Potaninia mongolica, a nationally protected plant species of Class II in China, is a Tertiary relict whose communities form a distinctive desert landscape on the eastern margin of the Afro-Asian desert region. Based on field survey data collected from September 1998 to August 2024, supplemented by relevant literature, this study investigated the geographical distribution, community characteristics, and community classification of Potaninia mongolica desert communities. Survey sites were located in Etoke Banner and Hangjin Banner of Ordos City, Alxa Left Banner and Alxa Right Banner of Alxa League, Urad Rear Banner and Urad Middle Banner of Bayannur City in Nei Mongol Autonomous Region, as well as Minqin County of Wuwei City and Linze County of Zhangye City in Gansu Province, China, and South Gobi Province and East Gobi Province of Mongolia. A total of 83 community investigation plots were established, including 67 quadrats and 16 registration plots (field-recorded coordinates of Potaninia mongolica distribution without quadrats). In the quadrat, one to three shrub quadrats (10 m × 10 m, with some early quadrats slightly smaller) were randomly placed within Potaninia mongolica communities, and each was divided into four sub-quadrats (5 m × 5 m). If herbaceous plants were present, herbaceous quadrats (1 m × 1 m) were established within the sub-quadrats. For each species in the shrub and semi-shrub layers, species name, height, and crown diameter were recorded. For the herbaceous layer, species name, height, clump diameter, and individual count were documented. The registration plots recorded basic information such as species composition, dominant species, and community types. The results showed that: (1) Potaninia mongolica communities were mainly distributed in the eastern part of the Mongolian Plateau desert region. (2) The field investigation was recorded 42 species of seed plants belonging to 30 genera and 10 families, including 1 tree species, 15 shrub species, 15 semi-shrub species, 8 perennial herbaceous species and 3 annual herbaceous species. In terms of water ecological types, there were 21 strongly xerophytic species and 19 xerophytic species. (3) Based on dominant species and community structure, Potaninia mongolica desert communities can be classified into four association group: Potaninia mongolica temperate shrub desert group, Potaninia mongolica-bunchgrass desert group, Potaninia mongolica-temperate semi-shrub desert group, and Potaninia mongolica-temperate shrub desert group, which can be further subdivided into 25 associations. (4) Potaninia mongolica communities occur in arid, cold desert climate zones characterized by very low precipitation. This dataset is comprehensive and of high scientific value, providing critical evidence for understanding the geographical distribution, species composition, and structural features of Potaninia mongolica communities. It offers essential baseline data for further research on the basic characteristics of these communities and supports the compilation of the desert volume of Vegetation of China.

Pinus densata Alliance is one of the most widespread pine forests in mountains of southwest China. Endemic to China, this alliance occurs in west Sichuan, northwest Yunnan, and southeast Xizang. In this study, we defined the geographic distribution boundary and priliminarily ascertained the geographic distribution area of P. densata Alliance based on previous literature and field investigation sites. Using data from 48 plots surveyed during 2020-2022, we proposed a preliminary scheme of vegetation classification and described the community structure characteristics for P. densata Alliance, and analyzed species composition characteristics combined with data from 11 plots surveyed in 2012. The results showed that (1) the distribution area of P. densata Alliance covered 33 counties and cities, including Yajiang, Xiangcheng, Daocheng, Dêqên, Xamgyi’nyilha, Markam, Mainling, and so on, at an altitude ranging from (1 300) 2 500 to 3 800 (4 000) m, and the eastern, western, northern and southern boundaries were Donggu Town in Danba County, Zengqi Township in Sangri County, Puxi Township in Zamtang County, and Yulong Snow Mountain in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County. (2) 522 vascular plant species belonging to 222 genera and 67 families were recorded, among which there were 500 seed plants belonging to 209 genera and 60 families, and 233 Chinese endemic plants belonging to 114 genera and 42 families, and the north temperate element was the dominant areal-type. (3) Based on the differences in community structure and species composition, P. densata Alliance could be classified into 7 association groups and 20 associations.

