The objective of this research was to improve our understanding of tree growth from underlying variation in leaf and root functional traits. This knowledge ultimately enhances our knowledge of the above- and belowground processes that are involved in structuring forest communities. To this end, we determine which, how and to what degree (combinations of) leaf and root traits influence growth rates across ten temperate tree species along a soil carbon (C) and N gradient growing at the Big Woods plot at the E.S. George Reserve, Pickney, MI. This plot is part of the Smithsonian Institution's Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) global network of forest research sites. https://forestgeo.si.edu/
and This dataset contains data on the leaf and root traits of several individuals from tree species, as well as on the soil properties at the Big Woods plots at the E.S. George Reserve, Pickney, MI. Data were collected in June 2019, and used to explain and predict the growth rates of the trees at Big Woods. [Growth data were obtained from Allen et al., 2019, https://doi.org/10.7302/wx55-kt18].
Each file contains data on leaf traits, root traits, and soil properties. Trait data are presented per individual tree for each of the 10 study species. Soil data are represented per soil sample, with four soil samples collected per subplot throughout the Big Woods plot (see legend, and publication for explanation). Descriptions and units per variable/column are provided in the legend tab in each file.
M. Weemstra, J. Zambrano, D. Allen, MN Umaña. (In press) Tree growth increases through opposing above- and belowground resource strategies. Journal of Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.13729