Alpine grassland soil microbial and biogeochemical data from a climate change and shrub expansion experiment in Tyrol, Austria, July 2019

All data were collected by the authors according to standardised protocols. Soil was sampled on 22nd - 24th July 2019 by taking soil cores (Ø = 2 cm, depth = 10 cm) using a steel corer from five random locations in each plot (plot size = 2m x 2m). Soil cores from the same plot were pooled and homogenised, any vegetation or litter was separated and discarded. Sub-samples (approx. 200 mg) were directly taken and lysed in the field for molecular analyses. Soil samples were sieved (4 mm), stored at 4°C for up to 2 weeks, and shipped to The University of Manchester (UK) Soil and Ecosystem Ecology Lab for extracellular soil enzyme and biogeochemical analyses. Lysed soil samples for molecular analyses were stored at -80°C and shipped to UKCEH Wallingford for DNA extraction and sequencing. We ensured all measured values fit within those of calibration standards. All calculations were checked for errors before data was accepted and data were checked for any anomalies.