ALBERT

Description: This collection contains measurements of standing below ground biomass, belowground biomass productivity and morphological root parameters measured on the Main Experiment plots of a large grassland biodiversity experiment (the Jena Experiment; see further details below). In the Main Experiment, 82 grassland plots of 20 x 20 m were established from a pool of 60 species belonging to four functional groups (grasses, legumes, tall and small herbs). In May 2002, varying numbers of plant species from this species pool were sown into the plots to create a gradient of plant species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 60 species) and functional richness (1, 2, 3, 4 functional groups). Since 2010, plots were weeded three times per year. The following series of datasets are contained in this collection: 1. Standing below ground biomass: Coarse and fine root biomass was measured in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2008 in 0 - 30 cm depth. In 2011 and 2014, total root biomass was sampled down to 40 cm depth. Some years report the data divided into sublayers. Every year, several soil cores were taken per plot and pooled before the whole bulk material or a subsample was washed for roots. Roots were dried at 60 - 70 °C and weighed. Standing root biomass was calculated as g m-2. 2. Below ground biomass productivity in 0 - 30 cm depth: Coarse and fine root biomass production from June to September 2003, September 2003 to July 2004 and July 2007 to June 2008 was measured by the ingrowth core method. In 2008, the data is reported divided into sublayers. Each time, five soil cores were taken per plot and replaced by root free soil from the field site. The initially root-free ingrowth cores were removed after a while and pooled plot-wise. To extract the newly formed roots, a subsample of the bulk material was washed for roots. Roots were dried at 70 °C and weighed. Root biomass productivity was calculated as g m-2. In addition, C- (only in 2003 and 2004) and N-concentration of the fine roots was determined. 3. Morphological root parameters of newly formed roots in 0 - 30 cm depth: Root length density and mean root diameter of newly formed roots from June to September 2003 and September 2003 to July 2004 were measured by the ingrowth core method. Each time, five soil cores were taken per plot and replaced by root free soil from the field site. The initially root-free ingrowth cores were removed after a while and pooled plot-wise. To extract the newly formed roots, a subsample of the bulk material was washed and scanned. Root length and mean diameter were determined by using WinRhizo (Regent Instruments, Quebec, Canada). 4. Morphological root parameters of standing roots in 0 - 30 cm depth: In 2004, mean diameter of standing roots was measured by sampling three soil cores per plot. To extract the standing roots, a subsample of the bulk material was washed and scanned. Mean diameter was determined by using WinRhizo (Regent Instruments, Quebec, Canada).

Description: This collection contains measurements of physical and chemical soil properties on the main experiment plots of a large grassland biodiversity experiment (the Jena Experiment; see further details below). In the main experiment, 82 grassland plots of 20 x 20 m were established from a pool of 60 species belonging to four functional groups (grasses, legumes, tall and small herbs). In May 2002, varying numbers of plant species from this species pool were sown into the plots to create a gradient of plant species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 60 species) and functional richness (1, 2, 3, 4 functional groups). Plots were maintained in general by bi-annual weeding and mowing. Since 2010, plot size was reduced to 5 x 6 m and plots were weeded three times per year. The following series of datasets are contained in this collection: 1. Physical soil properties - Soil texture: Proportion of sand, silt and clay in the fine soil was measured in April 2002 before plot establishment at 27 locations distributed throughout the experimental site. Undisturbed soil cores were taken to 100 cm depth and separated in depth increments with a resolution of 10 to 20 cm. Grain size fractions according to DIN 19683-2 were then determined by a combined sieve and hydrometer analysis. Values for each plot were interpolated by ordinary kriging. - Bulk density: Bulk density was sampled down to 100 cm depth in 2002 and 30 cm depth in 2004, 2006 and 2008. Several undisturbed soil cores were taken per plot and separated in depth increments before the bulk material was sieved, dried and weighed. - Soil hydraulic properties: Field capacity and permanent wilting point at 10, 20 and 30 cm depth were derived from soil texture data of 2002 and bulk density 2006 by using pedotransfer functions. Applied was equation four and five of Zacharias and Wessolek (2007) to derive parameters of the water retention curve. Water contents at field capacity and permanent wilting point were obtained using the van Genuchte Eq (e.g. eq 1 in Zacharias and Wessolek), and calculating water contents at - 330 cm matric potential (field capacity, 1/3 of atmospheric pressure) and at -15000 cm. -Soil porosity: the fraction of total volume occupied by pores or voids measured at matric potential 0, already published on https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.865254. 2. Chemical soil properties - Lime content: Percentage of CaCO3 in the soil was measured in April 2002 before plot establishment at 27 locations distributed throughout the experimental site. Undisturbed soil cores were taken to 100 cm depth and separated in depth increments with a resolution of 10 to 20 cm. The bulk material was sieved and CaCO3 content of the fine soil was determined as volumetric determination according to DIN 19684-5. - Soil organic matter: Percentage of soil organic matter was measured in April 2002 before plot establishment at 27 locations distributed throughout the experimental site. Undisturbed soil cores were taken to 100 cm depth and separated in depth increments with a resolution of 10 to 20 cm. The bulk material was sieved and organic content of the fine soil was determined using a loss-on-ignition method. - Soil pH value: soil pH value was determined 2002 and 2010 in water and 2002 also in calcium chloride. Five soil samples were taken per plot and bulk material was diluted in water and calcium chloride. PH values were then measured with an electrode.