The Juniperus przewalskii forests is a unique vegetation type that only appear in China. They are widely distributed in the mountains of the northeastern edge of the Qingzang Plateau, which became a representative community of the alpine timberline and the forest-grass ecotone. Such forests play crucial roles in slope protection, soil conservation, water source preservation, and habitat improvement. A systematic study on their distribution, composition, and characteristics can provide a scientific basis for the current protection, utilization, and sustainable management of J. przewalskii forests. We conducted a comprehensive survey of J. przewalskii forests throughout the growing seasons from 2018 to 2022. We set up 53 new survey plots and compiled data from 20 historical survey plots; the results covered the entire distribution area of J. przewalskii forests. Through community quantitative statistics and cluster analysis, the main results are as follows. (1) J. przewalskii forests are primarily distributed on sunny and semi-sunny mountain slopes from 2 800 to 3 800 m. They usually occupy harsh environment that is dry, barren, and steep slopes. The existing forests are mostly climax communities after secondary successions. Such forest stands are relatively sparse, with a canopy coverage of 0.2 to 0.6 and an average height from 5 to 13 m. The vertical structure consists of the tree layer, shrub layer, and herb layer. The tree layer is dominated by J. przewalskii, and the diameter class structure shows a right-skewed normal distribution, with the diameter at breast height mainly distributed in the 4-8 cm range. The shrub layer and herb layer vary greatly with changes in habitat conditions. (2) A total of 370 species of vascular plants have been recorded, which belong to 48 families and 151 genera. Among them, there are 45 families, 148 genera of angiosperms, 2 families and 2 genera of gymnosperms, and 1 family and 1 genus of pteridophytes. The top three dominant families are Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Fabaceae. There are obviously more herbaceous species than woody species in terms of the composition of vegetation forms. (3) Juniperus przewalskii forests can be further classified into 11 association groups and 25 associations based on the dominant and characteristic species of the community. The spatial distribution exhibits a clear ecological sequence, including (from low to high altitude) J. przewalskii - Berberis diaphana - Herb Association Group, J. przewalskii - Dasiphora fruticosa - Herb Association Group, J. przewalskii - Dasiphora parvifolia - Herb Association Group, and J. przewalskii - Dasiphora glabra - Herb Association Group. In areas with significant human disturbance, the shrub layer in the community is poorly developed and gradually develops into Juniperus przewalskii - Herb Association group.

Keteleeria pubescens is endemic to China and is classified as a national second-class key protected wild plant species. The distribution areas of the K. pubescens communities were extremely narrow, primarily occurred in patches in mountainous and hilly regions of Guizhou and Hunan. To reveal the spatial distribution, community composition, and characteristics of K. pubescens forests, a comprehensive plot surveys of the communities from 2021 to 2023 during the plant growing season. A total of 4 survey sites were selected within the distribution range of K. pubescens forests, with 11 plots established, largely covered all distribution areas of the forests. Information on habitat, species composition, and quantity characteristics of all the forests were recorded. The main results of the quantitative analysis are: (1) K. pubescens forests had a rich species composition, with a total of 102 vascular plant species recorded; (2) Totally classified into 2 Association Groups and 2 Associations, namely, K. pubescens + Evergreen Broadleaf Tree Association Group and K. pubescens - Herb Association Group; K. pubescens + Quercus glauca Association and K. pubescens - Woodwardia japonica Association; (3) The forests’ vertical stratification is obvious, including tree, shrub and herb layers, in the tree layer there were mainly K. pubescens and species of Quercus, Castanopsis, and Pinus; (4) The regeneration of K. pubescens is poor. This study surely provides solid scientific data for effective conservation and management of K. pubescens forests.

Keteleeria davidiana is a relict and endemic species found in China, and K. davidiana forests are distributed in Shaanxi, Sichuan, Hubei, Hunan, Guizhou and Yunnan. These forests play important roles in soil improvement, water conservation, material and medicinal functions. To provide a scientific basis for the conservation and sustainable utilization of K. davidiana germplasm resources, we obtained data from 48 forest plots where K. davidiana is the primary dominant species through field investigations. Based on the principles of community-ecological classification and the latest revision of the Chinese vegetation classification system, we classified the forests into Association Groups and Associations, and described the characteristics of each Association Group and Association, highlighting their community composition and structure. The main results are as follows: (1) We classified the 48 plots into 3 Association Groups, including K. davidiana - Shrub - Herb Association Group, K. davidiana - Herb Association Group and K. davidiana + broadleaf tree - Herb Association Group, and these three Association Groups were further divided into 7 Associations, including K. davidiana - Myrsine africana - Cyrtomium fortunei Association, K. davidiana - Camellia oleifera - Liriope spicata Association, K. davidiana - L. spicata Association, K. davidiana - Carex breviculmis Association, K. davidiana - Diplopterygium glaucum Association, K. davidiana - Isachne globosa Association, K. davidiana + Liquidambar formosana - Iris confusa Association. (2) In both the K. davidiana - Shrub - Herb Association Group and the K. davidiana - Herb Association Group, K. davidiana was the sole dominant species in the arbor layer. (3) In the surveyed K. davidiana forest, a significant number of young K. davidiana trees were present in the shrub layer, indicating good regeneration. In this study, we provide the original survey data of all plots and specify the sources of existing data.

