A dataset of rice root biomass and rice root nutrient content observed by Taoyuan Agro-ecosystem Research Station of Chinese Academy of Sciences during 2005-2018

Rice root residue in soil is one of the main factors for the source of organic matter in paddy soil, and it also plays an important role in the stability of organic carbon content in paddy soil. This data set collected the rice root biomass in top soil and the root nutrient from 6 long-term monitoring plots of Taoyuan Agroecological Experimental Station of Chinese Academy of Sciences from 2005 to 2018. The plots include one comprehensive observation field, three complementary observation fields (including 3 fertilization treatment sites), and 2 investigation stations. The data set consists of 7 parts, surface root biomass (0-20cm), root nutrient content (including total carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium), root distribution biomass (0-10cm, 10-20cm, 20-30cm, 30-40cm), background information of the sample plots, fertilizer input in the sample plots, sampling records, and analysis method records. This data set will provide reliable basic data for investigating the contribution of rice roots to soil organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in paddy fields and the role of rice roots in soil fertility maintenance.