ABSTRACT:

This study was conducted in the South Fork of King’s Creek at Konza Prairie Biological Station, one of the most extensively studied prairie stream ecosystems. Kings Creek, a 5th-order intermittent stream, drains a 1,059-ha tallgrass prairie in the Kansas Flint Hills. The USGS gage (06879560; established in 1979) on the mainstem provides long-term hydrological data. The region has a mid-continental climate, with an annual mean temperature ranging from 5.6 to 16.7 °C and annual precipitation between 30 and 114 cm. The landscape is dominated by unplowed tallgrass prairie, with a band of deciduous trees lining the downstream reach of King’s Creek. The catchment soil features alternating limestone and shale layers, contributing to the area's complex subsurface hydrology and biodiversity.
This synoptic survey was conducted to support the sampling objectives of the Aquatic Intermittency Effects on Microbiomes in Streams (AIMS) Project. In June 2021, a field team collected hydrology and biogeochemistry datasets across 50 locations within a sub-drainage of the South Fork of King’s Creek. Site selection aimed to balance multiple priorities: (i) targeting existing monitoring infrastructure with long-term data (n=14); (ii) including locations near known springs and tributary junctions (n=9); and (iii) incorporating a range of drainage areas and topographic wetness index (TWI) values (n=27), both of which are linked to flow permanence.
At each site, samples of water (if present), biofilm, leaf litter, and sediment were collected. Microbial enzyme activities associated with organic matter decomposition (β-glucosidase, phenol oxidase, and peroxidase) and the mineralization of organic nitrogen (N-acetylglucosaminidase) and phosphorus (phosphatase) were measured. Enzyme activities were quantified fluorometrically using 4-methylumbelliferyl (MUB)-linked substrates or colorimetrically using 4-nitrophenyl (pNP)-linked and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA)-linked substrates.

ABSTRACT:

This study was conducted in the South Fork of King’s Creek at Konza Prairie Biological Station, one of the most well-studied prairie streams in the world. At the USGS gage located on the mainstem (06879560; est. 1979), Kings Creek is a 5th order intermittent stream draining 1059-ha of tallgrass prairie in the Kansas Flint Hills.
This synoptic survey was designed in support of the sampling goals of the Aquatic Intermittency effects on Microbiomes in Streams (AIMS) Project. During June, July, and August 2021, a field team co-collected datasets characterizing the hydrology and biogeochemistry across 50 locations within a sub-drainage of the South Fork of Kings’ Creek. The 50 sites were selected to balance multiple competing priorities: (i) strategically targeting existing monitoring infrastructure with long-term data (n=14); (ii) including sites near several known springs and tributary junctions (n=9); and (iii) including a range of drainage area and topographic wetness index (TWI) values (n=27), both of which have been correlated with flow permanence elsewhere. Briefly, the sites selected based on drainage area and TWI were chosen by binning drainage area into 10 bins and then binning TWI into quintiles within each drainage area bin (Supplemental Info 1). We then randomly selected a point in each bin after accounting for points selected based on existing infrastructure, springs, and tributaries;, and enforcing a minimum spacing of 100 m between locations. We then made minor adjustments to points to account for field conditions, for instance adjusting locations with respect to a road crossing. For a detailed description of the site selection process, please see (Swenson et al., 2023)
This data comprises the ash free dry mass (AFDM) of four sample type namely water, biofilm, leaf litter and sediment. AFDM of water and biofilm was measured by filtering (42.5 mm Whatman GF/F filter) a known volume of each sample, then the dry mass of the samples was determined by weighing the filters before (wet mass), and after drying at 70ºC for 48 hours. The dried filters were then combusted at 500ºC for 2 hours in a muffle furnace and AFDM was calculated as the ratio of the organic matter combusted to the dry mass of each sample. As for the other sample types, the wet mass of subsamples of leaf litter or sediment were recorded, and the subsamples dried at 70 °C for 48 h and re-weighed. Dry subsamples were combusted at 500 °C for 2 h and re-weighed. AFDM was determined in the same manner as for water and biofilm.