Tsuga dumosa forests were mainly distributed in the Hengduan Mountains and their extension areas in the southwestern region of China, including Xizang, Yunnan, and Sichuan. The current T. dumosa forests are mainly found in humid mountainous regions and mostly grow on mountain ridges, steep slopes, and along river banks. These forests experienced varying degrees of disturbances, both natural and anthropogenic. To reveal the spatial distribution, community composition and characteristics of T. dumosa forests, this study conducted systematic field investigation during the plant growing seasons in 2018 and 2021-2023. The investigation on T. dumosa forest communities across their entire distribution range in China, totaling 114 survey locations were selected and 178 sample plots were established. We recorded species composition, quantitative characteristics, habitat information, and other relevant details of the communities. The main results of the study were as follows: (1) In 178 sample plots of T. dumosa Forest Alliance (simply called T. dumosa forests), a total of 403 vascular plant species were recorded. (2) Tsuga dumosa forests were rich in community types. Through quantitative analytical methods, they have been classified into 11 Association Groups and 34 Associations. (3) The forests’ vertical stratification was obvious. In the arborous layer there were mainly T. domosa and species of Quercus, Abies, Lithocarpus, Picea, Acer and Rhododendron. (4) Tsuga dumosa’s regeneration was active. This study surely provides solid scientific data for a better understanding of the role of T. dumosa forests in the coniferous forest zone of China.

The Caragana tibetica community is a vegetation type distributed only in Central Asia region, in a transitional zone between desert steppe and desert. This community holds significant ecological value within its distribution area. This study reported the data of 55 C. tibetica plots surveyed in Nei Mongol, Qinghai and Xizang. (1) A total of 142 plant species were recorded in the C. tibetica community, belonging to 82 genera from 35 families. The community composition was dominated by Poaceae, Fabaceae, and Asteraceae, with 35 species of shrubs and subshrubs, 72 species of perennial herbs, and 35 species of annual or biennial herbs. (2) The floristic geographic elements were predominantly composed of species with a Gobi-Mongolian distribution (17.61%). Based on the degree of species presence, 126 species (88.73% of the total species) were classified as level I (0-20%), which were occasional species in the community. The life form was mainly composed of hemicryptophytes. In water ecological types, xerophytes (50.00%) and extreme xerophytes (14.79%) were dominated. (3) According to the life form and dominance of species, C. tibetica communities can be classified into 8 Association Groups: C. tibetica - Grass Association Group, C. tibetica - Allium Association Group, C. tibetica - Forb Association Group, C. tibetica + Shrubs - Grass Association Group, C. tibetica + Shrubs - Forb Association Group, C. tibetica - Subshrubs - Grass Association Group, C. tibetica - Subshrubs - Allium Association Group, and C. tibetica - Subshrubs - Forb Association Group. These Association Groups can be further divided into 34 Associations.

Loropetalum chinense shrubland is a widespread and ecologically significant vegetation type in subtropical China, contributing to water regulation, soil conservation, and biodiversity maintenance. However, its ecological attributes and classification at the national scale remain poorly understood. This study provides the first systematic characterization of the structure, distribution, and environmental context of L. chinense shrublands and develops a comprehensive classification to inform conservation and management strategies. We conducted field surveys in 238 plots across the L. chinense shrubland’s distribution from 2011 to 2019. Community type were identified using classical Chinese vegetation classification combined with quantitative methods. We identified community types and quantitatively described their structure and floristic traits, topography, climate, and soil data were analyzed to characterize ecological conditions. Loropetalum chinense shrublands are primarily distributed in low-to-mid mountains and hilly regions (35-1 480 m altitude) under warm, humid subtropical climates (mean annual temperatures: 13.6-20.7 °C; mean coldest month temperatures: 1.6-11.7 °C; annual precipitation: 957-1 802 mm; humidity index: 0.9-1.0). The shrublands occur on diverse soils—red, yellow, latosol, yellow-brown, and limestone—with pH values ranging from 3.71 to 9.08. The flora comprises 598 vascular plant species from 105 families and 318 genera, with tropical genera contributing 52.5% and temperate genera 38.1%. The communities are woody-dominated (67.4%), with evergreen species slightly more prevalent than deciduous species. Herbaceous species are mainly perennial herbs and ferns (80%). Structurally, the shrub layer has 80% mean coverage (mean height: 1.7 m; species richness: 12), where L. chinense is dominant or co-dominant (importance value: 33%). The herbaceous and moss layers averaged 33% and 27% coverage, respectively. The L. chinense alliance was classified into six Association Groups and 34 Associations, placed within Hilly Subtropical Evergreen Broadleaf Shrubland Alliance Group under the Subtropical Evergreen Broadleaf Shrubland Subformation of the Evergreen Broadleaf Shrubland Formation in China’s national vegetation classification. This study provides the nationwide synthesis of L. chinense shrubland characteristics, delivering essential data for conservation planning and sustainable ecosystem management in subtropical China.

Daluo Mountain, located in the southeastern Wenzhou City, lies within the subtropical evergreen broadleaf forest zone. Despite its ecological significance, comprehensive vegetation data for this region remain limited. This study aims to investigate the main vegetation types on Daluo Mountain, focusing on species composition, community characteristics, and distribution patterns. This study employs standard sampling methods to investigate the vegetation. A total of 85 plots were established across Daluo Mountain. Data were collected on species composition, quantitative attributes, and habitat characteristics. Vegetation types were classified and named, resulting in the Daluo Mountain plant community dataset. The survey identified 244 plant species from 179 genera and 96 families. The most species-rich families were Poaceae (23 species), Rosaceae (13 species), Fabaceae (12 species), Asteraceae (7 species), and Cupressaceae (6 species). The most species-rich genera include Ilex (6 species), Symplocos (5 species), Rubus (5 species), Smilax (4 species), and Persicaria (4 species). The vegetation was categorized into 6 Vegetation Formation Groups, 16 Vegetation Formations, and 56 Alliances, providing fundamental data for studying the vegetation characteristics of Daluo Mountain.

