02593nas a2200181 4500008004100000245009500041210006900136300001400205490000700219520193100226100002202157700002302179700002002202700002402222700002202246700002402268856011902292 2004 eng d00aVariation in biogeochemistry and soil biodiversity across spatial scales in a polar desert0 aVariation in biogeochemistry and soil biodiversity across spatia a3105-31180 v853 a
Desert ecosystems are characterized by distinct spatial patterning in soil
biogeochemistry and biodiversity. In the Antarctic Dry Valleys, soil polygons are prominent
features of the landscape and may be key units for scaling local ecological information to
the greater region. We examined polygon soils in each of the three basins of Taylor Valley,
Antarctica. Our objectives were to characterize variability in soil biogeochemistry and
biodiversity at local to regional scales, and to test the influence of soil properties upon
invertebrate communities. We found that soil biogeochemical properties and biodiversity
vary over multiple spatial scales from fine (,10 m) to broad (.10 km) scales. Differences
in biogeochemistry were most pronounced at broad scales among the major lake basins of
Taylor Valley corresponding to differences in geology and microclimate, while variation
in invertebrate biodiversity and abundance occurred at landscape scales of 10–500 m, and
within individual soil polygons. Variation in biogeochemistry and invertebrate communities
across these scales reflects the influence of physical processes and landscape development
over ecosystem structure in the dry valleys. The development of soil polygons influences
the spatial patterning of soil properties such as soil organic matter, salinity, moisture, and
invertebrate habitat suitability. Nematode abundance and life history data indicate that
polygon interiors are more suitable habitats than soils in the troughs at the edges of polygons.
These data suggest that physical processes (i.e., polygon development) and biogeochemistry
are important influences on the spatial variability of biotic communities in dry valley soil
ecosystems.
1 aBarrett, John, E.1 aVirginia, Ross, A.1 aWall, Diana, H.1 aParsons, Andrew, N.1 aPowers, Laura, E.1 aBurkins, Melody, B. uhttps://mcm.lternet.edu/content/variation-biogeochemistry-and-soil-biodiversity-across-spatial-scales-polar-desert