Grassland aboveground biomass, composition, and chemistry from multiple sites and years in Yellowstone National Park

This data set includes measurements of aboveground plant biomass (gm-2), percent live and dead, composition (percent graminoid [grasses, sedges, rushes] and non-graminoid [other monocots, dicots], and carbon and nitrogen content (ppm) of aboveground biomass collected during three studies (1988 & 1989; 1999-2001; 2012-2014) at grasslands grazed by herds of elk (Cervus canadensis), bison (Bison bison), and pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in Yellowstone National Park. A total of 25 different grasslands were sampled during the studies. At each grassland, measurements were made outside and inside small (1.5 x 1.5 m) temporary exclosures moved approximately monthly throughout each growing season to determine ungulate consumption and aboveground production. Plant data were also gathered at a subsample of 13 of the grasslands inside permanent exclosures erected during the summer before each study. Monthly aboveground plant P content (ppm) is also provided at six sites in 2013 and 2014. Location (latitude, longitude), elevation, and 0 – 10 cm total soil C and N are included for all the sites.