Spatial and temporal heterogeneity in soil nutrient supply measured usingin situ ion-exchange resin bags

Summary Data are presented which illustrate the range of ion values obtained from soil solutions eluted fromin situ ion exchange resin bags in grazed and ungrazed grassland soils sampled in the summer and early autumn. Overall, higher levels of cations were being supplied in both the grazed and ungrazed plots in the autumn compared with during the summer. Variation in ion levels reflected spatial heterogeneity in ion supply in these soils. This variation was correlated with the distribution and abundance of the dominant plants and soil surface microtopography. The use ofin situ ion exchange resin bags allow an understanding of short-term temporal and spatial heterogeneity in ion supply.