ABSTRACT:

This study was conducted in the Talladega research watershed (33.76219799, -85.59550775), along an unnamed intermittent tributary of Pendergrass Creek, in the Talladega National Forest within the Piedmont Upland physiographic province (Al, USA). The creek's drainage area spans an elevation range of 150–730 m and contributes to Choccolocco Creek, a tributary of the Coosa River. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate, with mean annual temperatures ranging from -2°C to 32°C and annual precipitation of 140–160 cm. The surrounding vegetation includes a mix of deciduous forests and pine plantations, while the streambed comprises saprolite cobble, gravel, and sand substrates. This synoptic survey was designed in support of the sampling goals of the Aquatic Intermittency effects on Microbiomes in Streams (AIMS) Project. In June 2022, a field team collected datasets characterizing hydrology, biogeochemistry, and ecology at 48 locations within a sub-drainage of Pendergrass Creek. Sites were selected to balance multiple competing priorities: (i) strategically targeting existing monitoring infrastructure with long-term data; (ii) including sites near known springs and tributary junctions; and (iii) representing a range of drainage area and topographic wetness index (TWI) values, both of which have been correlated with flow permanence. Briefly, the sites selected based on drainage area and TWI were chosen by binning drainage area into 10 bins and then binning TWI into quintiles within each drainage area bin. We then randomly selected a point in each bin after accounting for points selected based on existing infrastructure, springs, and tributaries; and enforcing a minimum spacing of 100 m between locations. We then made minor adjustments to points to account for field conditions, for instance adjusting locations with respect to a road crossing. At each location, samples of water (if present), biofilm, leaf litter, and sediment were collected. The activity of microbial enzymes associated with organic matter decomposition (β-glucosidase, phenol oxidase, and peroxidase) and the mineralization of organic nitrogen (N-acetylglucosaminidase) and phosphorus (phosphatase) were measured. Enzyme activities were quantified fluorometrically using 4-methylumbelliferyl (MUB)-linked substrates or colorimetrically using 4-nitrophenyl (pNP)-linked substrates and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA)-linked substrates.

ABSTRACT:

This study was conducted in Gibson Jack Creek (42.7843°, -112.448°) a headwater stream located in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Pocatello, Idaho. Gibson Jack Creek is a tributary of the Portneuf River, that flows into the Snake River, which ultimately flows into the Columbia River. It drains a large area within the Bannock Range (~ 16.1 km2 from Portneuf confluence) with elevations ranging from ~1500 to 2200 m. The climate is semi-arid steppe, with annual mean temperature ranging from below 0 to 35 °C and precipitation from 38 to 76 cm, 65 % of which is snowfall. The vegetation on the south-facing slope is mostly sagebrush, grass, and juniper, with mostly coniferous trees on the north-facing slop. The bedrock consists of quartzite and shale in the northern portion and limestone in the south and the soil is composed primarily of silt loam, fine sandy clay loam and gravel. This synoptic survey was designed in support of the sampling goals of the Aquatic Intermittency effects on Microbiomes in Streams (AIMS) Project. During June 2023, a field team co-collected datasets characterizing the hydrology, biogeochemistry, and ecology across 50 locations within a sub-drainage of Gibson Jack Creek. The sites were selected to balance multiple competing priorities: (i) strategically targeting existing monitoring infrastructure with long-term data; (ii) including sites near several known springs and tributary junctions; and (iii) including a range of drainage area and topographic wetness index (TWI) values, both of which have been correlated with flow permanence. Briefly, the sites selected based on drainage area and TWI were chosen by binning drainage area into 10 bins and then binning TWI into quintiles within each drainage area bin. We then randomly selected a point in each bin after accounting for points selected based on existing infrastructure, springs, and tributaries; and enforcing a minimum spacing of 100 m between locations. We then made minor adjustments to points to account for field conditions, for instance adjusting locations with respect to a road crossing. Water (if present), biofilm, leaf litter and sediment samples were collected at each locations and the activity of microbial enzymes related to the decomposition of organic matter (β-glucosidase, phenol oxidase and peroxidase) and the mineralization of organic nitrogen (N-acetylglucosaminidase) and organic phosphorus (phosphatase) were determined fluorometrically using 4-methylumbelliferyl (MUB)-linked substrates or colorimetrically using 4-nitrophenyl (pNP)-linked substrates and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA)-linked substrates.

