Biochar dataset corresponding to: Above and belowground functional trait response to biochar addition in seedlings of six tropical dry forest tree species.

Here, we conducted a greenhouse experiment to quantify effects of rates of biochar (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 t/ha) on demographic and functional traits of six tree species commonly used in TDF restoration programs. The biochar treatments were equivalent to 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 t/ha on the average weight of the bags filled only with soil (1406 g). The nursery bags were arranged in a factorial design (6 species × 5 treatments) with 20 replicates, to account for variation in light and temperature conditions. The seedlings were irrigated at field capacity (350 ml) twice a week and 3g of NPK (12-30-10) fertilizer was added 30 days after transplantation. After 100 days, we removed the seedlings from the nursery bags and gently washed the roots in tap water to remove substrate, prior to analysis of trait data. Since seedlings were grown for 100 days and therefore no longer depended on their seed reserves upon harvest, we acknowledge they should be formally considered saplings, although we refer to them as seedlings for simplicity.