Soil and vegetation ecological function data in native reforestation, unforested and mature forest plots in the Scottish Highlands, 2018

Fieldwork to establish this dataset was carried out during June-August 2018.

Data were collected in 10×10m survey plots, with a focal plot in 14 ungrazed woodland creation sites, matched to grazed and ungrazed unforested plots. Data were collected in a further 5 pairs of grazed and ungrazed plots in the target habitat (Caledonian pinewood).

Aboveground tree carbon was calculated using allometric equations based on dbh (diameter at breast height) measured in the field in July 2018.

Topsoil carbon and nitrogen was calculated based on soil sampling during July 2018. Percentage carbon and nitrogen were analysed at Forest Research’s labs. Total carbon and nitrogen were calculated based on % C/N and bulk density.

Decomposition rates were calculated using the Teabag Index, teabags were buried in June and reclaimed 3 months later in August.

Soil invertebrate feeding was monitored using bait lamina, which were buried for 30 days from early June to early July.

Vegetation structure (shrub height and moss depth) and seedling regeneration were measured in the field during June and July 2018.

Related datasets

Plant species cover and carabid beetle species counts, 2018, and bird species counts, 2019, in native reforestation, unforested and mature forest areas in the Scottish Highlands