Byron J. AdamsJohn "Jeb" E. BarrettDiana H. WallRoss A. Virginia 2014-11-13 Soil biota and chemistry data from the Elevational Transect (ET) experiment, McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica (1993-2020, ongoing) tabular digitial data McMurdo Dry Valleys LTER McMurdo Dry Valleys LTER 10.6073/pasta/6c9dea12fe86439c0d390726348b0d5f https://mcm.lternet.edu/content/soil-elevational-transect-experiment Investigation of the effect of elevation and topography on soil biota and soil properties was part of the McMurdo Dry Valleys Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) project. The number of soil organisms (nematodes, rotifers and tardigrades), divided by species, sex and maturity was monitored at 3 elevations, initially in Taylor Valley (1993) then Garwood and Miers Valleys (2012) in order to accomplish this.  Since the attribute table for this dataset is very large, the user must construct the actual column name.  The FIRST letter represents the species, and the following letters represent the life stage/sex/sum type.  The nermatode  species codes are:            S: Scottnema lindsayae       E: Eudorylaimus spp.       P: Plectus spp.              For example, in the attribute table,  "(code)ML" has the description "The total number of living male (species) adult nematodes extracted      from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. In this case, a column name       called "SML" would be  "The total number of living male Scottnema lindsayae adult nematodes..."      In the data,        ND = no data; sample not taken      BD = below detection limit            1993-12-19 2020-01-18 ground condition This file contains archived data pulled from Nemadisk and the field season directories by Jeb Barrett.        The data page contains the raw data for nematode abundance in # of animals per kg oven dry weight equivalent.  As needed Plot corresponding to the Elevation Transect. This is the plot A by the south side of Lake Hoare 162.889373779297 162.889373779297 -77.632812500000 -77.632812500000 Plot corresponding to the Elevation Transect. This is the plot B by the south side of Lake Hoare 162.889373779297 162.889373779297 -77.635581970215 -77.635581970215 Plot corresponding to the Elevation Transect. This is the plot C by the south side of Lake Hoare 162.886932373047 162.886932373047 -77.637611389160 -77.637611389160 The plot corresponds to the Elevation Transects at Garwood Valley, specifically the A1 Treatment Plot 163.899291992188 163.899291992188 -78.021018981934 -78.021018981934 The plot corresponds to the Elevation Transects experiments at Garwood Valley. Specifically, this corresponds to the A2 Treatment A1-plot 163.899566650391 163.899566650391 -78.020927429199 -78.020927429199 The plot corresponds to the Elevation Transects experiments at Garwood Valley. Specifically, this corresponds to the A3 Treatment A1 plot 163.899612426758 163.899612426758 -78.021049499512 -78.021049499512 This is the Elevation Transect plot at Miers, specifically the plot with the A1 Treatment    163.786712646484 163.786712646484 -78.094032287598 -78.094032287598 This is the Elevation Transect plot at Miers, specifically the plot with the A2 Treatment    163.786773681641 163.786773681641 -78.094200134277 -78.094200134277 This is the Elevation Transect plot at Miers, specifically the plot with the  A3 Treatment    163.787628173828 163.787628173828 -78.094207763672 -78.094207763672 Elevation Transects at the Miers Valleys, this corresponds to the B1 Treatment Plot 163.777709960938 163.777709960938 -78.092002868652 -78.092002868652 Elevation Transects at the Miers Valley, this corresponds to the B2 Treatment Plot 163.778152465820 163.778152465820 -78.091880798340 -78.091880798340 Elevation Transects at the Mires Valley, This is the B3 Treatment Plot 163.778427124023 163.778427124023 -78.092033386230 -78.092033386230 This is the Elevation Transect plot at Miers, specifically the plot with the  C1 Treatment    163.775085449219 163.775085449219 -78.088989257813 -78.088989257813 This is the Elevation Transect plot at Miers, specifically the plot with the  C2 Treatment  163.775634765625 163.775634765625 -78.089073181152 -78.089073181152 This is the Elevation Transect plot at Miers, specifically the plot with the  C3 Treatment    163.776565551758 163.776565551758 -78.088981628418 -78.088981628418 The plot corresponds to the Elevation Transects experiments at Garwood Valley. Specifically, this corresponds to the B1 Treatment  plot 163.886840820313 163.886840820313 -78.018379211426 -78.018379211426 The plot corresponds to the Elevation Transects experiments at Garwood Valley. Specifically, this corresponds to the B2 Treatment  plot 163.887268066406 163.887268066406 -78.018333435059 -78.018333435059 The plot corresponds to the Elevation Transects experiments at Garwood Valley. Specifically, this corresponds to the B3 Treatment  plot 163.886932373047 163.886932373047 -78.018463134766 -78.018463134766 The plot corresponds to the Elevation Transects experiments at Garwood Valley. Specifically, this corresponds to the C1 Treatment  plot 163.879333496094 163.879333496094 -78.017898559570 -78.017898559570 The plot corresponds to the Elevation Transects experiments at Garwood Valley. Specifically, this corresponds to the C2 Treatment  plot 163.879043579102 163.879043579102 -78.017799377441 -78.017799377441 The plot corresponds to the Elevation Transects experiments at Garwood Valley. Specifically, this corresponds to the C3 Treatment  plot 163.879837036133 163.879837036133 -78.017799377441 -78.017799377441 LTER Core Areas population dynamics None <cntperp> <cntper>McMurdo Dry Valleys LTER Information