Description: This collection contains measurements of element concentrations in plants on the main experiment plots of a large grassland biodiversity experiment (the Jena Experiment; see further details below). In the main experiment, 82 grassland plots of 20 x 20 m were established from a pool of 60 species belonging to four functional groups (grasses, legumes, tall and small herbs). In May 2002, varying numbers of plant species from this species pool were sown into the plots to create a gradient of plant species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 60 species) and functional richness (1, 2, 3, 4 functional groups). Plots were maintained by bi-annual weeding and mowing. The following series of datasets are contained in this collection: 1. Carbon and nitrogen concentration in plants: C and N concentration in aboveground plant biomass was measured twice a year (once in 2002 and 2009) from 2002 to 2012. Plants were clipped at 3 cm above ground level in three or four rectangles of 20 x 50 cm size per plot. Target species were pooled per plot and harvest, dried at 70 °C for at least 48 h and cut up with an analysis mill (Kinematica, Littau, Schweiz). The cut material was milled in a ball-mill and carbon and nitrogen concentration was determined with an elemental analyzer. In 2010, phosphorous and potassium concentration was measured additionally. For this purpose, a subsample of the dried and cut material was milled and digested with HNO3 at 200 °C and at about 600-700 MPa using the microwave-assisted high pressure digestion unit (Ethos, Mikrowellen-Laborsysteme (MLS), Leutkirch, Germany). Phosphorus concentrations were determined in a Continuous Flow Analyzer, AA3-system (Bran and Lübbe, Hamburg-Norderstedt, Germany). For K measurement, atom absorption spectroscopy (AAS, Zeenit 700P, Analytik Jena, Jena, Germany) was used. 2. Carbon and nitrogen concentration in plants of the drought experiment: C and N concentration in aboveground plant biomass was measured once a year in 2008 and 2009 on the subplots of the drought experiment. Plants were harvested in rectangles of 20 x 50 cm size. Target species were dried at 70 °C for 48 h, grounded to powder and analyzed with an elemental analyzer. 3. Element analysis of phosphorous (P), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), sodium (Na) and magnesium (Mg) in plants: P, Ca, K, Na and Mg concentrations in aboveground plant biomass were measured twice a year (once in 2004) from 2003 to 2007. Plants were clipped at 3 cm above ground level in three or four rectangles of 20 x 50 cm size per plot. Target species were pooled per plot and harvest, dried at 70 °C for at least 48 h, shredded and milled. Each sample was digested with HNO3 at 200 °C and at about 600-700 MPa using the microwave-assisted high pressure digestion unit (Mars 5 Express, CEM, Lintfort, Germany). Phosphorus concentrations were determined in a Continuous Flow Analyzer, AA3-system (Bran and Lübbe, Hamburg-Norderstedt, Germany). For Ca, K, Na and Mg measurement, atom absorption spectroscopy (AAS, AS240FS Fast Sequential AAS, Varian, Palo Alto, USA) was used.

Description: Culture medium from an isolate of the fungus Aspergillus candidus was extracted, fractionated and examined to discover compounds antagonistic to plant-parasitic nematodes that are important pathogens of agricultural crops. Column, thin layer and preparative chromatographies and spectral and elemental analyses, were used to isolate and identify two major constituents of an active fraction (Fraction F) obtained from the medium. Compound 1 was identified as 2-hydroxypropane-1, 2, 3-tricarboxylic acid (citric acid). Compound 2 was identified as 3-hydroxy-5-methoxy-3-(methoxycarbonyl)-5-oxopentanoic acid, an isomer of 1, 2-dimethyl citrate. Compound 1 and a citric acid standard, each tested at 50 mg mL –1 in water, decreased hatch from eggs of the plant-parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita by more than 94%, and completely immobilized second-stage juveniles after 4–6 days exposure. Fraction F and Compounds 1 and 2 decreased the mobility of adults of the plant-parasitic nematode Ditylenchus destructor in vitro . Fraction F (25 mg mL –1 ) inhibited mobility 〉99% at 72 hrs. Compounds 1 and 2 (50 mg mL –1 ) each inhibited mobility more than 25% at 24 hr and more than 50% at 72 hr. This is the first assignment of nematode-antagonistic properties to specifically identified A. candidus metabolites.

Description: A new crustal thickness model was used to test the viability of 110 candidate large lunar basins previously identified using older topographic and crustal thickness data as well as photogeologic data. The new model was also used to search for new candidate lunar basins greater than 300 km in diameter. We eliminated 11 of 27 candidates previously identified in the older crustal thickness model, and found strong evidence for at least 8 new candidates.

