A dataset of vegetation classification characteristics and background information of long-term ecological plots in Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN)

This dataset is a comprehensive integration of 95 long-term plots from 22 natural ecosystem stations. We first sorted out the background information such as the geographical location, establishment time, area and representativeness of the long-term plot of ecological station. Drawing from the survey data of plant communities at the beginning of the plot establishment and adhering to the latest Chinese vegetation classification system, we then meticulously delineated the vegetation formation group, vegetation formation and vegetation subformation of each sample plot’s plant community. Based on the list of dominant species found in each sample plot, we identified and named the alliance and association of the vegetation in the plot. The construction of this dataset went through multiple rounds of expert review-station verification-expert review-station acceptance, etc. The dataset comprises station code, station name, plot code, plot name, plot type, plot representativeness, geographical location, altitude, plot area and shape, plot establishment time and design service life, vegetation formation group, vegetation formation, vegetation subformation, alliance, association, dominant species and remarks. It is expected to provide data support for the studies on flora, vegetation resource distribution, and biodiversity conservation.