Manager</cntper> </cntperp> <cntemail>im@mcmlter.org</cntemail> Name: Renée F. Brown Role: data manager Name: Michelle L Haddix Role: former lab crew Name: Martijn Vandegehuchte Role: former field crew Name: Ashley Shaw Role: former lab crew Name: Sabrina Saurey Role: former lab crew Name: Zachary Sylvain Role: former lab crew Name: Jeremy Whiting Role: former lab crew Name: Karen J Seaver Role: former lab crew Name: Dorota Porazinska Role: former lab crew Name: Ed Ayres Role: former lab crew Name: Breana L. Simmons Role: former lab crew Name: Emma Broos Role: former lab crew Name: John M. Chaston Role: former lab crew Name: Holley Zadeh Role: former lab crew Name: Steve W Blecker Role: former lab crew Name: Claire Ojima Role: former lab crew Name: Inigo San Gil Role: former data manager Not Applicable Not Applicable Field and/or Lab Methods In 1993, three sites were chosen on generally flat benches of the glaciated slope near South Side Lake Hoare in Taylor Valley: A at 83 m above sea level, B at 121 m above sea level, and C at 188 m above sea level. In 2012 two further Valleys were added to this experiment: Garwood and Miers. As with Taylor Valley, three sites were chosen in each on generally flat benches of the glaciated slope: Garwood A at 369 m above sea level, B at 377 m above sea level, and C at 392 m above sea level. Miers A at 179 m above sea level, B at 220 m above sea level, and C at 290 m above sea level. A 20X 20 m grid was placed at each elevation, and soil samples were taken at the four corners of the grid, at the middle point of each side, and at the center of the square. A smaller 2 X 2 m grid was placed at the northwest corner of the larger grid, and samples were collected with the same scheme, though no second samples were taken from the overlapping corner. Soil samples were taken for organism enumeration and moisture content analysis as follows: Sampling bags were prepared with one sterile 'Whirlpak' bag and clean plastic scoop per sample. Samples were taken from within the 10 cm diameter circular area of each plot. The location of the sampling was recorded each year so that areas were not re-sampled. Using the plastic scoop, soil was collected to 10 cm depth. Very large rocks (greater than 20 mm diameter) were excluded from the sample. The soil was shoveled into the 'Whirlpak' bag until three quarters full (about 1.5 kg soil). The soil was mixed well in the bag, then the bag was closed tightly, expelling as much air as possible. The soil samples were stored in a cooler for transportation. On return to the laboratory (within 8 hours of sampling), the soils were stored at +5C until further processing. In the laboratory, soil samples were handled in a laminar flow hood to prevent contamination. The Whirlpak bags of soil were mixed thoroughly prior to opening. Approximately 200cm3 of soil was placed in a pre-weighed 800mL plastic beaker. Rocks greater than 3-4mm in diameter were removed from the sample. A sub-sample of approximately 50g was removed and placed in a pre-weighed aluminum dish, and weighed on a balance accurate to 0.01g. This sample was dried at 105C for 24 hours. The sample was removed, placed in desiccator to cool down, and re-weighed. These data were used to calculate water content of the soil, and to express data as numbers of soil organisms per unit dry weight of soil. The remaining soil in the plastic beaker was weighed. Cold tap water was added up to 650 mL. The soil suspension was stirred carefully (star stir or figure of 8) for 30 seconds, using a spatula. Immediately the liquid was poured into wet screens - a stack of 40 mesh on top of a 400 mesh. The screens were rinsed gently with ice cold tap water (from a wash bottle) through the top of the stack, keeping the screens at an angle as the water filtered through. The water was kept on ice at all times. The top screen was removed, and the lower screen rinsed top down, never directly on top of the soil, but at the top of the screen and from behind. The water was allowed to cascade down and carry the particles into the bottom wedge of the angled screen. The side of the screen was tapped gently to filter all the water through. The suspension was rinsed from the front and the back, keeping the screen at an angle and not allowing the water to overflow the edge of the screen. The soil particles were backwashed into a 50mL plastic centrifuge tube, tipping the screen into the funnel above the tube and rinsing the funnel gently. The suspension was centrifuged for five minutes at 1744 RPM. The liquid was decanted, leaving a few mL on top of the soil particles. The tube was filled with sucrose solution (454g sucrose per liter of tap water, kept refrigerated) up to 45mL. This was stirred gently with a spatula until the pellet was broken up and suspended. The suspension was centrifuged for one minute at 1744 RPM, decanted into a wet 500 mesh screen, rinsed well with ice cold tap water and backwashed into a centrifuge tube. Samples were refrigerated at 5C until counted. Samples were washed into a counting dish and examined under a microscope at x 10 or x20 magnification. Rotifers and tardigrades were identified and counted. Nematodes were identified to species and sex, and counted. Total numbers in each sample were recorded on data sheets. All species of nematode, and all rotifers and tardigrades found in the sample were recorded. Data were entered in to Excel files, printed, and checked for errors. For measurements of pH, an aqueous soil solution was made. DI-H2O was added to soil in a 1:2 soil:water ratio in a clean, DI- rinsed glass beaker (coarse fragments &gt;2 mm were removed). The samples were stirred until thoroughly