Description: Topography and crustal thickness data from LOLA altimetry were used to test the validity of 98 candidate large lunar basins derived from photogeologic and earlier topographic and crustal thickness data, and to search for possible new candidates. We eliminate 23 previous candidates but find good evidence for 20 new candidates. The number of basins greater than 300 km diameter on the Moon is almost certainly a factor 2 (maybe 3?) larger than the number of named features having basin-like topography. Unified Lunar Control Net 2005 data [1] and model crustal thickness data [2] were previously used to search for possible previously unrecognized large lunar impact basins [3,4]. An inventory of 98 candidate topographic basins greater than 300 km in diameter was found [5]. This includes 33 named features (only those having basin-like topography) out of the 45 listed by Wilhelms [6], 38 additional Quasi-Circular Depressions (QCDs) found in the ULCN2005 topography, and 27 Circular Thin Areas (CTAs) found in model crustal thickness data [2]. Most named features and additional QCDs have strong CTA signatures, but there may be a class of CTAs that are not easily recognized in the old and low resolution ULCN2005 topography. Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) data have recently become publically available. We used these data to (a) refine the center and ring diameters of known basins, (b) test the viability of the candidate basins previously found (as described above), and (c) search for additional candidate basins not revealed by the earlier lower resolution data. We used the LOLA topography directly but also a recent new model crustal thickness data that includes Kaguya gravity data [7]. We repeated a Topographic Expression (TE) and a Crustal Thickness Expression (CTE) scoring exercise originally done with the basins found in ULCN and earlier model crustal thickness data [5]. Each candidate was scored on a scale from 0 (no topographic basin or circular thin area signature) to 5 (strong circular low or strong circular thin area signature). These were combined into a total score used to rank the probability for each candidate basin. We used the same GRIDVIEW software to stretch, contour and profile the LOLA and new crustal thickness data as was done with the ULCN2005 and older model crustal thickness data.

Description: Global satellite-based precipitation products have been widely used in research and applications around the world. Compared to ground-based observations, satellite-based measurements provide data on a global scale, especially in remote continents and over oceans. The NASA Goddard Earth Sciences (GES) Data and Information Services Center (DISC) is home to NASA global precipitation product archives including the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM), as well as other global and regional precipitation products. Precipitation is one of the top downloaded and accessed parameters in the GES DISC data archive. Meanwhile, users want to easily locate and obtain data quality information at regional and global scales to better understand how precipitation products perform and how reliable they are. As a data service provider, it is necessary to provide easy access to data quality information. However, such information normally is not available, and when it is available, it is not in one place and difficult to locate. In this presentation, we will present such challenges and activities at the GES DISC to address precipitation data (other datasets as well) quality issues.

Description: Precipitation is a key environmental variable. For example, in agriculture, precipitation, temperature, water (soil moisture), solar radiation, NDVI, etc., are key variables.Rainfed agriculture major farming practices that rely on rainfall for water.Rainfed agriculture: 〉95% of farmed land (sub-Saharan Africa); 90% (Latin America); 75% (Near East and North Africa); 65% (East Asia); 60% (South Asia).Droughts and floods can cause severe crop loss. The Goddard Earth Sciences (GES) Data and Information Services Center (DISC), one of 12 NASA data centers, is located in Greenbelt, Maryland, USA. The NASA GES DISC is a major data archive center for global precipitation, water & energy cycles, atmospheric composition, and climate variability.

Description: Accessing and using NASA Earth science data has commonly presented a challenge to many educators and students, due to issues such as heterogeneous data formats, complex data structures, large volumes of data storage, special programming requirements, and diverse analytical software options that often require a significant investment in time and resources, especially for novices. By facilitating data access and evaluation, as well as promoting open access to create a more level playing field for non-funded scientists, NASA Earth observation data can be more readily used for scientific discovery and societal benefits. To advance this goal, the NASA Goddard Earth Sciences (GES) Data and Information Services Center (DISC) developed the Geospatial Interactive Online Visualization ANd aNalysis Infrastructure (Giovanni). To date, Giovanni has assisted researchers around the world publish over 1300 peer-reviewed papers in a wide range of Earth science disciplines. In this presentation, we will demonstrate how easy it is to use Giovanni for the rapid creation of many different analyses of both weather and climate events.

Description: It is the NASA Goddard Earth Sciences (GES) Data and Information Services Center (DISC) mission statement to facilitate data access and evaluation, as well as scientific exploration and discovery. Recently, GES DISC has been evolving and improving our data management and services in order to promote GES DISC data to be easily discovered, improve usage and made more interoperable with common tools. As a result, we will present a brief review of our recent data services at the GES DISC including our new science-data driven website, subsetting and resampling services across multitude of satellite processing levels, visualization services, and how we utilize social media tools to interact with user communities.