Land-uses_Island streams_Datasets

This dataset contains raw data from a study assessing the effects of three land uses on stream communities and functioning in São Miguel Island (Azores). Nine streams were selected and categorized into three stream types based on surrounding riparian land use: native forests (laurel), cryptomeria plantations, and pastures (3 streams each). Streams were characterized by water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, nitrogen, nitrate, ammonium and phosphate. Stream functioning was assessed through organic matter decomposition. Two organic substrates, Clethra arborea (clethra) leaves and Ochroma pyramidale (balsa) wood, were enclosed in fine- and coarse-mesh bags, and incubated in the nine streams for 15, 30, 45, and 63 days. The dataset includes values of ash-free dry mass remaining (AFDMr), as well as associated aquatic hyphomycete sporulation rates and taxa richness, and associated invertebrate total abundance and shredder density. The dataset also shows the community matrices for aquatic hyphomycetes and invertebrates associated with decomposing leaf litter, as well as benthic invertebrates. These datasets support the findings presented in the associated study, offering insights into the ecological impacts of riparian vegetation modification on stream functioning in remote oceanic islands.