mixed (about 5-10 sec). After sitting to equilibrate for 2 h (all years up to 2002-03) or 10 min (all years 2004-05 and later), the samples were stirred again and a reading was taken with a pH meter. For measurements of electrical conductivity, DI-H2O was added to soil in a 1:5 soil:water ratio. The samples were stirred until thoroughly mixed (about 5-10 sec). After sitting to equilibrate for 2 h (all years up to 2002-03) or 10 min (all years 2004-05 and later), the samples were stirred again and a reading was taken with a conductivity meter. For extraction of chlorophyll from the soil, all procedures were carried out in the dark or very low irradiance to avoid degradation of the chlorophyll. The soil samples were mixed thoroughly in the vials, and a sample of approximately 5 g was weighed out in to a 50 mL plastic centrifuge tube with a screw-top cap. 10 mL of a 50:50 DMSO/90percent acetone solution was added to each sample and they were mixed thoroughly on a bench-top Vortex mixer for about 5 seconds. The vials were placed in a -4°C constant temperature room, in the dark, and left for 12-18 hours. Determination of chlorophyll a concentration was determined fluorometrically using a Turner model 111 fluorometer. A calibration using a known concentration of chlorophyll was carried out prior to sample analysis. The machine was blanked using a 50:50 DMSO/90percent acetone solution. A sample of approximately 4mL of the DMSO/acetone solution was taken from the top of the sample with a pipette, being careful not to get any soil particles in the solution. The sample was placed in a cuvette, into the fluorometer and the fluorescence was recorded. This was done fairly quickly in order to prevent light from breaking down the chlorophyll. This measurement is called Fo, the initial fluorescence. After taking this reading, 0.1 mL of 1N HCl was added directly to the cuvette and the cuvette was gently agitated. After 20 seconds, the fluorescence was re-measured. (During this step, the acid converts the chlorophyll to phaeophytin by releasing a magnesium ion in an acidic environment). This measurement is called Fa, the fluorescence after acidification. The solution was discarded in to a waste container, and the cuvette rinsed 3 times with DMSO/90percent acetone solution before proceeding with the next sample. For mineral N content, a 20 g subsample was extracted in 50 ml 2M KCl for 1 h and filtered through Whatman #42 filter paper. Extracts were frozen prior to analysis for NH4-N and NO2+NO3-N on a Lachat Quikchem. For total C and N, a subsample of soil was hand-ground using a sapphire mortar and pestle, from which a subsample was run on a Carlo Erba NA 1500 N Elemental Analyzer (Carlo Erba Instruments, Milan, Italy). For organic C, 1 mg of ground soil was acidified with 1 ml 6 N HCl and dried at 95°C for 48 h. A subsample was run on a Carlo Erba, and the value was corrected for the change in weight associated with acidification. Microbial C and N were measured using the chloroform fumigation extraction technique with a 1:2.5 ratio of soil and 0.5 M K2SO4. Approximately 20 g of soil from each sample was extracted in 50 ml of 0.5 M K2SO4. Extracts were shaken at 240 rpm for 45 minutes, then centrifuged at 15000 rpm for 15 min, and the supernatant brought to pH~2 with 0.5 ml 6N HCl. A duplicate 20-g subsample was placed in a vacuum desiccator and fumigated with ethanol-free chloroform for 120 h. After fumigation, soils were extracted as described above. All extracts were frozen prior to analysis on a Shimadzu TOC analyzer for DOC and DIN. Season Notes 2002-2003 File log: This file was created on 15 Jan 2003 by Steve Blecker. Extraction weight entered at this time [Steve Blecker 15 Jan 03].  Nema data entered on 21 Jan 03 by Steve Blecker [Steve Blecker 21 Jan 03]. Calculation done by Jeb Barrett 22 Jan 03. Raw data checked and corrected [Emma Broos 4 March 03]. Numbers per kg dry soil changed by M L Haddix using formula 1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc))) 7/22/13 Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 9/06/13 File was abbreviated for website only counts in #/kg dry soil was left along with log, 7/22/13 MLHaddix 2004-2005 File log:  Soil data was entered, and log was created, on 14 Jan 2005 by Holley Zadeh. Data verified by Holley Zadeh on 23 Jan 05. Comments: These data are for soils collected by Diana Wall, John Chaston, and Holley Zadeh. Emma Broos and Claire Ojima kept track of sample locations, logged them in their field books, and made sure sample bags were correct. See map of sampling locations in drawing box below. To note: A1 was not mixed in the field, and we forgot to mix it before sampling. Also, C3 was counted, but after counting was dropped, so we do not have a sample to preserve. Samples were extracted at the Crary lab on 12 Jan 2005 as follows: *Holley Zadeh weighed soil under the laminar flow hood and recorded weights *Diana Wall sieved soil at the sink *Byron Adams spun samples in the centrifuge *John Chaston and Emma Broos counted specimens at the microscope. They were counted on the 13th and 14th of January 2005. Numbers per kg dry soil changed by M L Haddix using formula 1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc))) 7/22/13 Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 9/06/13 Related Files: ET_worms.xls; DNAExtr0405.xls File was abbreviated for website only counts in #/kg dry soil was left along with log, 7/22/13 MLHaddix 2006-2007 Comments: Soil samples for faunal extraction and chlorophyll a were collected by Ed Ayres, Breana Simmons, Dorota Porazinska on 18 Jan 2007.  Local scale sampling of spatial variation was conducted at the '6' location of each ET plot.  