Data from: Cyanobacterial colonization on epilithic mosses in degraded karst ecosystem: The role of moss traits and environmental factors

This dataset supports research on moss-cyanobacteria associations and
their role in nitrogen fixation within nitrogen-limited degraded karst
ecosystems. The moss-cyanobacteria symbiosis provides novel nitrogen
inputs to nutrient-poor environments, playing a significant role in
nitrogen cycling and ecological restoration. Data were collected during
November 2022 from 45 plots across three elevation gradients (525 ±25 m,
875 ± 25 m, and 1225 ± 25 m) in the Guizhou Karst Mountain Land Ecology
and Land Use Observation and Research Station. The dataset includes
cyanobacterial colonization metrics (colonization rates on branches/leaves
and biomass via phycocyanin extraction), moss trait data (37 species with
morphological, physiological, and chemical characteristics), environmental
variables (elevation, rocky desertification degree, light/UV-A radiation,
temperature, and pH), and cyanobacterial diversity (78 species
morphologically identified and categorized functionally). Key findings
indicate moss species identity, nitrogen content, and pH as critical
colonization determinants, with elevation showing strong negative effects
while karst degradation level demonstrated no significant impact. All
analyses were conducted using R software (v4.4.1). Complete R scripts are
provided for full reproducibility. This dataset offers valuable insights
into plant-microbe interactions and facilitates restoration strategies in
degraded karst ecosystems.