The northern and southern mountains of Lanzhou are located at the westernmost part of the Loess Plateau, with herbaceous vegetation as the dominant vegetation, along with shrubs, deserts, and forests. To reveal the detailed vegetation types, community structures, and their geographical distribution, this study used a combination of field sample lines, typical sample surveys, and indoor analyses to systematically investigate the plant communities of these two mountains. A dataset of plant community sample plots was compiled, totaling 72 plots. Through data analysis, a total of 713 plant species belonging to 107 families and 378 genera (including infraspecific units) across four phyla were identified in the northern and southern mountains. Among them, 218 species from 124 genera and 59 families were cultivated plants, and 495 species from 282 genera and 79 families of natural plants. Plant growth form was dominated by herbaceous plants (68.32%), with perennials comprising the majority (66.11%). Woody plants accounted for 31.68%, most of which were deciduous (84.30%). Based on community-ecology classification, the vegetation of the northern and southern mountains can be divided into 4 vegetation formation groups, 9 vegetation formations, and 32 alliances, including 5 needleleaf forest alliances, 5 broadleaf forest alliances, 10 shrubland alliances, 5 steppe alliances, 1 meadow alliance, and 6 desert alliances. This dataset provides essential baseline information for studying plant diversity and ecology in the arid and semi-arid regions of Northwest China. In addition, it serves as a scientific basis for regional ecosystem service supply, ecological environment quality improvement, and sustainable socioeconomic development.

Tropical evergreen broadleaf shrublands in low mountain and hilly areas represent the most extensive shrubland type in China. We surveyed 325 plots between 2011 and 2019 across three dominant vegetation alliances to classify community types and quantify their floristic composition, structure, and distribution. Using classical Chinese vegetation classification and quantitative analysis, we identified three major shrubland types. (1) Baeckea frutescens shrublands occur from 18.4° to 25.9° N and 105.2° to 118.3° E, at altitudes of 0-1 340 m. In 101 plots, we recorded 170 vascular plant species in 52 families and 124 genera, with 79.5% of seed plant genera showing tropical affinities; evergreen broadleaf woody species accounted for 90% of total importance value. This alliance comprises 5 association groups and 7 associations. (2) Rhodomyrtus tomentosa shrublands span 18.2° to 26.2° N and 104.3° to 118.8° E, at 4-700 m altitude. In 205 plots, we recorded 373 vascular plant species across 79 families and 241 genera, with 70.2% tropical genera and 85% importance value for evergreen broadleaf woody species. This alliance includes 4 association groups and 24 associations. (3) Psidium guajava shrublands, occurring between 22.1° to 27.1° N and 101.7° to 113.8° E, at 100-900 m altitude, were recorded in 19 plots, comprising 83 vascular plant species across 38 families and 76 genera, with 71.8% tropical seed plant genera, and an 81% importance value for evergreen broadleaf woody plants. This alien-dominated alliance forms 4 association groups and 5 associations. Baeckea frutescens and Rhodomyrtus tomentosa shrublands share similar community structures and habitat preferences, representing native, natural secondary communities with overlapping ranges. In contrast, Psidium guajava shrublands, dominated by alien plants, pose a growing threat to native vegetation and require urgent monitoring. Our results offer a comprehensive baseline for understanding the structure, function, and dynamics of tropical shrubland ecosystem in China.

Salweenia wardii, a rare and endangered protected plant in China, exists as an extremely small population in the arid valleys of the Hengduan Mountains. Its habitat is fragile and severely fragmented, and systematic research on its community-level ecological adaption mechanisms and conservation strategies remains lacking. Based on literature and field sample surveys, we initially delineated the geographical distribution range of S. wardii. Utilizing data from 28 survey plots collected between 2023 and 2024, we proposed a preliminary community classification scheme, accompanied by a detailed description of the community structure and species composition. The results showed that: (1) S. wardii communities were concentrated in Karuo District, Baxoi County, Lhorong County, and Zhag’yab County of Qamdo City, and formed dominant communities in Karuo Town, Gyari Township, Yongba Township, and Tonggar Town, with distribution altitudes ranging from 3 083 to 3 657 m (specimen records extending to 3 000-4 400 m). (2) A total of 74 vascular plants belonging to 28 families and 55 genera were recorded, mainly xerophytes in the families Gramineae, Asteraceae, and Rosaceae. The life forms spectrum, dominated by deciduous shrubs and perennial herbs, along with floristic characteristics featuring the coexistence of pan-tropical and north-temperate components, reflected their adaptive strategies to seasonal droughts and the evolutionary features of the transitional zone in the Hengduan Mountains. (3) Based on variations in community structure and species composition, S. wardii Alliance could be classified into 6 association groups and 10 associations. (4) The population exhibited low natural regeneration capacity and relied on asexual reproduction for maintenance, necessitating urgent conservation measures. Our findings fill a gap in the taxonomic study of S. wardii and provide a scientific basis and practical guidance for regional biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.

