RIPARIANET: data on wood stick decomposition and abiotic and biotic predictor variables across 5 countries and 7 basins in Europe

We carried out a continental-scale study on plant litter decomposition in 72 river locations across 7 catchments in Europe (Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden), representing wide gradients in climatic conditions, riparian zone characteristics, land-use intensity, and human population density. We used remote sensing data and field surveys to quantify catchment, riparian and river habitat characteristics. To assess decomposition rates, we used standardized wood sticks as a model substrate, representing a globally important source of organic matter in lotic systems.