Soil samples were collected ~10 cm from the nail at 1 o'clock (if 12 o'clock is upslope).  Take extra nails for small scale sampling next time (at least 9). Soil was extracted on 20 Jan 2007. Nematodes preserved 23 Jan 2007.  Worms counted by Dorota Porazinska Data entered on 22 Jan 2007 by Ed Ayres.  Data was proofed by Dorota Porazinska. Fauna were extracted by sugar floatation.  Raw data were converted by Ed Ayres using (# individuals/(fresh soil wt extracted/((soil moisture/100)+1)))*1000. Numbers per kg dry soil changed by M L Haddix using formula 1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc))) 7/03/13 Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 9/06/13 Related Files: ET_labels.doc, ET_soils.xls, ET_COC.xls 2008-2009 LOG: This file created on 12/29/08 by Karen "rainbow Sprinkles" Seaver. COMMENTS: Samples were collected from the LTER core study, the Elevational Transect by Breana Simmons, Karen Seaver? and ??. Note: A sulfur smell was noted at the C elevation? Nematodes were extracted by     on Data entered by Karen Seaver and Uffe Nielsen on 12/28/08  Data checked by Karen Seaver and her electronic boyfriend Alex on 12/29/08. RELATED FILES: Bre - microbial biomass if we get it, ? ET_LABEL.XLS ET_SOILS.xls LTM_ET_COC.xls Dryvalleydisturbance_08_09.xls (In Reports Folder)  GPS coordinates Numbers per kg dry soil changed by M L Haddix using formula 1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc))) 7/11/13 Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 9/06/13 File was abbreviated for website only counts in #/kg dry soil was left along with log, 5/01/14 MLHaddix Inigo San Gil revised data, updated database records and metadata 2011-2012 Garwood LOG: This file created on 1/13/12 by Zachary Sylvain. Data entered by Zachary Sylvain. Data checked by Zachary Sylvain. Calculations by Zachary Sylvain using the formula: (# individuals / dry soil) * 1000 Numbers per kg dry soil adjusted by Martijn L Vandegehuchte using formula 1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc))) Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 11/26/13 ET LOG: This file created on 1/13/12 by Zachary Sylvain. Data entered by Jeremy Whiting. Data checked by Jeremy Whiting. Calculations by Zachary Sylvain using the formula: (# individuals / dry soil) * 1000 The majority of the worms were counted on Jan 6. Some worms were counted on the 5th and 7th as well. Numbers per kg dry soil adjusted by Martijn L Vandegehuchte using formula 1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc))) Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 9/06/13 Miers LOG: This file created on 1/11/12 by Zachary Sylvain. Data entered by Jeremy Whiting. Data checked by Jeremy Whiting. Calculations by Zachary Sylvain using the formula: (# individuals / dry soil) * 1000 C Transect      Polygon C3: 26m x 16m      Spike: S78.08898, E163.77657      Polygon C2: 14.5m x 12.3m      Spike: S78.08907, E163.77563      Polygon C1: 15.5m x 15.5m      Spike: S78.08899, E163.77509 B Transect      Polygon B1 Spike: S78.09200, E163.77771      Polygon B2 Spike: S78.09188, E163.77815      Polygon B3 Spike: S78.09203, E163.77843 A Transect      Polygon A1: 12.6m x 14.2m      Spike: S78.09403, E163.78671      Polygon A2: 12.7m x 12m      Spike: S78.09420, E163.78677      Polygon A3: 9.7m x 9.3m      Spike: S78.09421, E163.78763 MC3 sampled in a line downslope toward stream MC2 sampled down toward lake MC2 sampled upslope MB1 sampled toward northern edge of lake MB2 sampled downslope toward MB3 MB3 sampled toward northern edge of lake MA1 sampled downslope MA2 sampled downslope MA3 sampled upslope Numbers per kg dry soil adjusted by Martijn Vandegehuchte using formula 1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc))) Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 11/26/13 2012-2013 ET LOG: This file created on 20 January 2013 by Ashley Shaw. Data entered by Ashley Shaw. Data checked by Sabrina Saurey. Calculations by Martijn Vandegehuchte using the formula: 1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc))) Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 9/06/13 Garwood LOG: This file created on Jan 18 by Sabrina Saurey. Data entered by Sabrina Saurey. Data checked by Ashley Shaw. Calculations by Martijn Vandegehuchte using the formula: 1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc))) Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 11/13/13 Miers LOG: This file created on Jan 19 by Sabrina Saurey. Data entered by Sabrina Saurey. Data checked by Ashley Shaw on 20 January 2013 Calculations by Martijn Vandegehuchte using the formula: 1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc))) Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 11/13/13 In 1993, three sites were chosen on generally flat benches of the glaciated slope near South Side Lake Hoare in Taylor Valley: A at 83 m above sea level, B at 121 m above sea level, and C at 188 m above sea level. In 2012 two further Valleys were added to this experiment: Garwood and Miers. As with Taylor Valley, three sites were chosen in each on generally flat benches of the glaciated slope: Garwood A at 369 m above sea level, B at 377 m above sea level, and C at 392 m above sea level. Miers A at 179 m above sea level, B at 220 m above sea level, and C at 290 m above sea level.A 20X 20 m grid was placed at each elevation, and soil samples were taken at the four corners of the grid, at the middle point of each side, and at the center of the square. A smaller 2 X 2 m grid was placed at the northwest corner of the larger grid, and samples were collected with the same scheme, though no second