Harmonized plot-level dataset of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) biomass and crop biometric variables under contrasting harvest strategies

DescriptionThis repository contains the complete harmonized plot-level dataset supporting the manuscript:"From crop biometric responses to biomass prediction: A multistep framework to disentangle biomass production under contrasting harvest regimes in giant reed (Arundo donax L.)", submitted to the European Journal of Agronomy.The dataset was developed to support a multistep analytical framework investigating how contrasting harvest strategies modify crop biometric responses, how these responses contribute to aboveground biomass production, and how biometric–biomass relationships can be used for robust and transferable biomass prediction.The repository includes two independent field experiments conducted at the CREA experimental station in Anzola dell'Emilia (Bologna, Italy), both established in 2015 on perennial giant reed (Arundo donax L.) stands:• HAR experiment, used for framework development, including three years of observations (2016–2018) under contrasting harvest strategies;• BIO experiment, used as an independent validation dataset, including two years of observations (2017–2018) under contrasting biochar and nitrogen fertilization treatments. The harmonized dataset contains plot-level observations of:• aboveground dry biomass (AGB);• culm height;• stem diameter;• stem density;• harvest treatments;• nitrogen and biochar treatments;• experimental design information;• temporal and spatial identifiers. The repository also includes the original raw datasets from both experiments together with a complete data dictionary describing all variables and measurement units.The dataset supports all statistical analyses presented in the associated manuscript, including mixed-effects modelling, multivariate analyses, hierarchical ANCOVA, biomass prediction, and independent validation of biometric–biomass relationships. Repository contentsHAR_BIO_harmonized_dataset.xlsx — Harmonized plot-level dataset used for all analyses.RAW_HARVEST.xlsx — Original HAR experimental dataset.RAW_BIO.xlsx — Original BIO experimental dataset.DATA_DICTIONARY.xlsx — Description of variables, units and coding adopted in the harmonized dataset.