The warm-temperate deciduous broadleaf forest is a zonal vegetation type in warm temperate regions. The natural secondary forests of this forest type are well-preserved in the Dongling Mountain area. Species composition and community characteristics form the basis for studying the structural and functional dynamics of forest ecosystems. These factors have significant impacts on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service functions, and are thus recognized as vital indicators for long-term fixed-point observation of biological components in terrestrial ecosystems. According to the unified observation specifications of the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN), plant community surveys were conducted in 2007, 2010, and 2015 at the comprehensive observation plot of the warm-temperate deciduous broadleaf forest at the Beijing Forest Ecosystem Research Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Data were recorded for trees (diameter at breast height for trees (DBH) ≥ 1 cm), shrubs and herbaceous plants, including scientific names, individual (or clump) counts, mean DBH or basal diameter (BD) for shrubs, mean heights, and life forms. After data collation, quality control, and statistical analysis, a dataset was compiled, including dominant species and their heights, species counts, density, canopy closure (for trees), and total coverage (for shrubs and herbaceous plants). The dataset contains detailed information of a total of 56 plant species (belonging to 44 genera and 25 families), which reflects the community characteristics of the warm-temperate deciduous broadleaf forests and their development trend towards mature forests. The establishment and sharing of this dataset provide critical support for understanding the structural and functional dynamics, as well as the mechanisms of biodiversity maintenance in warm-temperate forest ecosystems under global climate change.

The broadleaf Korean pine forest (Pinus koraiensis) in Changbai Mountain is a zonal vegetation in Northeast China. As one of the largest and best-preserved temperate mixed forest ecosystems worldwide, understanding its species and community composition is vital for the studies of ecosystem structure and function. For this purpose, Changbai Mountain forest ecosystem research station, affiliated to the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) and the Chinese National Ecosystem Research Network (CNERN), has established a permanent sample plot of 1 600 m² quadrat (40 m × 40 m) in the broadleaf Korean pine forest of Changbai mountain since 1998. Long-term ecosystem monitoring and dataset compilation are conducted to the vegetation community following the consistent guidelines of CERN. This dataset includes the raw data of species composition and community characteristics of tree layer, shrub layer and herb layer from two surveys in the plot in 2005 and 2010. Data curation process is also provided as supplementary information. This dataset is fundamental for forest ecosystem research and management.

Multi-scale networked observation is the basic means to obtain regional ecological information, and it is a data source for comprehensively and deeply understanding the dynamics of ecosystems and assessing the interrelationships between ecosystems, global changes and human activities. The Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN), based on the field observation stations of important ecosystem types in China, adopts unified protocols to conduct long-term positional observation and research on typical ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, deserts and marshes in China, providing scientific data support for the construction of the national ecological environment. This dataset covers the plot background, plant community species richness, biomass and habitat information of 84 biological long-term observation plots from 10 forest stations, 6 desert stations, 2 grassland stations and 1 marsh stations of CERN from 1998 to 2010. The dataset has undergone through a strict three-tier audit and quality control process, and constructed a biological and habitat dataset with the annual observation data of the biological long-term observation samples as the basic unit. The dataset can provide data support for the distribution of biological resources, the relationship between biological and environmental changes and human activities.

Database/dataset profile

Shrublands are widely distributed across various islands in China. They have important ecological effects, such as conserving soil and water and protecting biodiversity. In this study, we established 95 sample plots on Haitan Island, Fujian, China, using a standard sampling method. Species composition, quantitative characteristics, and habitat information of the shrublands were recorded. Two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) and redundancy analysis (RDA) were employed for the numerical classification and ordination, respectively. The results showed that: 1) The typical shrublands in the study area can be classified into two categories, one dominated by native plants and the other by exotic species, including 11 alliances and 23 associations in total. Among them, Eurya emarginata and Dodonaea viscosa shrublands were the predominant alliances. 2) The RDA ordination revealed that the shrublands dominated by native species and by exotic species were different in the factors affecting the distribution. The native plant communities were mainly influenced by wind speed and mean annual precipitation, followed by distance from the coastline, total soil soluble salts content, and available nitrogen content. However, the exotic plant communities were likely influenced by multiple factors but the main drivers remained unclear. This study provides original data on the shrublands of Haitan Island, filling the knowledge gap in the shrubland information in this area and offering important foundational information for the compilation of the Vegegraphy of China and the creation of the national vegetation map.