samples were taken from the overlapping corner. Soil samples were taken for organism enumeration and moisture content analysis as follows: Sampling bags were prepared with one sterile 'Whirlpak' bag and clean plastic scoop per sample. Samples were taken from within the 10 cm diameter circular area of each plot. The location of the sampling was recorded each year so that areas were not re-sampled. Using the plastic scoop, soil was collected to 10 cm depth. Very large rocks (greater than 20 mm diameter) were excluded from the sample. The soil was shoveled into the 'Whirlpak' bag until three quarters full (about 1.5 kg soil). The soil was mixed well in the bag, then the bag was closed tightly, expelling as much air as possible. The soil samples were stored in a cooler for transportation. On return to the laboratory (within 8 hours of sampling), the soils were stored at +5C until further processing. In the laboratory, soil samples were handled in a laminar flow hood to prevent contamination. The Whirlpak bags of soil were mixed thoroughly prior to opening. Approximately 200cm3 of soil was placed in a pre-weighed 800mL plastic beaker. Rocks greater than 3-4mm in diameter were removed from the sample. A sub-sample of approximately 50g was removed and placed in a pre-weighed aluminum dish, and weighed on a balance accurate to 0.01g. This sample was dried at 105C for 24 hours. The sample was removed, placed in desiccator to cool down, and re-weighed. These data were used to calculate water content of the soil, and to express data as numbers of soil organisms per unit dry weight of soil. The remaining soil in the plastic beaker was weighed. Cold tap water was added up to 650 mL. The soil suspension was stirred carefully (star stir or figure of 8) for 30 seconds, using a spatula. Immediately the liquid was poured into wet screens - a stack of 40 mesh on top of a 400 mesh. The screens were rinsed gently with ice cold tap water (from a wash bottle) through the top of the stack, keeping the screens at an angle as the water filtered through. The water was kept on ice at all times. The top screen was removed, and the lower screen rinsed top down, never directly on top of the soil, but at the top of the screen and from behind. The water was allowed to cascade down and carry the particles into the bottom wedge of the angled screen. The side of the screen was tapped gently to filter all the water through. The suspension was rinsed from the front and the back, keeping the screen at an angle and not allowing the water to overflow the edge of the screen. The soil particles were backwashed into a 50mL plastic centrifuge tube, tipping the screen into the funnel above the tube and rinsing the funnel gently. The suspension was centrifuged for five minutes at 1744 RPM. The liquid was decanted, leaving a few mL on top of the soil particles. The tube was filled with sucrose solution (454g sucrose per liter of tap water, kept refrigerated) up to 45mL. This was stirred gently with a spatula until the pellet was broken up and suspended. The suspension was centrifuged for one minute at 1744 RPM, decanted into a wet 500 mesh screen, rinsed well with ice cold tap water and backwashed into a centrifuge tube. Samples were refrigerated at 5C until counted. Samples were washed into a counting dish and examined under a microscope at x 10 or x20 magnification. Rotifers and tardigrades were identified and counted. Nematodes were identified to species and sex, and counted. Total numbers in each sample were recorded on data sheets. All species of nematode, and all rotifers and tardigrades found in the sample were recorded. Data were entered in to Excel files, printed, and checked for errors. For measurements of pH, an aqueous soil solution was made. DI-H2O was added to soil in a 1:2 soil:water ratio in a clean, DI- rinsed glass beaker (coarse fragments >2 mm were removed). The samples were stirred until thoroughly mixed (about 5-10 sec). After sitting to equilibrate for 2 h (all years up to 2002-03) or 10 min (all years 2004-05 and later), the samples were stirred again and a reading was taken with a pH meter. For measurements of electrical conductivity, DI-H2O was added to soil in a 1:5 soil:water ratio. The samples were stirred until thoroughly mixed (about 5-10 sec). After sitting to equilibrate for 2 h (all years up to 2002-03) or 10 min (all years 2004-05 and later), the samples were stirred again and a reading was taken with a conductivity meter. For extraction of chlorophyll from the soil, all procedures were carried out in the dark or very low irradiance to avoid degradation of the chlorophyll. The soil samples were mixed thoroughly in the vials, and a sample of approximately 5 g was weighed out in to a 50 mL plastic centrifuge tube with a screw-top cap. 10 mL of a 50:50 DMSO/90percent acetone solution was added to each sample and they were mixed thoroughly on a bench-top Vortex mixer for about 5 seconds. The vials were placed in a -4°C constant temperature room, in the dark, and left for 12-18 hours. Determination of chlorophyll a concentration was determined fluorometrically using a Turner model 111 fluorometer. A calibration using a known concentration of chlorophyll was carried out prior to sample analysis. The machine was blanked using a 50:50 DMSO/90percent acetone solution. A sample of approximately 4mL of the DMSO/acetone solution was taken from the top of the sample with a pipette, being careful not to get any soil particles in the solution. The sample was placed in a cuvette, into the fluorometer and the fluorescence was recorded. This was done fairly quickly in order to prevent light from breaking down the chlorophyll. This