Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER)/CDR015: Effect of NH4NO3 and Light Shading on Vegetation (UNFLN) at Cedar Creek Natural History Area

The light penetration levels are achieved by using a black shade, reducing light penetration by 80%. The support for the shades is made of steel T-posts and 2 x 4 lumber. There are 12 replicates of the four treatments.

Each plot is 2 m x 2 m. The treatments were laid out in a randomized block arranged in a split plot design where nitrogen was assigned to the main plot and light penetration assigned to subplots. Proprietary limits: Investigators have priority over data for five years, but are interested in collaboration for novel comparisons before then.

The Cedar Creek Natural History Area (CCNHA) is a 2200 hectare experimental ecological reserve operated by the University of Minnesota in cooperation with the Minnesota Academy of Sciences. CCNHA is located in Anoka and Isanti Counties north of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

The site was established in 1940, was designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1975. In 1977 it was included as an Experimental Ecology Reserve in a proposed network, and in 1982 it was one of 11 sites in the U.S. selected by the National Science Foundation for funding of LTER. Information about LTER is also available at 'lternet.edu/'