Raw data on initial soil, plant and trial details for the New Forest trial series (FR531), afforestation using a range of tree species, in New Zealand

Authors: Thomas SH Paul1, Loretta G Garrett1, Simeon J Smaill2
Affiliations: 1 Scion, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3046, New Zealand; 2 Scion, PO Box 29237, Riccarton, Christchurch 8440, New Zealand.
The data
A data set from the New Forest trial series (FR531) spanning 4 sites in New Zealand. The data set includes initial, time zero, data on plant diversity, soil and trial sub-plot details. The dataset links to the Data in Brief publication Paul et al., (2024) which describes the sample collection and testing methods.
The data includes one file with 9 data sheets and two data folders:
· 1_New Forest PSP details – by each permeant plot sample (PSP) ID including block and plot ID, planting stock ID, slope, elevation, and aspect.
· 2_Time zero plant diversity – data by PSP ID includes plant species diversity and abundance.
· 3_Time zero soil chemistry – data by PSP ID and sample depth includes sampling method and soil total carbon and total nitrogen chemical analysis.
· 4_Time zero soil bulk density – data by PSP ID and sample depth includes sampling method and soil bulk density.
· 5_Time zero soil microbial – data by PSP ID and sample depth includes sampling method and soil microbial testing method.
· 6_Time zero soil profile – data from one representative soil profile, includes soil horizon description and New Zealand soil classification.
· 7_Time zero soil variability – data by PSP ID includes soil horizon depth and notation.
· 8_Time zero topsoil depth – data by PSP ID includes topsoil depth.
· 9_Time zero soil porosity – data by PSP ID for 0-10 cm total porosity, particle density, field air capacity and macro-porosity.
· Folder FR531_MIR spectra: FR556 trial soil Mid-Infrared spectra opus files by sample ID.
· Folder FR531_MIR spectra_csv: FR556 trial soil Mid-Infrared spectra csv files by sample ID.
Contact: Loretta Garrett ([e-mail])
Acknowledgments
Funding to publish the data came from the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) Strategic Science Investment Fund held by Scion (C04X1703). Funding for the trial installation and initial sample collection was provided from the Protecting and Enhancing the Environment through Forestry, which was funded by the New Zealand Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (C04X0304). We thank the landowners who provided land for the trial and their commitment to host the long-term trials.
References
Paul, T. S. H., Garrett, L. G., & Smaill, S. J. (2024). Afforestation using a range of tree species, in New Zealand: New Forest trial series establishment, site description, and initial data. Data in Brief, 110321. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2024.110321
Disclaimer
We make no warranties regarding the accuracy or integrity of the Data. We accept no liability for any direct, indirect, special, consequential or other losses or damages of whatsoever kind arising out of access to, or the use of the Data. We are in no way to be held responsible for the use that you put the Data to. You rely on the Data entirely at your own risk.