Geomorphic Controls over Nutrient Cycling in Playa Wetlands

Playas, which are ephemeral desert wetlands are periodically flooded and are an integral piece of arid ecosystems. Multiple extreme wet-dry cycles during the growing season may result in high nutrient cycling, productivity, and a dynamic plant community (Bolen et al. 1989, Havstad 2006). Most playa research has focused on the southern high plains of Texas (Smith 2003) and desert playas have not been intensively studied despite their potential importance for the functioning of desert ecosystems (Costa, 2008, Loring 1988, Smith 2003).

Research Question

What controls the size of carbon and nitrogen stocks between playas?

Hypothesis

The amount of carbon and nitrogen in each playa is a function of their catchment size, catchment slope, catchment soil texture, and catchment litter density