Work

Grassland aboveground biomass, composition, and chemistry from multiple sites and years in Yellowstone National Park

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This data set includes measurements of aboveground plant biomass (in grams per square meter), percent alive and dead, composition (percent graminoid [grasses, sedges, rushes] and non-graminoid [other monocots, dicots]), and carbon and nitrogen content (in parts per million) of aboveground biomass collected during three studies (1988 and 1989; 1999-2001; 2012-2014) at grasslands grazed by herds of elk (Cervus canadensis), bison (Bison bison), and pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in Yellowstone National Park. A total of 25 different grasslands were sampled during the studies. At each grassland, measurements were made outside and inside small (1.5 × 1.5 m) temporary exclosures moved approximately monthly throughout each growing season to determine ungulate consumption and aboveground production. Plant data were also gathered at a subsample of 13 of the grasslands inside permanent exclosures erected during the summer before each study. Monthly aboveground plant P content (in parts per million) is also provided at six sites in 2013 and 2014. Location (latitude, longitude), elevation, and 0 to 10 cm total soil C and N are included for all the sites. There are no copyright or proprietary restrictions on the data; please cite this data paper when using the data in other works.

Source: Ecology

DOI: 10.1002/ecy.70198

Authors: Douglas A. Frank, Rick L. Wallen

Institutions: Syracuse University, National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park

Language: English

Topic: Rangeland and Wildlife Management

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,970