measurement is called Fo, the initial fluorescence. After taking this reading, 0.1 mL of 1N HCl was added directly to the cuvette and the cuvette was gently agitated. After 20 seconds, the fluorescence was re-measured. (During this step, the acid converts the chlorophyll to phaeophytin by releasing a magnesium ion in an acidic environment). This measurement is called Fa, the fluorescence after acidification. The solution was discarded in to a waste container, and the cuvette rinsed 3 times with DMSO/90percent acetone solution before proceeding with the next sample. For mineral N content, a 20 g subsample was extracted in 50 ml 2M KCl for 1 h and filtered through Whatman #42 filter paper. Extracts were frozen prior to analysis for NH4-N and NO2+NO3-N on a Lachat Quikchem. For total C and N, a subsample of soil was hand-ground using a sapphire mortar and pestle, from which a subsample was run on a Carlo Erba NA 1500 N Elemental Analyzer (Carlo Erba Instruments, Milan, Italy). For organic C, 1 mg of ground soil was acidified with 1 ml 6 N HCl and dried at 95°C for 48 h. A subsample was run on a Carlo Erba, and the value was corrected for the change in weight associated with acidification. Microbial C and N were measured using the chloroform fumigation extraction technique with a 1:2.5 ratio of soil and 0.5 M K2SO4. Approximately 20 g of soil from each sample was extracted in 50 ml of 0.5 M K2SO4. Extracts were shaken at 240 rpm for 45 minutes, then centrifuged at 15000 rpm for 15 min, and the supernatant brought to pH~2 with 0.5 ml 6N HCl. A duplicate 20-g subsample was placed in a vacuum desiccator and fumigated with ethanol-free chloroform for 120 h. After fumigation, soils were extracted as described above. All extracts were frozen prior to analysis on a Shimadzu TOC analyzer for DOC and DIN. Season Notes 2002-2003File log:This file was created on 15 Jan 2003 by Steve Blecker. Extraction weight entered at this time [Steve Blecker 15 Jan 03].  Nema data entered on 21 Jan 03 by Steve Blecker [Steve Blecker 21 Jan 03]. Calculation done by Jeb Barrett 22 Jan 03. Raw data checked and corrected [Emma Broos 4 March 03].Numbers per kg dry soil changed by M L Haddix using formula 1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc))) 7/22/13Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 9/06/13File was abbreviated for website only counts in #/kg dry soil was left along with log, 7/22/13 MLHaddix 2004-2005File log:  Soil data was entered, and log was created, on 14 Jan 2005 by Holley Zadeh. Data verified by Holley Zadeh on 23 Jan 05.Comments:These data are for soils collected by Diana Wall, John Chaston, and Holley Zadeh. Emma Broos and Claire Ojima kept track of sample locations, logged them in their field books, and made sure sample bags were correct. See map of sampling locations in drawing box below.To note: A1 was not mixed in the field, and we forgot to mix it before sampling. Also, C3 was counted, but after counting was dropped, so we do not have a sample to preserve.Samples were extracted at the Crary lab on 12 Jan 2005 as follows:*Holley Zadeh weighed soil under the laminar flow hood and recorded weights*Diana Wall sieved soil at the sink*Byron Adams spun samples in the centrifuge*John Chaston and Emma Broos counted specimens at the microscope. They were counted on the 13th and 14th of January 2005.Numbers per kg dry soil changed by M L Haddix using formula 1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc))) 7/22/13Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 9/06/13Related Files: ET_worms.xls; DNAExtr0405.xlsFile was abbreviated for website only counts in #/kg dry soil was left along with log, 7/22/13 MLHaddix 2006-2007Comments: Soil samples for faunal extraction and chlorophyll a were collected by Ed Ayres, Breana Simmons, Dorota Porazinska on 18 Jan 2007.  Local scale sampling of spatial variation was conducted at the '6' location of each ET plot.  Soil samples were collected ~10 cm from the nail at 1 o'clock (if 12 o'clock is upslope).  Take extra nails for small scale sampling next time (at least 9). Soil was extracted on 20 Jan 2007. Nematodes preserved 23 Jan 2007.  Worms counted by Dorota Porazinska Data entered on 22 Jan 2007 by Ed Ayres.  Data was proofed by Dorota Porazinska.Fauna were extracted by sugar floatation.  Raw data were converted by Ed Ayres using (# individuals/(fresh soil wt extracted/((soil moisture/100)+1)))*1000.Numbers per kg dry soil changed by M L Haddix using formula 1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc))) 7/03/13Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 9/06/13Related Files: ET_labels.doc, ET_soils.xls, ET_COC.xls2008-2009LOG: This file created on 12/29/08 by Karen "rainbow Sprinkles" Seaver.COMMENTS:Samples were collected from the LTER core study, the Elevational Transect by Breana Simmons, Karen Seaver? and ??.Note: A sulfur smell was noted at the C elevation?Nematodes were extracted by     onData entered by Karen Seaver and Uffe Nielsen on 12/28/08 Data checked by Karen Seaver and her electronic boyfriend Alex on 12/29/08.RELATED FILES:Bre - microbial biomass if we get it, ?ET_LABEL.XLSET_SOILS.xlsLTM_ET_COC.xlsDryvalleydisturbance_08_09.xls (In Reports Folder)  GPS coordinatesNumbers per kg dry soil changed by M L Haddix using formula 1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc))) 7/11/13Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 9/06/13File was abbreviated for website only counts in #/kg dry soil was left along with log, 5/01/14 MLHaddix Inigo San Gil revised data, updated database records and metadata2011-2012GarwoodLOG: This file created on 1/13/12 by Zachary Sylvain.Data