about our understanding of savanna grasslands globally: Is our knowledge of fire and grazing sufficiently general to enable us to make accurate predictions of how these ecosystems will respond to changes in these drivers over time? Some evidence suggests that fire and grazing influence savanna grassland structure and function differently in South Africa (SA) compared to North America (NA).
Woody vegetation within 30m of the stream channel was removed along the riparian corridor of watershed N2B in winter 2010. Thereafter, woody vegetation was recut every second or third year until 2020. Vegetation surveys were conducted before and after the initial removal (2010 and 2011) and again 10 years after the initial cutting (2020).
These data show locations for some experiments at Konza Prairie including: Chronic Addition of Nitrogen Gradient Experiment (ChANGE), Ghost Fire, Shrub Rainfall Manipulation Plots (ShRaMPs), sampling locations for ingrowth cores collected as part of the ShRaMPs experiment, Climate Extremes Experiment, Drought-Net, the Experimental Streams Experiment, the Nutrient Network Experiment, Phosphorous Plots experiment, the Vert-Invert experiment, and restoration areas.
Anthropogenic actions have significantly increased biological nitrogen (N) availability on a global scale. In tallgrass prairies, this phenomenon is exacerbated by land management changes, such as fire suppression. Historically, tallgrass prairie fire removed N through volatilization, but fire suppression has contributed to increased soil N availability as well as woody encroachment. Because soil microbes respond to N availability and plant growth, these changes may alter microbial composition and important microbially-mediated functions.
Data describe soil chemistry collected during the 2017-2021 growing seasons at the Belowground Plot Experiment to assess for legacies. Whole plot-scale nitrogen fertilization at the Experiment ceased in 2017. Four subplots within each historically fertilized plot were set up to continue the annual fertilization treatment for soil chemistry.
Woody encroachment threatens the loss of remaining grasslands. Clonal shrubs are of particular concern because of their ability to resprout after disturbance, spread vegetatively, and share resources among interconnected stems. These traits contribute to the encroachment of deep-rooted clonal shrubs in tallgrass prairie. In this study, we investigated how leaf physiological traits differ among interconnected stems within a dominant encroaching shrub in tallgrass prairie, Cornus drummondii.
This data set is a compilation of data collected by multiple researchers describing nests of 48 bird species from across Konza Prairie. Compiled and edited into consistent format by Emma B. Smith, and included in her Master’s thesis. The goal of this dataset is to compile as much data on bird nests at Konza as possible. This data set includes data from other KNZ datasets CBN01 and PBG05, as well as data contributed by Page Klug, Jim Rivers, John Zimmerman, Bill Jensen, Brett Sandercock, Alice Boyle, Bram Verheijen, Bridget Sousa, Aaron Pearse, Karl Kosciuch, and Scott Hatch.
Herbivores of varying size classes exist with the grassland biome (large mammals, small mammals, insects), however their independent and interactive effects on grassland plant species composition and function are understudied. Here we aim to tease apart the effects of three size classes of herbivores within the Konza Prairie system, and whether these effects vary across fire regimes.
Intra-clonal stem density, natality, mortality, flowering and relative growth rate within discrete Cornus drummondii shrubs in response to fire frequency (4- vs 20-yr burn intervals) and simulated browsing. Tagged stems within individual shrubs were tracked and measured at the beginning and end of each growing season in 2018 and 2019 to assess the interactions of fire and browsing on stem demography.
Woody plants are increasing prevalence and dominance in many rangelands around the world. The reason for their increase is various but two common drivers that have changed are an increase in CO2 concentrations and alteration to precipitation dynamics. We asked what the physiological growth dynamics of four juvenile woody plant species (Cornus drummondii, Rhus glabra, Gleditsia triacanthos and Juniperus osteosperma) when grown in elevated CO2 and chronically water stressed.
Climate variability and periodic droughts have complex effects on carbon (C) fluxes, with uncertain implications for ecosystem C balance under a changing climate. Responses to climate change can be modulated by persistent effects of climate history on plant communities, soil microbial activity, and nutrient cycling (i.e., legacies). To assess how legacies of past precipitation regimes influence tallgrass prairie C cycling under new precipitation regimes, we modified a long-term irrigation experiment that simulated a wetter climate for >25 years.
Our project was designed to test if woody removal in a riparian zone allowed the system to rebound to a grassland stream state. We hypothesized that removal would increase light and decrease moss biomass.
In fall of 2010 in watershed N2B ( 39.088976°, -96.588599°), we established plant community plots to assess the potential ability of the riparian zone to shift to a grassland state based on cutting alone and cutting with replanting. The three treatments were 1) naturally open riparian grassland before the removal, 2) areas cleared of woody vegetation, and 3) areas cleared of woody vegetation and seeded with prairie plant species. The addition of the seeded treatment was designed to address if recovery of grassland vegetation is hindered by propagule limitation.
