Soil respiration at different time scales from 2000 to 2018 in forest ecosystems across China

The related studies on soil respiration (Rs) are increasing year by year in China, amounts of Rs data were published, especially in the form of monthly dynamics figures. Here, we compiled a comprehensive and uniform Rs database in China's forests from 568 literatures published up to 2018, including Rs and the concurrently measured soil temperature (N=8317), mean monthly Rs (N=5003), and annual Rs (N=634). Besides the Rs data directly given in the original papers, the monthly patterns of Rs and the concurrently measured soil temperature at 5 cm and/or 10 cm depth in the figures were digitized. These Rs data derived from the undisturbed forest ecosystems. The common measurement methods were selected, i.e. infrared gas analyzers (model Li-6400, Li-8100, Li-8150 (LI-COR Inc., Lincoln, Nebraska, USA)) and gas chromatography. Meanwhile, the associated information was recorded, e.g. geographical location (province, study site, latitude, longitude and elevation), climate factors (mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation), stand description (forest type, origin, age, density, mean tree height and diameter at breast height), measurement regime (method, time, frequency, collar area, height and numbers). We hope the database will be used by the science community to provide a better understanding of carbon cycle in China's forests and reduce the uncertainty in evaluating of carbon budget at the large scale.