Data from: Assessing contributions of deterministic vs. stochastic processes to local species assembly: A field experiment with annual plant-dominated communities in gypsum systems
Data files
Feb 17, 2026 version files 259.85 KB
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Cover4y.xlsx
256.96 KB
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README.md
2.88 KB
Abstract
Here, we provide a dataset from a field experiment designed and performed to assess the contributions of both functional filtering and stochastic (i.e., lack of trait selection) events to assembly processes at a fine spatial scale in a dryland gypsum annual plant-dominated community by evaluating the effects of seed availability (natural soil seed banks vs. seed-free soil) and main biotic filters (biocrusts vs. perennial tussocks) on realised local assemblages.
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.ksn02v7hk
Description of the data and file structure
The database shows cover values (in percentage) of plant species participating in experimental plots during four consecutive springs (collected in April) in a field experiment where abiotic (water availability) and biotic (tussock of the perennial plant Stipa tenacissima, biological soil crust dominated by crustose lichens, and bare soil) were manipulated, along with the availability of seeds in the soil (seed-free soil vs. homogenised natural soil containing the complete seed bank in the system). From the cover values recorded in the field, we also analysed other features of the community (i.e., species richness and diversity) and the functional properties of assemblages (using a database developed in previous studies on the same gypsophilous community).
Files and variables
File: Cover4y.xlsx
Description. The dataset shows cover data (visually estimated, in percentage) of each species participating in assemblages during four consecutive springs. The first column indicates the identification of each plot (assemblage), the following five ones refer to independent variables (biotic factors, watering, seed availability in the soil, pair -the design was built on the basis of paired plots with different soil seed treatments-, and spring). The other columns show plant species cover. Note that some variables (watering) and levels (laid_down and dead stipa tenacissima tussocks) were not included in this study.
Variables
- Biotic filters. Levels: intact= intact stipa tenacissima tussocks; laid_down= alive laid down stipa tenacissima tussocks (not included in the study); dead= dead, standing up stipa tenacissima tussocks (not included in the study); BSC= biological soil crust (pieces of lichens); Bare= bare soil (free of perennial plants in the vicinity and bioctusts).
- Watering. Levels: natural= plots not watered (they only received natural rainfall); and water= plots which received additional watering (50% of the average monthly rainfall; not included in this study). Thus, we worked only with plots which received natural rainfall.
- Soil. Levels: sterile= seed-free soil collected in a gypsum quarry near the field experimental station; and seeds= homogenised natural soil containing the complete seed bank in the system.
- Pair. Number of each plot forming paired samples.
- Year. Year (April) of assemblage sampling: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022.
- Next columns: plant species cover (dependent variable). These data were the source of all information analysed in the study, including functional trait analyses.