The Hexi Corridor is an important agricultural and ecological area in Gansu and Northwest China. The oasis agriculture in Hexi Corridor relies on abundant light and heat resources, predominantly operates through irrigated farming, and exhibits a notably diverse planting structure. This region is not only an important economic area, but also has significant agricultural distinctiveness and advantages in terms of diversity. The study area is located in the middle part of the Hexi Corridor, within the midstream region of the Heihe River Basin. It is one of the representatives of the oasis agricultural ecological zone in the Hexi Corridor. This region is not only a major grain-producing area in Gansu, but also faces challenges such as water resource scarcity, the coexistence of desertification and oasis expansion. The Gansu Linze National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station of Farmland Ecosystem, Chinese Academy of Sciences (hereinafter referred to as Linze Station), has been a part of the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) since 2003. According to the protocols for CERN long-term observation, Linze Station has conducted long-term investigations on a range of indicators of farmland ecosystems, including cultivation practices, farming systems, harvest characteristics, and yield measurements at harvest time. This dataset compiles and organizes data from the Linze Station covering the period from 2004 to 2010 across four agricultural observation sites, including the Comprehensive Observation Site of Desert-Oasis Farmland Ecosystem, the Auxiliary Observation Site of Desert-Oasis Farmland Ecosystem, the New Oasis Farmland Survey Site, and the Old Oasis Farmland Survey Site. It includes long-term sampling data on crop rotation systems, fertilizer inputs, pesticide/herbicide/growth regulator applications, irrigation practices, harvest traits, and yield measurements at harvest time. This dataset is regional representative and provides foundational data for researchers to understand the water and fertilizer utilization mechanisms in typical irrigated agricultural areas of the Hexi Corridor. It also has significant value for constructing water-saving oases and sustainable development management in this region.

Oasis transition belt is the natural barrier of ecological security in the Taklimakan Desert, and it is also the most sensitive and vulnerable area affected by climate change. The long-term positioning observation of oasis farmland ecosystem plays a crucial role in the construction of ecological environment and the sustainable development of economy and society in this region. The Cele National Station of Observation and Research for Desert-Grassland Ecosystems of Xinjiang of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (referred as “Cele Station” hereafter), located in the southern edge of the Taklimakan Desert, has been carrying out long-term ecological observation of the characteristics and yields of local typical crops at harvest time since 2004. This dataset collected the biological observation data of Cele Station from 2005 to 2010, which mainly included the plot background (including crop types, rotation system, fertilizer input, pesticide input, and irrigation system) and crop traits and yield (including plant number, plant height, boll mass, lint percentage, density, and aboveground dry mass). The dataset could provide important scientific basis for the research on the stability of desert vegetation, the harmonious coexistence of human-sand relationship, and the healthy development of oasis farmland. It could also provide basic information for crop selection, cultivation system improvement, and crop trait changes during harvesting period in arid areas.

The composition of plant species and community characteristics are critical indicators of biodiversity, community structure, service functions, stability, maintenance mechanisms, and successional dynamics in forest ecosystems. These factors form the basis of forest ecosystem research and are essential metrics for long-term observation of biological components within the China Ecosystem Research Network (CERN). The monsoon evergreen broadleaf forest, a zonal vegetation type in southern subtropical China, serves as the primary observation and research site at the Dinghushan Forest Ecosystem Research Station (hereinafter referred to as Dinghushan Station). In accordance with CERN observation standards, Dinghushan Station conducts surveys on long-term observation plots every five years, examining plants from the tree, shrub, herbaceous, epiphyte, and interlayer strata. This dataset includes data on plant composition and community characteristics from four surveys conducted between 1999 and 2015 in the monsoon evergreen broadleaf forest of Dinghushan. The establishment and dissemination of this dataset contribute valuable local data for advancing research on forest ecosystem biodiversity, community structure, stability, maintenance mechanisms, carbon sequestration, successional dynamics, and related researches. It also provides essential information for forest managements, ecosystem function assessments, and ecological restoration efforts.

Montane coniferous plantations in southwest China serve as a crucial ecological barrier of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, fulfilling multiple ecological service functions including soil and water conservation and maintenance of biodiversity. Therefore, these plantations play a key role in maintaining regional ecological security and promoting sustainable development in western China. Plant species composition and community characteristics are critical indicators for studying the structure and functioning of forest ecosystems, and are vital for observation and assessing the dynamics of community succession, biodiversity, ecosystem health and sustainability. We have conducted three community surveys in a 50 m × 50 m permanent plot of montane coniferous plantation in 2005, 2007 and 2010 at the Maoxian Mountain Ecosystem Observation and Research Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The dataset provided detailed information on plant species composition and community characteristics of tree layer, bush layer, herb layer and interlayer vines. Species names, scientific names, individual number, average diameter at breast/basal height, average height, coverage and life form were recorded. Community characteristics included dominant species, density, average height of dominant species and coverage were recorded. Species number (mainly native plants) increased with community succession. However, density in tree and bush layers decreased, caused by the high mortality rate of planted bush trees due to insufficient sunlight under the forest, and native saplings entering into tree layer. The dataset would provide empirical support for studies and practices of vegetation restoration, community succession and sustainable management of montane coniferous plantations in southwest China.

