Belowground biomass productivity from the Jena Experiment (Main Experiment, year 2003)

This data set contains measurements of belowground biomass productivity, i.e. coarse and fine root biomass production (C- and N-concentration of the fine roots are attached to this dataset as well). Data presented here is from the Main Experiment plots of a large grassland biodiversity experiment (the Jena Experiment; see further details below). In the Main experiment, 82 grassland plots of 20 x 20 m were established from a pool of 60 species belonging to four functional groups (grasses, legumes, tall and small herbs). In May 2002, varying numbers of plant species from this species pool were sown into the plots to create a gradient of plant species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 60 species) and functional richness (1, 2, 3, 4 functional groups). Plots were maintained in general by bi-annual weeding and mowing. Since 2010, plots were weeded three times per year. In June 2003, five soil cores with a 4.8 cm diameter per plot were removed to 30 cm depth. The removed soil was replaced by root-free soil from the field site. The ingrowth cores were removed in September 2003 and cut with scissors until root fragments were 2 mm) and fine roots after root washing. After withdrawal of the ingrowth cores in September 2003, the holes were refilled with root-free soil, and the ingrowth cores were sampled again in July 2004. In 2003 and 2004, fine roots were grinded in a ball mill and 20 mg of the grinded material was used to determine C- and N-concentration of the fine roots with VarioMax CNS (Elementar).