ABSTRACT:

This study was conducted in the Talladega watershed (outlet: 33.7622, -85.5955), located in the Talladega National Forest (Cleburne County, AL) and drains a non-perennial tributary of Pendergrass Creek. Covering 0.92 km² of mixed coniferous and deciduous forest in the Piedmont Upland physiographic section, the watershed ranges in elevation from 345 to 456 m and ultimately drains into the Coosa River (Mobile-Tombigbee basin). The region has a humid subtropical climate with mean January and July temperatures of 5.3°C and 25.3°C, and annual precipitation of 1,400 mm. Paint Rock watershed (outlet: 34.9686, -86.1650) lies on private land in Jackson County, AL, near Estillfork. It drains a non-perennial tributary to Burks Creek and spans 2.97 km² of deciduous forest in the Cumberland Plateau. Elevation ranges from 211 to 550 m, and the watershed feeds into the Paint Rock River (Tennessee basin). The climate is humid subtropical, with mean January and July temperatures of 4.4°C and 25.4°C, and annual precipitation of 1,390 mm. Weyerhaeuser watershed (outlet: 32.9841, -88.0133) is on private land in Greene County, AL, near Eutaw. It drains a non-perennial tributary to Shambley Creek and includes 0.70 km² of coniferous forest managed for silviculture in the East Gulf Coastal Plain. Elevation ranges from 63 to 94 m, and the watershed contributes to the Sipsey River (Mobile-Tombigbee basin). The climate is humid subtropical, with mean January and July temperatures of 7.3°C and 27.4°C, and precipitation of 1,350 mm. These watersheds were part of a seasonal sampling survey (January 2022–January 2024) for the AIMS Project. Data on hydrology, biogeochemistry, and microbial ecology were collected at 7 sites per watershed. At each site, water (if present), biofilm, leaf litter, and sediment were sampled. Microbial enzyme activities were measured to assess organic matter decomposition (β-glucosidase, phenol oxidase, peroxidase) and nutrient mineralization (N-acetylglucosaminidase for nitrogen, phosphatase for phosphorus) using fluorometric (MUB) and colorimetric (pNP, L-DOPA) assays.

ABSTRACT:

This study was conducted in the Paint Rock watershed (outlet: 34.9686, -86.1650) which lies on private land in Jackson County, AL, near Estillfork. It drains a non-perennial tributary to Burks Creek and spans 2.97 km² of deciduous forest in the Cumberland Plateau. Elevation ranges from 211 to 550 m, and the watershed feeds into the Paint Rock River (Tennessee basin). The climate is humid subtropical, with mean January and July temperatures of 4.4°C and 25.4°C, and annual precipitation of 1,390 mm. This watershed was included in a seasonal sampling survey (AIMS Approach 2) conducted from January 2022 to January 2024 as part of the Aquatic Intermittency effects on Microbiomes in Streams (AIMS) Project. The field team collected data on hydrology, biogeochemistry, and microbial ecology at 7 sites within each watershed. Site selection balanced three priorities: (1) targeting locations with existing long-term monitoring infrastructure; (2) including sites near springs and tributary confluences; and (3) capturing variability in drainage area and topographic wetness index (TWI), which are linked to flow permanence. At each site, samples of water (when present), biofilm, leaf litter, and sediment were collected. Microbial enzyme activities were measured to assess organic matter decomposition (β-glucosidase, phenol oxidase, peroxidase) and nutrient mineralization (N-acetylglucosaminidase for nitrogen, phosphatase for phosphorus). Enzyme activities were quantified using fluorometric methods with 4-methylumbelliferyl (MUB) substrates or colorimetric methods using 4-nitrophenyl (pNP) and L-DOPA substrates.

