Establishment and maintenance of sampling and monitoring plots of Climcover project

This dataset represents a two years of intensive data collection under the CLIMCOVER project. The project investigates sustainable intensification in modern agriculture, specifically focusing on the integration of cover crops within fruit tree cultivation. The primary objective of this study is to quantify the benefits of ground cover practices regarding soil functionality, climate change mitigation, and overall agroecosystem sustainability. By providing a comprehensive comparative evaluation between traditional bare soil management and vegetative cover, this data supports the transition toward more resilient farming systems. The data reflects the monitoring of 18 study plots across various Mediterranean regions (ranging from semi-arid to continental climates): 9 Plots with Vegetative Cover: Established and maintained for 5 to 20 years. 9 Plots without Cover (Bare Soil): Used as control sites. Experimental Design: Each plot contains six subplots (25m length x 5 tree rows width). All sites are managed under fertigation systems to ensure consistency in nutrient and water delivery. The dataset structure is organized into three primary categories—environmental context, management practices, and sampling specificities—beginning with a comprehensive Site Characterization and Location section. This segment provides a unique identifier through case study codification and descriptions, alongside precise geographic data including city, province, and decimal coordinates (Latitude/Longitude). To facilitate environmental modeling, it incorporates critical climate indicators such as mean annual temperature, precipitation, and Potential Evapotranspiration (PET), while also detailing the physical landscape through soil type classification, elevation (m.a.s.l.), and slope percentage. The Agronomic Management and Practices category details the operational history of each site, capturing essential data on tree establishment, spacing, and annual crop yields, while specifically documenting cover crop presence, type, and duration (starting year). This is complemented by a thorough record of soil and residue management—including tillage depth and frequency—alongside precise inputs for fertilizer, manure, herbicide, and pesticide application. Finally, the Sampling and Depth Profiles section provides the spatial and temporal resolution necessary for analysis, identifying the specific field area, sample positions, and sampling dates, with a clear vertical breakdown of soil layers through depth codes and defined upper and lower boundaries.