Biomass, nutrient distribution, and net production in alpine communities of the Kluane Mountains, Yukon Territory, Canada

Abstract

Biomass and nutrient distribution and aboveground net primary production were determined for two communities growing at 1600 m elevation and five communities growing at about 2000 m elevation in the alpine zone of the Kluane Ranges, Yukon Territory, Canada. Living biomass accumulations ranged from 183 to 1350 g/m², whereas total organic matter accumulations ranged from 2126 to 51120 g/m². Nutrient distribution in general reflected organic matter distribution. Highest nutrient concentrations were in leaves and fine roots. Aboveground net primary production ranged from 18.3 to 185.5 g/m². Primary production appeared to be related most to moisture during the growing season and temperature regimes.