ABSTRACT:

This study was in the Weyerhaeuser watershed (outlet: 32.9841, -88.0133), located on private land in Greene County, AL, near Eutaw. It drains a non-perennial tributary to Shambley Creek and includes 0.70 km² of coniferous forest managed for silviculture within the East Gulf Coastal Plain. Elevation ranges from 63 to 94 m, and the watershed contributes to the Sipsey River (Mobile-Tombigbee basin). The area also has a humid subtropical climate, with mean January and July temperatures of 7.3°C and 27.4°C, and annual precipitation of 1,350 mm. This watershed was included in a seasonal sampling survey (AIMS Approach 2) conducted from March 2022 to January 2024 as part of the Aquatic Intermittency effects on Microbiomes in Streams (AIMS) Project. The field team collected data on hydrology, biogeochemistry, and microbial ecology at 7 sites within each watershed. Site selection balanced three priorities: (1) targeting locations with existing long-term monitoring infrastructure; (2) including sites near springs and tributary confluences; and (3) capturing variability in drainage area and topographic wetness index (TWI), which are linked to flow permanence. At each site, samples of water (when present), biofilm, leaf litter, and sediment were collected. Microbial enzyme activities were measured to assess organic matter decomposition (β-glucosidase, phenol oxidase, peroxidase) and nutrient mineralization (N-acetylglucosaminidase for nitrogen, phosphatase for phosphorus). Enzyme activities were quantified using fluorometric methods with 4-methylumbelliferyl (MUB) substrates or colorimetric methods using 4-nitrophenyl (pNP) and L-DOPA substrates.

ABSTRACT:

This study was conducted in the Talladega research watershed (33.76219799, -85.59550775), along an unnamed intermittent tributary of Pendergrass Creek, in the Talladega National Forest within the Piedmont Upland physiographic province (Al, USA). The creek's drainage area spans an elevation range of 150–730 m and contributes to Choccolocco Creek, a tributary of the Coosa River. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate, with mean annual temperatures ranging from -2°C to 32°C and annual precipitation of 140–160 cm. The surrounding vegetation includes a mix of deciduous forests and pine plantations, while the streambed comprises saprolite cobble, gravel, and sand substrates. This synoptic survey was designed in support of the sampling goals of the Aquatic Intermittency effects on Microbiomes in Streams (AIMS) Project. In June 2022, a field team collected datasets characterizing hydrology, biogeochemistry, and ecology at 48 locations within a sub-drainage of Pendergrass Creek. Sites were selected to balance multiple competing priorities: (i) strategically targeting existing monitoring infrastructure with long-term data; (ii) including sites near known springs and tributary junctions; and (iii) representing a range of drainage area and topographic wetness index (TWI) values, both of which have been correlated with flow permanence. Briefly, the sites selected based on drainage area and TWI were chosen by binning drainage area into 10 bins and then binning TWI into quintiles within each drainage area bin. We then randomly selected a point in each bin after accounting for points selected based on existing infrastructure, springs, and tributaries; and enforcing a minimum spacing of 100 m between locations. We then made minor adjustments to points to account for field conditions, for instance adjusting locations with respect to a road crossing. At each location, samples of water (if present), biofilm, leaf litter, and sediment were collected. Sediment nutrient concentrations (ammonium, orthophosphate, and nitrate) were quantified by extracting 10 g of sediment with degassed deionized water, followed by centrifugation and filtration. Extracts were analyzed using colorimetric microplate assays: indophenol blue for ammonium, molybdenum blue for orthophosphate, and the vanadium chloride/Griess method for nitrate. Nutrient concentrations were calculated from standard curves and reported per gram of dry sediment, and sediment extract pH was measured

ABSTRACT:

