Carbon and nitrogen biogeochemistry of a Prairie Pothole wetland, Stutsman County, North Dakota, USA

► Wetland nitrogen and carbon are derived from nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis with subsequent decay of wetland vegetation and algae. ► Ground water nitrogen and carbon are derived in part from dissolution of organic rich Pierre Shale, which makes up part of the underlying glacial till aquifer. ► Trends in SUVA254 with pH in wetlands may reflect differences in vegetation communities. ► Ammonium is the dominant inorganic nitrogen species, indicating a highly reducing environment in both surface and ground water.