Dataset of punctual observations along soil moisture gradients in France

The interface between wetlands and uplands is characterized by gradients
in hydrological, soil and biological components. Consequently, the exact
spatial distribution of this transitional area is not well known because
it often occurs as a fuzzy moisture gradient. However, ecological
assessment and conservation require mapping and characterizing this
interface to better understand and model biotic and abiotic interactions
between wetlands and uplands. To this end, in 2021 and 2022, we observed
soil properties and vegetation types along soil moisture gradients
throughout the Atlantic, Continental, Mediterranean and Alpine
biogeographic regions of France. The dataset contains 2 236
georeferenced plots (accuracy ± 5 m) distributed along 1 088
transects placed along the slope at 377 sites. Each plot in the database
is characterized by 21 fields that describe the vegetation habitat type
based on the European Nature Information System (EUNIS) and soil
properties (i.e. depth of appearance and thickness of redoximorphic
features in the soil profile, moisture). These data are useful for
researchers and engineers in a variety of disciplines (e.g. Earth and life
sciences) to calibrate and validate models to predict the spatial
distribution of habitats or to analyze flows.