Dataset: Evidence that ericoid mycorrhizal shrubs can outcompete ectomycorrhizal tree seedlings for nitrogen in tannin-rich litter

The full methods and context of this dataset can be found in the publication of the same name (2024) authored by Rains, Bledsoe, Kraus, and Wurzburger. Please contact Kai Rains ([e-mail]) if you would like to collaborate on a project using these data.We generated this dataset by conducting two growth chamber experiments with seedlings of an ectomycorrhizal tree species, pine <i>(Pinus muricata)</i> and an ericoid mycorrhizal shrub species, vaccinium <i>(Vaccinium ovatum),</i> that are common in coastal forests of northern California. In Experiment 1, we applied 15N-enriched litter (foliage or roots from these same species) to individual pine or vaccinium plants, and plant acquisition of litter N was measured after 1.5, 5, or 12 months (<i>n</i> = 2-7, 109 plants). In Experiment 2, we applied the 15N enriched pine or vaccinium foliage litter to interspecific or intraspecific pairs of pine and/or vaccinium, and plant acquisition of litter N was measured after 1 year (<i>n</i> = 4-18, 74 plants). Experiments were conducted concurrently and, except where indicated in the associated publication, the methods apply to both experiments.