Raw data on initial soil and trial details for the Site Specificity trial series (FR559) in Pinus radiata stands in New Zealand

Authors: Simeon J Smaill1, Amanda L Matson 2, Loretta G Garrett3Affiliations: 1 Ngāi Tahu Forestry, P.O. Box 13 046, Christchurch 8141, New Zealand; 2 Wageningen Environmental Research, Postbus 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands; 3 Bioeconomy Science Institute, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand.A data set from the Site Specificity trial series (FR559) spanning 46 sites in New Zealand. The data set includes initial, time zero, data on soil and trial plot details. The dataset links to the Data in Brief publication Smaill et al., (2026) which describes the sample collection and testing methods.The data includes one excel file with 3 data sheets and associated data dictionaries, two data folders, and a word file:· 1_Trial details – by each trial ID, latitude and longitude, mean annual air temperature, mean annual rainfall, elevation, slope, aspect, soil classification, soil site preparation, tree stocking, trial area, number of sub-plots, land use of the site before planting the trial, and previous forest rotations.· 2_Time zero soil chemistry – data by Trial ID and sample depth includes sampling method and soil chemistry analysis.· 3_Time zero soil bulk density – data by Trial ID and sample depth includes sampling method and soil bulk density.· Folder FR559_MIR spectra: FR559 trial soil Mid-Infrared spectra opus files by sample ID.· Folder FR559_MIR spectra_csv: FR559 trial soil Mid-Infrared spectra csv files by sample ID.· Word file: Detailed nursery treatments.Contact: Loretta Garrett ([e-mail])AcknowledgmentsFunding to publish the data came from the “Tree-Root-Microbiome” program (C04X2002), which is funded by Ministry of Business Information and Employment (MBIE) Endeavour Fund and in part by the New Zealand Forest Growers Levy Trust. The FR559 trial establishment and measurements were funded from were funded from the “Growing Confidence in Forestry’s Future” program (C04X1306), which is jointly funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Business Information and Employment (MBIE) and the New Zealand Forest Growers Levy Trust Inc, with the support of the New Zealand Forest Owners Association (FOA) and the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association (FFA). The authors thank the forest companies, regional councils and individuals who hosted this trial series and the various Bioeconomy Science Institute staff who have contributed towards the soil sample collection and testing.ReferencesSmaill, S. J., Matson, A. L., & Garrett, L. G. (2026). Site Specificity trial series (FR559) in Pinus radiata stands in New Zealand: Trial establishment, site description and initial data. Data in Brief, 66, 112669. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2026.112669 DisclaimerWe make no warranties regarding the accuracy or integrity of the Data. We accept no liability for any direct, indirect, special, consequential or other losses or damages of whatsoever kind arising out of access to, or the use of the Data. We are in no way to be held responsible for the use that you put the Data to. You rely on the Data entirely at your own risk.