Rice (Oryza sativa) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) are the main crops cultivated in the farmland ecosystem of the Taihu Plain in the Yangtze River Delta. The 1 000-grain weight, grains per panicle, and spikes per plant are agronomic traits of crops, which significantly influence yield. It is of great significance to understand the changes of agronomic traits and yield during the harvest period of crops in this region, and to ensure regional food security and ecological security. The crop harvest traits and yield datasets also directly provide a long-term data verification for global climate change, such as temperature increase. The Jiangsu Changshu National Agro-Ecosystem Observation and Research Station (Changshu Station) is the only national farmland ecosystem scientific observation and research station in the Yangtze River Delta, representing the semi-artificial wetland farmland ecosystem dominated by rice cultivation in the northern subtropical Taihu Lake Plain. This dataset contains rice and winter wheat harvest traits and yield data in the past 17 years (2004-2020), derived from long-term biological observation at Changshu station. This dataset can provide data support for research on crop growth model, remote sensing yield estimation, regional crop growth dynamics, agriculture responds to and adapts to climate change.

Ailaoshan is located in the central Yunnan region, affected by the southwest monsoon. Mid-mountain moist evergreen broadleaf forest vegetation is distributed within the altitude range of 2 000-2 600 m. Establishment of a long-term monitoring plot in mid-mountain moist evergreen broadleaf forest in Ailaoshan (Plot No.: ALFZH01AC0_01) for long-term ecological monitoring has important scientific value. This dataset integrates the data of species composition and community characteristics of the forest plant community, including the tree layer, shrub layer, herbaceous layer, inter-layer epiphyte (parasitic) and interlayer vines by utilizing monitoring data from 2005 and 2010 within the plot. A total of 174 species were recorded, belonging to 70 families and 129 genera. The top 5 families with the largest number of species were Liliaceae (10 species), Rosaceae (9 species), Hydrosauridae (9 species), Lauraceae (6 species) and Theaceae (6 species). The first five genera are Ilex (5 species), Symplocos (5 species), Elatostema (4 species), Impatiens (3 species) and Carex (3 species). The main plant life forms were herbaceous (56 species), accounting for 32.18%; there were 41 species of shrubs, accounting for 23.56%; there were 28 species of trees, accounting for 16.09%. The floristic components of the plot species were mainly tropical Asian species, accounting for 51.72%. According to the Chinese vegetation classification system, the vegetation in the plot were classified as Castanopsis wattii + Schima noronhae + Machilus gamblei - Fargesia wuliangshanensis - Plagiogyria pycnophylla Evergreen Broadleaf Forest.

With the rapid development of society, the scale of plantation is continuously expanding. How to effectively carry out the management of plantation and evaluate the functions of the ecosystem is a long-term research topic. Established in 1984, the Heshan Hilly Comprehensive Open Experimental Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (hereafter referred to as Heshan Station) was focused on plantation ecosystems. Adhering to the long-term observation standards of CERN, it conducts long-term community dynamics observation of the main plantation types in the South China region, accumulating long-term data. This dataset includes the species composition and community characteristics data from the long-term monitoring plot of Acacia mangium plantations at Heshan Station, spanning 2005 to 2015, along with detailed information on the construction process of the dataset. It is expected to provide important data support for plantation management and ecosystem function evaluation.

The hilly and gully region is the most representative geomorphic unit of the Loess Plateau. The complex and fragmented terrain, along with its fragile ecological environment, determines the unique characteristics of agricultural production in this region. The fluvial terraces, as an important agricultural cultivation area, is characterized by its flat terrain and fertile soil, making it a typical agricultural ecosystem type of the region. Crop traits and yields, as fundamental elements in long-term observation of agricultural ecosystems, can directly reflect the productivity of farmlands and are important indicators for assessing agricultural sustainability. Continuous multi-year observations of agricultural ecosystem elements in the fluvial terraces are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic changes in agricultural ecosystems and their interactions with environmental factors. The Ansai Farmland Ecosystem National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station (referred to as Ansai Station) is a core research platform dedicated to the arid and semi-arid hilly regions of the Loess Plateau. It is affiliated with the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) and the National Ecosystem Observation and Research Network (CNERN). The Ansai Station serves as a crucial platform for long-term field observations of farmland ecosystems in the hilly and gully region of the Loess Plateau. This dataset integrates ecological observation data from three long-term observation fields on fluvial terraces at the Ansai Station (2018-2023) under typical cultivation systems, including long-term crop rotation systems, fertilizer inputs, applications of pesticides, herbicides, and growth regulators, harvest period traits, and yield measurements. This dataset provides valuable data support for evaluating the productivity and stability of regional farmland ecosystems, optimizing agricultural management practices, and formulating relevant agricultural policies.

