DNA metabarcoding, plant community and soil environmental data from a 15-month DNA application experiment in southern Iceland, June 2023-October 2024
https://doi.org/10.5285/7c6cbb74-96ad-4269-bad7-51025963ef23
Cite this dataset as:
Cutler, N.; Huang, D.Y.; Dugmore, A.; Streeter, R. (2025). DNA metabarcoding, plant community and soil environmental data from a 15-month DNA application experiment in southern Iceland, June 2023-October 2024. NERC EDS Environmental Information Data Centre. https://doi.org/10.5285/7c6cbb74-96ad-4269-bad7-51025963ef23
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This dataset is available under the terms of the Open Government Licence 
The datasets originate from a field experiment designed to assess the mobility and longevity of DNA in a soil environment. We applied radish DNA - in the form of leaves (solid treatment) and PCR product (liquid treatment) to experimental plots in southern Iceland. We sampled the soil from different depths under the plots over a period of 15 months, looking for traces of radish DNA. The dataset encompasses 1) DNA metabarcoding data (plants) derived from soil samples; 2) a survey of extant plant communities; 3) a record of near-surface soil temperatures for the duration of the experiment; and 4) data quantifying the decomposition of radish leaves applied to the plots. The radish DNA was applied to six experimental plots in June 2023; soil samples were collected from below the plots in May 2024 (M24) and October 2024 (O24). DNA extraction and PCR was conducted by Dr Doreen Huang (University of Southampton). DNA from the soil samples was sequenced by a commercial third party (Novogene).
Publication date: 2025-09-12
View numbers valid from 12 September 2025 Download numbers valid from 12 September 2025 (information prior to this was not collected)
Format
Comma-separated values (CSV)
Spatial information
Study area
Spatial representation type
Tabular (text)
Spatial reference system
WGS 84
Temporal information
Temporal extent
2023-06-01 to 2024-10-31
Provenance & quality
Field data: The radish DNA was applied to six experimental plots in June 2023 as radish leaves and liquid PCR product. Replicate soil samples were collected from depths of 5 cm and 20 cm below the plots in October 2023 and May 2024. Samples were collected from the soil surface in September 2024, after which the experiment was discontinued. Soil temperatures were recorded for 332 days at hourly intervals using an iButton soil temperature logger. The decomposition of the radish leaves was calculated by weighing the mesh bags carrying the leaves at the beginning and end of the experiment. Plant community composition was evaluated by a visual estimate of proportional cover (Domin scale) within each plot.
Laboratory analysis: DNA was extracted using DNeasy PowerSoil Pro Kit (QIAGEN). Plant DNA was amplified in six replicate PCRs. After PCR, the samples and PCR negatives were pooled and purified with QIAquick PCR purification kit (QIAGEN). PCR-free library preparation was carried out by a commercial DNA sequencing company (Novogene) on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 PE250 platform.
Laboratory analysis: DNA was extracted using DNeasy PowerSoil Pro Kit (QIAGEN). Plant DNA was amplified in six replicate PCRs. After PCR, the samples and PCR negatives were pooled and purified with QIAquick PCR purification kit (QIAGEN). PCR-free library preparation was carried out by a commercial DNA sequencing company (Novogene) on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 PE250 platform.
Licensing and constraints
This dataset is available under the terms of the Open Government Licence
Cite this dataset as:
Cutler, N.; Huang, D.Y.; Dugmore, A.; Streeter, R. (2025). DNA metabarcoding, plant community and soil environmental data from a 15-month DNA application experiment in southern Iceland, June 2023-October 2024. NERC EDS Environmental Information Data Centre. https://doi.org/10.5285/7c6cbb74-96ad-4269-bad7-51025963ef23
Correspondence/contact details
Authors
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1746-7769 Other contacts
Rights holder
Newcastle University
Custodian
NERC EDS Environmental Information Data Centre
info@eidc.ac.uk
Publisher
NERC EDS Environmental Information Data Centre
info@eidc.ac.uk