entered by Zachary Sylvain.Data checked by Zachary Sylvain.Calculations by Zachary Sylvain using the formula: (# individuals / dry soil) * 1000Numbers per kg dry soil adjusted by Martijn L Vandegehuchte using formula 1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc)))Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 11/26/13ETLOG: This file created on 1/13/12 by Zachary Sylvain.Data entered by Jeremy Whiting.Data checked by Jeremy Whiting.Calculations by Zachary Sylvain using the formula: (# individuals / dry soil) * 1000The majority of the worms were counted on Jan 6. Some worms were counted on the 5th and 7th as well.Numbers per kg dry soil adjusted by Martijn L Vandegehuchte using formula 1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc)))Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 9/06/13MiersLOG: This file created on 1/11/12 by Zachary Sylvain.Data entered by Jeremy Whiting.Data checked by Jeremy Whiting.Calculations by Zachary Sylvain using the formula: (# individuals / dry soil) * 1000C Transect     Polygon C3: 26m x 16m     Spike: S78.08898, E163.77657     Polygon C2: 14.5m x 12.3m     Spike: S78.08907, E163.77563     Polygon C1: 15.5m x 15.5m     Spike: S78.08899, E163.77509B Transect     Polygon B1 Spike: S78.09200, E163.77771     Polygon B2 Spike: S78.09188, E163.77815     Polygon B3 Spike: S78.09203, E163.77843A Transect     Polygon A1: 12.6m x 14.2m     Spike: S78.09403, E163.78671     Polygon A2: 12.7m x 12m     Spike: S78.09420, E163.78677     Polygon A3: 9.7m x 9.3m     Spike: S78.09421, E163.78763MC3 sampled in a line downslope toward streamMC2 sampled down toward lakeMC2 sampled upslopeMB1 sampled toward northern edge of lakeMB2 sampled downslope toward MB3MB3 sampled toward northern edge of lakeMA1 sampled downslopeMA2 sampled downslopeMA3 sampled upslopeNumbers per kg dry soil adjusted by Martijn Vandegehuchte using formula 1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc)))Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 11/26/132012-2013ETLOG: This file created on 20 January 2013 by Ashley Shaw.Data entered by Ashley Shaw.Data checked by Sabrina Saurey.Calculations by Martijn Vandegehuchte using the formula:1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc)))Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 9/06/13GarwoodLOG: This file created on Jan 18 by Sabrina Saurey.Data entered by Sabrina Saurey.Data checked by Ashley Shaw.Calculations by Martijn Vandegehuchte using the formula:1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc)))Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 11/13/13MiersLOG: This file created on Jan 19 by Sabrina Saurey.Data entered by Sabrina Saurey.Data checked by Ashley Shaw on 20 January 2013Calculations by Martijn Vandegehuchte using the formula:1000*(#individuals/(extraction mass*(mass of dry soil/mass of soil used for moisture calc)))Soil Moisture calculated as the (g of water/ g dry soil) *100 by M L Haddix 11/13/13  unknown SOILS_ELEVATION_TRN Dataset Code Unique identifier for the table in the MCM LTER database. The data provider Unique identifier for the table in the MCM LTER database. Sample ID The plot-position identifier for each sample. The data provider The plot-position identifier for each sample. Elevation The elevation of the plot from where the sample was collected. Taylor: A at 83 m above sea level, B at 121 m above sea level, C at 188 m above sea level. Garwood: A at 369 m above sea level, B at 377 m above sea level, and C at 392 m above sea level. Miers: A at 179 m above sea level, B at 220 m above sea level, and C at 290 m above sea level. The data provider The elevation of the plot from where the sample was collected. Taylor: A at 83 m above sea level, B at 121 m above sea level, C at 188 m above sea level. Garwood: A at 369 m above sea level, B at 377 m above sea level, and C at 392 m above sea level. Miers: A at 179 m above sea level, B at 220 m above sea level, and C at 290 m above sea level. Position The position within a plot where the sample was collected. The data provider The position within a plot where the sample was collected. Date Time The date the soil sample was collected from the field. The data provider calendar date/time mm/dd/yyyy gregorian calendar Soil Water Content The gravimetric soil water content. The data provider 0 100 percent g/g Scottnema Male Live The total number of living male Scottnema lindsayae adult nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Scottnema Male Dead The total number of dead male Scottnema lindsayae adult nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Scottnema Female Live The total number of living female Scottnema lindsayae adult nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Scottnema Female Dead The total number of dead female Scottnema lindsayae adult nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Scottnema Juvenile Live The total number of living juvenile Scottnema lindsayae nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Scottnema Juvenile Dead The total number of dead juvenile Scottnema lindsayae nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Scottnema Adult The total number of living and dead Scottnema lindsayae adult nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Scottnema Juvenile The total number of living and dead Scottnema lindsayae juvenile nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Scottnema Total Live The total number of living Scottnema lindsayae (juvenile and adult) nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Scottnema Total Dead The total number of dead Scottnema lindsayae (juvenile and adult) nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Total