The Horqin Sandy Land is located in the agro-pastoral ecotone of northern China and has the most favorable hydrothermal conditions among the ten major deserts in China. This region features a coexistence of farmland, grassland, and sandy land ecosystems. Despite its fragile ecological environment and severe desertification issues, it is also a key maize (Zea mays) production area in Nei Mongol. Since the 1980s, advancements in agricultural technology have significantly improved maize yield and quality in this region. As the world’s leading cereal crop, maize production and quality remain key areas of agricultural research. This dataset compiles maize plant traits and yield data collected during the harvest period from 2005 to 2015 at the long-term agricultural observation plot of Naiman Desertification Research Station of Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with data on fertilizer inputs and irrigation practices. The establishment and sharing of this dataset will contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamic changes in maize growth under global climate change in Horqin Sandy Land, providing essential scientific evidence for optimizing agricultural management strategies and improving water resource utilization in semi-arid sandy regions.

The Lower Liaohe Plain is an important grain-producing area in Liaoning, and the Shenyang National Field Scientific Observatory of Agricultural Ecosystems in Liaoning (hereinafter referred to as the Shenyang Station) is located in the center of the Lower Liaohe Plain. It is situated at the crossroads of two sample zones: the East-West Moisture Driver and the North-South Heat Driver of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Program (IGBP) in China. Therefore, the long-term observation data of farmland at Shenyang Station can represent the traits of the main crops in the Lower Liaohe Plain well. This is of great significance in guiding agricultural production in the region and also provides a data reference for national food security. Since 1998, the Shenyang Station has established 10 long-term biological monitoring sample plots in farmland ecosystems to carry out continuous observation of biological indicators such as crop growth dynamics, harvest traits and yields, as well as environmental elements including soil, water and atmosphere, thereby accumulating a large amount of continuous observation data. This dataset is derived from the continuous observation data on crop harvest traits and yields from 2005 to 2015 in 10 long-term farmland observation plots at Shenyang Station. It consists of eight parts: the table of crop rotation system, the table of major pesticides, herbicides and other uses, the table of farmland irrigation system, the table of plant traits at the harvest time of rice, the table of plant traits at the harvest time of corn, the table of plant traits at the harvest time of soybeans, the table of crop harvest traits and yield measurement, and the table of fertilizer inputs of the sample plots. The long-term observation of the station was carried out in strict accordance with the observation specifications of the China Ecosystem Research Network (CERN). Quality control was implemented throughout the entire process, from the preparation to the implementation of the survey, and the sorting and recording of the data after the survey, in order to ensure that the data were accurate and reliable. This data provides information on harvest-time traits and yield dynamics of major crops in farmland in the Lower Liaohe Plain, which can be used to assess inter-annual yield fluctuations and provide scientific guidance and a basis for decision-making for optimizing the regional agricultural planting structure and achieving high and stable yields of major crops in the region, so as to provide a strong guarantee for national food security.

Plant species composition and community characteristics are the basis for the structure, function and dynamics of forest ecosystems, which determine forest ecosystem services such as productivity, carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. Plant species composition and community characteristics are important indicators for long-term positional observation of biological elements in terrestrial ecosystems by the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) and the Chinese National Ecosystem Research Network (CNERN). Mixed evergreen and deciduous broadleaf forest is a zonal vegetation type in northern subtropical China, and respond sensitively to environmental change. Subalpine coniferous forest is a typical vegetation type in the upper part of the vertical belt spectrum of the Shennongjia mountainous area, preserving a large area of natural primary forests that are the only remaining ones in Central China, and it is an important ecological barrier in the Qinba mountainous area. Two 100 m × 100 m long-term monitoring sample plots of subalpine coniferous forest and mixed evergreen and deciduous broadleaf forest were set up in 2001 and in 2008, respectively, by the Shennongjia Forest Ecosystem Research Station (National Field Station for Forest Ecosystems in Shennongjia, also known as Shennongjia Biodiversity Research Station of Chinese Academy of Sciences). Plant community inventories were conducted in 2010 in accordance with CERN and CNERN monitoring specifications. Tree layer surveys were conducted in 100 sub-samples of 10 m × 10 m, and shrub and herb layer surveys were conducted in 13 sub-samples of 10 m × 10 m. In the tree layer, all woody plants with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 1 cm were surveyed, and the indicators included plant species name, DBH, height, etc. In the shrub layer, woody plants with DBH < 1 cm were monitored, and the indicators included species name, abundance, average basal diameter, average height, and coverage, etc. In the herb layer, herbaceous plants were monitored, and the indicators included species name, abundance, average height, and coverage. Six data tables for this dataset were formed through statistical organization: data sheet on species composition of forest plant communities in the tree layer, data sheet on the species composition of the shrub layer of forest plant communities, data sheet on the species composition of the herbaceous layer of forest plant communities, data sheet on characterization of tree layer communities of forest plant communities, data sheet on characterization of shrub layer communities of forest plant communities, data sheet on characterization of herbaceous layer communities of forest plant communities. This dataset can provide background data for in-depth investigation into the impact of environmental changes on the community structure and productivity of subtropical forest ecosystems, as well as support the evaluation of ecosystem service functions, biodiversity conservation and ecological quality monitoring in the region.