Affiliation: | 1.Northwest German Forest Research Institute (NW-FVA),G?ttingen,Germany;2.Forest Soil Coordinating Centre of ICP Forests,Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO),Geraardsbergen,Belgium;3.Institute of International Forestry and Forestry Economics,Thünen Institute,Hamburg-Bergedorf,Germany |
Abstract: | Context The ICP Forests database is one of the most comprehensive forest ecosystem datasets in Europe and contains the accumulated results of more than two decades of harmonised forest monitoring all over Europe. Aims The aim of this paper is to share knowledge on the ICP Forests Level II soil data for broader use among forest scientists. Methods After standard analysis, quality checks, aggregation, and calculation of derived variables (e.g. nutrient stocks, base saturation, C:N ratio, and water retention parameters), data have been gathered into a static database (AFSCDB.LII.2.2), which will be updated to new versions as soon as new measurements become available. Results The database provides a basis for the combined evaluation of up to 130 unique soil variables of 286 plots with dynamic data on tree growth, ground vegetation, foliar chemistry, crown condition, tree phenology, leaf area index, ozone injury, litterfall, soil solution chemistry, deposition, ambient air quality, and meteorological data assessed on the same plots. Conclusion The unprecedented comprehensiveness and level of detail in this newly aggregated database may overcome existing restrictions so far impeding the realisation of large-scale forest ecosystem studies in Europe. |