BIOREFUGES datasets - Project: Biogenic refuges as modulators of Climate Change in mountain ecosystems (TED2021-130888B-I00)

The data collected within the BIOREFUGES project originates from field sampling and sensors installed in the field. The information collected in the field covers three main areas: biological information, microclimatic data, and data related to carbon fluxes. Microclimatic data were collected both intensively and extensively. The intensive method involved installing a network of climate micro-stations across various mountain habitats and at different altitudinal elevations: Holm and Pyrenean oak forests, Aleppo and Scots pine plantations, Maple forest, Cushion scrub (Genista versicolor/Cytisus galianoi) and Juniper scrub. The extensive method, on the other hand, consisted of installing sensors along an altitudinal gradient. Biological data were collected in the field through sampling around the microstations, specifically: Arthropod sampling: Sampling was performed by beating vegetation and by pitfall traps. Flora sampling: Herbaceous species cover was calculated using quadrats. Woody species sampling: The abundance and diversity of woody or juvenile species were studied. Berberis hispanica sampling: Seeds of this species were planted while avoiding herbivory and were subsequently reviewed. Decomposition sampling: Cellulose sheets and wood sticks of Berberis hispanica were placed. Soil nutrient sampling: Ion exchange resin tabs were used to determine the availability of ammonium, nitrate, and phosphate in the soil. Carbon flux data were obtained using a portable smart chamber that assesses spatial variability and calculates soil gas fluxes. This chamber is connected to a trace gas analyzer that provides stable and accurate measurements of CO2 and CH4 from the soil.