Data from: Within-individual leaf trait response to local light availability and biodiversity in a subtropical forest experiment

This dataset contains 15 leaf traits and the relative light availability from 400 trees at sub-individual level. Leaf samples were collected in August and September 2017 in the BEF-China main experiment (site A) in different sampling heights within the individuals. Samples were taken in 66 plots across all diversity levels of the experimental site. Leaf traits were analysed using near-infrared spectroscopy. Available leaf traits are LDMC, SLA, leaf N, leaf C, CN ratio, leaf Mg, leaf Ca, leaf K, leaf P, leaf S, cellulose, lignin, phenolics and tannin. Additionally, light data is available for each height level.