This study was conducted in Gibson Jack Creek (42.7843°, -112.448°) a headwater stream located in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Pocatello, Idaho. Gibson Jack Creek is a tributary of the Portneuf River, that flows into the Snake River, which ultimately flows into the Columbia River. It drains a large area within the Bannock Range (~ 16.1 km2 from Portneuf confluence) with elevations ranging from ~1500 to 2200 m. The climate is semi-arid steppe, with annual mean temperature ranging from below 0 to 35 °C and precipitation from 38 to 76 cm, 65 % of which is snowfall. The vegetation on the south-facing slope is mostly sagebrush, grass, and juniper, with mostly coniferous trees on the north-facing slop. The bedrock consists of quartzite and shale in the northern portion and limestone in the south and the soil is composed primarily of silt loam, fine sandy clay loam and gravel. This synoptic survey was designed in support of the sampling goals of the Aquatic Intermittency effects on Microbiomes in Streams (AIMS) Project. During June 2023, a field team co-collected datasets characterizing the hydrology, biogeochemistry, and ecology across 50 locations within a sub-drainage of Gibson Jack Creek. The sites were selected to balance multiple competing priorities: (i) strategically targeting existing monitoring infrastructure with long-term data; (ii) including sites near several known springs and tributary junctions; and (iii) including a range of drainage area and topographic wetness index (TWI) values, both of which have been correlated with flow permanence. Briefly, the sites selected based on drainage area and TWI were chosen by binning drainage area into 10 bins and then binning TWI into quintiles within each drainage area bin. We then randomly selected a point in each bin after accounting for points selected based on existing infrastructure, springs, and tributaries; and enforcing a minimum spacing of 100 m between locations. We then made minor adjustments to points to account for field conditions, for instance adjusting locations with respect to a road crossing. Water (if present), biofilm, leaf litter and sediment samples were collected at each location. Sediment nutrient concentrations (ammonium, orthophosphate, and nitrate) were quantified by extracting 10 g of sediment with degassed deionized water, followed by centrifugation and filtration. Extracts were analyzed using colorimetric microplate assays: indophenol blue for ammonium, molybdenum blue for orthophosphate, and the vanadium chloride/Griess method for nitrate. Nutrient concentrations were calculated from standard curves and reported per gram of dry sediment, and sediment extract pH was measured

ABSTRACT:

This study was conducted in Gibson Jack Creek (42.7843°, -112.448°) a headwater stream located in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Pocatello, Idaho. Gibson Jack Creek is a tributary of the Portneuf River, that flows into the Snake River, which ultimately flows into the Columbia River. It drains a large area within the Bannock Range (~ 16.1 km2 from Portneuf confluence) with elevations ranging from ~1500 to 2200 m. The climate is semi-arid steppe, with annual mean temperature ranging from below 0 to 35 °C and precipitation from 38 to 76 cm, 65 % of which is snowfall. The vegetation on the south-facing slope is mostly sagebrush, grass, and juniper, with mostly coniferous trees on the north-facing slop. The bedrock consists of quartzite and shale in the northern portion and limestone in the south and the soil is composed primarily of silt loam, fine sandy clay loam and gravel. This synoptic survey was designed in support of the sampling goals of the Aquatic Intermittency effects on Microbiomes in Streams (AIMS) Project. During June 2023, a field team co-collected datasets characterizing the hydrology, biogeochemistry, and ecology across 50 locations within a sub-drainage of Gibson Jack Creek. The sites were selected to balance multiple competing priorities: (i) strategically targeting existing monitoring infrastructure with long-term data; (ii) including sites near several known springs and tributary junctions; and (iii) including a range of drainage area and topographic wetness index (TWI) values, both of which have been correlated with flow permanence. Briefly, the sites selected based on drainage area and TWI were chosen by binning drainage area into 10 bins and then binning TWI into quintiles within each drainage area bin. We then randomly selected a point in each bin after accounting for points selected based on existing infrastructure, springs, and tributaries; and enforcing a minimum spacing of 100 m between locations. We then made minor adjustments to points to account for field conditions, for instance adjusting locations with respect to a road crossing. Water (if present), biofilm, leaf litter and sediment samples were collected at each location. This data comprises the ash free dry mass (AFDM) of two sample type namely leaf litter and sediment. Wet mass of leaf litter or sediment were recorded, and the subsamples dried at 70 °C for 48 h and re-weighed. Dry subsamples were combusted at 500 °C for 2 h and re-weighed. AFDM was calculated as the ratio of the organic matter combusted to the dry mass of each sample.