Soil nitrogen transformations in 3 alpine plant communities.

Net nitrogen mineralization, nitrification, and microbial nitrogen were measured in dry, moist, and wet meadow plots in 3 different locations on Niwot Ridge: a south-facing slope in the Boulder watershed, across the Saddle, and a north-facing slope. Measurements were made on a monthly basis while soils were unfrozen and once over the period of frozen soil conditions. Associated soil measurements included moisture, temperature, organic N and C, total P, and texture