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Data from: Does pH matter for ecosystem multifunctionality? An empirical test in a semi-arid grassland on the Loess Plateau

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Apr 15, 2022 version files 38.97 KB
Jan 10, 2023 version files 38.95 KB

Abstract

Date of data collection: 2016-2018

Geographic location of data collection: Guyuan, Ningxia, China (106°23′E, 36°15′N)

These data were generated to (i) investigate the responses of soil properties, biological communities and multifunctionality to decreased soil pH; (ii) determine the potential biotic and abiotic pathways that soil pH may drive multifunctionality. In 2016, a 17 m × 40 m semi-arid grassland plot with an initial pH value of 8.05 and uniform vegetation was selected. The experiment was granted by the administration of Yunwu Mountain National Nature Reserve. A randomized block design was used with five treatments and six replicates per treatment. A total of 30 plots were established. All plots were 2 m × 2 m and separated by 1 m buffer zones. The treatments included five levels of acid addition rate (0, 0.23, 0.56, 3.60, and 9.01 mol H+ m-2) in the form of sulphuric acid solution. In late August 2017, the plant communities achieved their peak biomass, and were surveyed and harvested in a 0.5 m × 1 m quadrat in each plot to determine the plant community diversity and estimate above-ground biomass. After harvesting the plants, six soil cores (0-15 cm deep, 2.5 cm diameter) per plot in each of the six blocks were collected and pooled by plot as a replicate for further chemical analyses.