TY - JOUR T1 - Comparative analysis of temporal and spatial variability in aboveground production in a deciduous forest and prairie JF - Holarctic Ecology Y1 - 1989 A1 - J. M. Briggs A1 - Seastedt, T.R. A1 - D.J. Gibson KW - tallgrass prairie AB -

Production patterns of tallgrass prairie and adjacent eastern deciduous forest were summarized for a five to seven year period. Each system responded differentially to annual or growing season rainfall and solar energy (measured by pan water evaporation). Overall, forest productivity was negatively correlated with annual precipitation; the prairie exhibited no relationship with precipitation. These differences probably reflect the lack of water limitation of the forest and the "downstream" position of the forest. Wood and seed production in the forest were the most variable components measured in our study. Neither variable was related to forest foliage production. Seed production in the prairie was also variable within and between years but was related to prairie foliage production. Prairie seed production was not correlated with seed production of the forest. The two ecosystems respond differentially and independently of each other within the range of climatic variation observed here. Such differences have potential significance to consumers who use both systems for habitat or resources

VL - 12 ER -