The original Detrital Input Removal Treatment experiment was housed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, and the idea was replicated at Harvard Forest in the early 1990's. The D-DIRT experimental network is building off of those studies to determine the importance of leaf litter to soil organic matter in arid and semi-arid ecosystems in the SW USA. We are scheduled to join D-DIRT with our addition of 2  experiments at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. Litter removal and litter addition are slated for creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) dominated area, as well as a One-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma) woodland. Grass plots at each site will also undergo litter removal and addition treatments.

We are thrilled to be collaborating with Dr. Heather Throop (Arizona State University) and Dr. Jennie McLaren (UTEP) on this project. Check back in the Fall of 2017 for updates, pictures of the sites and an explanation of final treatment installations.