Organic Matter Loading and Processing in a Pristine Stream Draining a Tallgrass Prairie/Riparian Forest Watershed

摘要

The stream chosen for study lies within the Kings Creek watershed of Konza Prairie Research Natural Area, a tallgrass prairie site near Manhattan, Kansas. The primary purpose in this organic matter investigation was to provide an observational basis for future research relating to water quality. Secondly, there was need to study the ecology of the tallgrass prairie stream to evaluate present understanding of stream ecosystems. Organic matter contributions to the stream were estimated for one year.