Sapflow measurements in montane species in common garden plantations in the Colombian Andes, 2024

Experimental sites were established between December 2018 January 2019, spanning an elevation gradient in the Colombian Andes and are characterized as follows: 13.7°C MAT site (99th percentile temperature, T99 = 21°C; annual precipitation = 2774 mm; elevation = 2452 m.a.s.l., latitude = 5.513235 N and longitude = -75.67725 W ), 22.1°C MAT site (T99 = 33 °C; annual precipitation = 2045 mm; elevation = 1326 m.a.s.l., latitude = 5.641699 N and longitude = -75.685982 W), and 25.5 °C MAT site; T99 = 38 °C; annual precipitation = 2298 mm; elevation = 736 m.a.s.l., latitude = 5.844349 N and longitude = -75.71034 W).
At each experimental site, 360 juvenile trees (1-2 years old) from 15 dominant Andean species (11 montane and 4 lowland species) were planted. All trees were planted in common soils originating from a high-elevation site and were regularly irrigated; however, only 10 species remained at the 22.1 °C MAT site.

Data were obtained through field measurements conducted on a maximum four individuals of each selected tree species. Sapflow was monitored using custom-made sensors based on the Heat Field Deformation (HFD) method, which quantifies sap flux density by measuring heat transport within the branch. Sensors were installed on branches and operated continuously for a period of 15 days at each site.

Quality control procedures included regular inspection of sensors, power supply systems, and data logging equipment, together with periodic data downloads and validation checks to ensure data continuity and reliability. Measurements were screened for sensor malfunction, data gaps, and anomalous values before analysis.
Details of sampling locations and protocols, data processing steps, and dataset-specific methodological information are provided in the supporting documentation.