RUI: The Role of Dissolved Organic Material in Regulating Primary Production in Prairie Saline Lakes

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Grasslands and converted grasslands (i.e. agricultural land) cover extensive areas in semi-arid regions of the world. Lakes situated in grasslands are usually saline and have high concentrations of dissolved organic matter (DOM). We hypothesize that DOM plays a critical role in regulating algal production in prairie saline lakes by binding nutrients and making them less available to algae. To explore this hypothesis, we will survey a suite of chemical and biological parameters in lakes from three areas in the central and northern Great Plains (ND, SD, NE). A series of experiments will be conducted in Years 2 and 3 to further explore patterns observed in the field surveys. This research will provide training for one graduate and six undergraduate students. A greater understanding of the controls on algal production may improve management practices in prairie saline lakes and ensure the quality of these habitats for migrating waterfowl.