Data from: Evidence for linkages between the root elementome and oak decline in Mediterranean systems invaded by soil-borne pathogens
Data files
Mar 30, 2026 version files 135.24 KB
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README.md
2.59 KB
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RootElem.csv
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Abstract
This dataset compiles root elemental composition and ecological information from Quercus ilex trees sampled across Mediterranean dehesa ecosystems affected by the soil‑borne pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi. For each tree, the dataset includes plot metadata, health indicators such as crown defoliation, P. cinnamomi density, root elemental concentrations (in ppm), and a set of derived stoichiometric ratios that capture nutrient balance and potential physiological stress.
All information is organized in a single table where rows correspond to individual trees and columns represent identifiers, health variables, elemental concentrations, or elemental ratios. The chemical measurements encompass major nutrients, trace elements, and physiologically meaningful ratios commonly used to assess nutritional imbalances. Some variables contain null values because certain chemical analyses were performed only on a subset of samples.
The dataset is suitable for reuse in research on forest decline, nutrient cycling, ecological stoichiometry, and plant–pathogen interactions. It is particularly valuable for exploring how elemental composition relates to tree health and pathogen presence across spatial scales. All measurements were obtained through standardized field and laboratory procedures, and the dataset contains no personal or sensitive information. There are no legal or ethical restrictions on reuse beyond standard citation of the associated article.
Overview
RootElem.csv contains measurements of chemical elements in Quercus ilex tree roots together with ecological and health information for individual trees. The data were collected to analyze relationships between nutrient composition, elemental ratios, and the presence of Phytophthora cinnamomi (Pci), a soil-borne plant pathogen associated with tree decline.
Each row represents one sampled tree. The dataset includes identifiers, plot metadata, tree condition variables, elemental concentrations, and derived elemental ratios.
Dataset structure
File format: .csv
Each row: one tree
Each column: a variable describing tree identity, condition, or chemical composition
- Tree: Unique identifier for each sampled tree
- Pci: Densities of Phytophthora cinnamomi (cfu/g)
- Plot: Identifier of the sampling site
- Type_tree: Tree status = Symptomatic or Asymptomatic
- Type_plot: Site with Healthy (only Symptomatic) or Mixed (Symptomatic and Asymptomatic) sets of trees
- Defoliation: Visual canopy defoliation (%)
- Elemental Concentrations: These variables represent measured concentrations of chemical elements in tree roots measured in parts per million (ppm).
Column element
- Al - Aluminum
- B - Boron
- Ba - Barium
- C - Carbon
- Ca - Calcium
- Cd - Cadmium
- Co - Cobalt
- Cr - Chromium
- Cu - Copper
- Fe - Iron
- K - Potassium
- Li - Lithium
- N - Nitrogen
- Mg - Magnesium
- Mn - Manganese
- Na - Sodium
- Ni - Nickel
- P - Phosphorus
- Pb - Lead
- S - Sulfur
- Sr - Strontium
- Zn - Zinc
These derived variables represent stoichiometric or physiological ratios between elements that may indicate nutrient balance, stress, or metabolic changes.
Column ratio
- Al:Ca - Aluminum to Calcium ratio
- Ca:Mn - Calcium to Manganese ratio
- K:Ca - Potassium to Calcium ratio
- Mg:Mn - Magnesium to Manganese ratio
- Mn:Al - Manganese to Aluminum ratio
- P:Mn - Phosphorus to Manganese ratio
- Sr:Ca - Strontium to Calcium ratio
- C:N - Carbon to Nitrogen ratio
- N:P - Nitrogen to Phosphorus ratio
- N:K - Nitrogen to Potassium ratio
- P:K - Phosphorus to Potassium ratio
Notes on missing data
Some fields in this dataset contain null values. These values are not missing due to errors or unavailable sources; instead, they reflect the fact that certain analyses were performed only on a subset of the samples. As a result, data for those fields does not exist for all entries.