A dataset of monthly litter recovery from desert grassland in southern Tarim Basin during 2010-2020

Cele National Field Science Observation and Research Station of Desert Grassland Ecosystem of Xinjiang (Cele Station), Chinese Academy of Science, is located in the southern margin of Tarim Basin, south by Kunlun Mountains, north by the largest Taklimakan desert in our country. With the characteristics of simple vegetation community and slow accumulation of soil organic matter, litter is an important source of nutrients in this area. Based on the long-term observation of desert plant communities in Cele station, we collected the monthly dynamic data of litter recovery in desert grassland from the southern Tarim Basin during 2010 to 2020. By grouping plant organs (branches, leaves, and fruits), the monthly dynamic data of litter recovery in the observation site and plot were sorted out, and the annual changes of community and soil nutrients were recorded. Data were generated in strict accordance with CERN bio-observation specifications. Data review and quality control were completed by the quality control personnel of the station and sub-center. Our results would provide basic data for further study of litter dynamics in desert grassland from southern Tarim Basin, and theoretical support for understanding and assessing nutrient cycling in hyper–arid desert ecosystems.