Experimental warming and permafrost thaw decrease soil nematode abundance in northern palsa peatlands: all datasets and scripts

This study investigated the effects of permafrost thaw and experimental warming on soil nematode communities in a palsa peatland in northern Norway. Six transects, representing different stages of palsa degradation, were established with both control and warming (OTC-treated) plots. Soil samples were collected during June, July, and August 2022. Measurements included soil temperature, moisture, oxygen levels, and soil respiration (CO₂ and CH₄ fluxes). Nematodes were extracted, preserved, and classified into feeding guilds. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models and structural equation models to assess the relationships between environmental factors, nematode abundance, and greenhouse gas emissions.

The dataset was collected from a permafrost-affected palsa peatland in northern Norway across six transects, representing different stages of permafrost degradation. Soil samples were collected in June, July, and August 2022 from vegetated palsa, exposed soil palsa, and thaw slump plots, with each plot having control and experimental warming (OTC) treatments. Soil temperatures, moisture, and oxygen levels were measured in situ, and soil respiration (CO₂ and CH₄ fluxes) was monitored using PVC collars and infrared gas analyzers.

Nematodes were extracted from soil samples using Baermann funnels, preserved in formaldehyde, and classified into feeding guilds under a microscope. Count data were normalized to dry soil weight. Data processing involved statistical analyses using R, including linear mixed models and structural equation models to explore relationships between environmental factors, nematode abundances, and gas fluxes.