Scottnema Live and Dead The total number of live + dead Scottnema lindsayae (juvenile and adult) nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Eudorylaimus Male Live The total number of living male Eudorylaimus spp. adult nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Eudorylaimus Male Dead The total number of dead male Eudorylaimus spp. adult nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Eudorylaimus Female Live The total number of living female Eudorylaimus spp. adult nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Eudorylaimus Female Dead The total number of dead female Eudorylaimus spp. adult nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Eudorylaimus Juvenile Live The total number of living juvenile Eudorylaimus spp. nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Eudorylaimus Juvenile Dead The total number of dead juvenile Eudorylaimus spp. nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Eudorylaimus Adult The total number of living and dead Eudorylaimus spp. adult nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Eudorylaimus Juvenile The total number of living and dead Eudorylaimus spp. juvenile nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Total Eudorylaimus Live Total number of living Eudorylaimus spp. (juvenile and adults) nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Total Eudorylaimus Dead The total number of dead Eudorylaimus spp. (juvenile and adults) nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Total Eudorylaimus Live and Dead The total number of live + dead Eudorylaimus spp. (juvenile and adults) nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Plectus Female Live The total number of living female Plectus spp. adult nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Plectus Female Dead The total number of dead female Plectus spp. adult nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Plectus Juvenile Live The total number of living juvenile Plectus spp. nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Plectus Juvenile Dead The total number of dead juvenile Plectus spp. adult nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Plectus Adult The total number of living and dead Plectus spp. adult nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Plectus Juvenile The total number of living and dead Plectus spp. juvenile nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Plectus Total Live Total number of living Plectus spp. (juvenile and adults) nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Plectus Total Dead The total number of dead Plectus spp. (juvenile and adults) nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Plectus Total Live and Dead The total number of live + dead Plectus spp. (juvenile and adults) nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Total Rotifers Total number of rotifers per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent present in a sample. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Total Tardigrades Total number of tardigrades per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent present in a sample. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Total Living Nematodes The total number of living nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Total Dead Nematodes The total number of dead nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Total The total number of living and dead nematodes extracted from the soil sample in number of organisms per kg soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider 0 # kg/soil Comments Comments about the sample. The data provider Comments about the sample. pH The opposite log of the hydrogen ion concentration of a 1:2 soil-water paste. The data provider 0 dimensionless Conductivity The electrical conductivity in microSiemens/cm of a 1:5 soil:deionized water solution. The data provider microSiemens/cm Total Nitrogen Total nitrogen, the nitrogen content of the unacidified soil. The data provider 0 mg N/g soil Soil Organic Carbon Soil organic carbon, the carbon content of acidified soil. The data provider 0 mg C/g soil Soil Inorganic Carbon Soil inorganic carbon, the carbon content of unacidified soil minus the carbon content of the acidified soil. The data provider 0 mg C/g soil Ammonium Ammonium concentration found using Lachat. The data provider 0 2000 microgram/g soil 0.1 Nitrate Nitrate concentration found using Lachat. The data provider 0 2000 microgram/g soil 0.1 Chlorophyll a The chlorophyll a content of the sample weight in micrograms per gram of soil oven dry weight equivalent. The data provider ug/g Microbial Carbon Biomass Microbial biomass carbon The data provider 0 2000 microgram C/g soil 0.1 Microbial Nitrogen Biomass Microbial biomass nitrogen The data provider 0 2000 microgram N/g soil 0.1 Chemistry Comments Comments about the chemical analysis. The data provider Comments about the chemical analysis. Valley Code A sorting header indicating the Valley (Taylor, Miers, Garwood) from which the sample was collected. The data provider A sorting header indicating the Valley (Taylor, Miers, Garwood) from which the sample was collected. McMurdo Dry Valleys LTER The data distributor shall not be liable for innacuracies in the content http 1 0 1 column , https://mcm.lternet.edu/sites/default/files/data/mcmlter-soil-et-20220318.csv None 2014-11-13 2014-11-13 McMurdo Dry Valleys LTER http://mcmlter.org/ Biological Data Profile of the Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata devised by the Federal Geographic Data Committee. Drupal Ecological information Management Systems, version D7, Biological Data Profile module