NSF
type: Concept

LTER/KNZ
type: Concept
in scheme: providers
definition: Konza Prairie was one of the 6 original LTER sites selected by NSF in 1981 and is now in its fourth funding cycle (1996-2002). As is to be expected in a relatively new site, LTER research goals at Konza Prairie have been redirected and expanded several times, but long-term studies in each of the 5 core areas have been and continue to be, a baseline research effort that receives highest priority. LTER I (1981-1986). A group of KSU faculty led by G. Richard Marzolf in collaboration with Dean Bark, Lloyd C. Hulbert, Mike Johnson, Robert Robel and John L. Zimmerman was responsible for securing funding for LTER I, and focussing the initial research program on comparative investigations of biotic responses to fire and climatic variability. Long-term research sites and sampling protocols were established during this period with an emphasis on studies of the extremes of annually burned vs. unburned watersheds and upland vs. lowland sites. LTER II (1986-1990). During LTER II, Marzolf left KSU and Donald W. Kaufman and Timothy R. Seastedt expanded LTER research efforts to include a wider range of fire frequencies (specifically 4-yr fire cycles) and increased exploration of ecosystem responses. Moreover, as a result of the collaborative NASA funded FIFE (First ISLSCP Field Experiment) (FIFE Home Page)) program from 1987-1989, LTER researchers began to address more complex questions of scale and make use of remotely-sensed satellite data to explore landscape-level issues. LTER III (1991-1996). Prior to leaving KSU in 1991, Seastedt provided the leadership that defined the research objectives for LTER III. Leadership and administration during LTER III were provided by Alan K. Knapp and John M. Briggs, with co-PIs David C. Hartnett and Donald W. Kaufman serving in advisory roles. LTER III represented a significant expansion of the Konza Prairie LTER program in terms of both research emphasis and scientific investigators. New faculty scientists added during LTER III included Walte…