Biochar dataset corresponding to: Above and belowground functional trait response to biochar addition in seedlings of six tropical dry forest tree species.

Here, we conducted a greenhouse experiment to quantify effects of rates of biochar (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 t/ha) on demographic and functional traits of six tree species commonly used in TDF restoration programs. The biochar treatments were equivalent to 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 t/ha on the average weight of the bags filled only with soil (1406 g). The nursery bags were arranged in a factorial design (6 species × 5 treatments) with 20 replicates, to account for variation in light and temperature conditions. The seedlings were irrigated at field capacity (350 ml) twice a week and 3g of NPK (12-30-10) fertilizer was added 30 days after transplantation. After 100 days, we removed the seedlings from the nursery bags and gently washed the roots in tap water to remove substrate, prior to analysis of trait data. Since seedlings were grown for 100 days and therefore no longer depended on their seed reserves upon harvest, we acknowledge they should be formally considered saplings, although we refer to them as seedlings for simplicity.

本研究开展一项温室盆栽试验，旨在量化生物炭（biochar）施用量（0、5、10、20与40 t/ha）对六种常用于热带干旱森林（Tropical Dry Forest，TDF）修复项目的乔木树种的种群统计性状与功能性状的影响。生物炭施用量处理以仅装填土壤的育苗袋为基准（单袋土壤平均干重1406 g），对应施用量分别为0、5、10、20与40 t/ha。育苗袋采用析因设计（6个树种×5个处理），设置20次重复，以抵消光照与温度条件的差异。试验期间，每周两次将栽培基质浇灌至田间持水量（单次灌水量350 mL），并于移栽后30天施加3 g NPK（12-30-10）复合肥。培育100天后，将苗木从育苗袋中取出，用自来水轻柔冲洗根系以去除栽培基质，随后开展性状数据测定。由于苗木培育时长已达100天，收获时已不再依赖种子储备的养分，因此严格来说应将其视为幼树，但为表述简便，本研究仍统一将其称为幼苗。