READ ME File For 'Chapter 3 – Peatland plant functional type effects on decomposition factors are non-pervasive, but microhabitat dependent'

Dataset DOI: 10.5258/SOTON/D3711

ReadMe Author: Najam e Sahar, University of Southampton  
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-1338-730X


This dataset supports the thesis chapter entitled:  
"Peatland plant functional type effects on decomposition factors are non-pervasive, but microhabitat dependent"  

AWARDED BY: University of Southampton  
DATE OF AWARD: 2024  

Date of data collection: 2019–2022  

Information about geographic location of data collection:  
Storr, Northern Sweden (peatland study site)

Licence:  
Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0)

Related projects/Funders:  
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Doctoral Training Partnership (NE/S007407/1)

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DATA & FILE OVERVIEW
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This dataset contains:

- Chapter3DataTBI.zip — compressed folder containing raw and processed data from decomposition experiments.  
  Includes:
    - decomposition_data.csv — litter mass loss and decomposition rate
    - any scripts or code used for basic processing (if included)

Relationship between files, if important for context:  
Each data file corresponds to the same set of decomposition plots and sampling dates, linked by sample ID.  

Additional related data collected that was not included in the current data package:  
Sequencing data from microbial community analysis (included in a separate Chapter 2 dataset).  

If data was derived from another source, list source:  
Not applicable.  

If there are multiple versions of the dataset, list the file updated, when and why update was made:  
Version 1.0 — Initial upload for DOI registration, October 2025.

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METHODOLOGICAL INFORMATION
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Description of methods used for collection/generation of data:  
Decomposition rates were measured using the Tea Bag Index (TBI) method across peatland microhabitats (hummocks, lawns, hollows). Environmental data (temperature, moisture) were recorded using field sensors.  

Methods for processing the data:  
Data were compiled and cleaned in Microsoft Excel and R (version 4.2). Mass loss and decomposition constants were calculated using standard TBI formulas.  

Software- or Instrument-specific information needed to interpret the data:  
CSV files can be opened in Excel, R, or Python.  

Standards and calibration information, if appropriate:  
Standard TBI calibration procedures were followed.  

Environmental/experimental conditions:  
Samples were incubated in situ in northern peatland environments under natural field conditions (2019–2022).  

Describe any quality-assurance procedures performed on the data:  
Field replicates were used. Data were checked for missing values and outliers.  

People involved with sample collection, processing, analysis and/or submission:  
Najam e Sahar (data collection, analysis, and submission). 
DATA-SPECIFIC INFORMATION


Number of variables: 20–25 (depending on file)  

Number of cases/rows: Approx. 150–200 samples per file  

Variable list, defining any abbreviations, units of measure, codes or symbols used:  
- Sample_ID: unique code per litterbag  
- Site: field location  
- Microhabitat: hummock, lawn, or hollow  
- Mass_loss (%): percentage mass lost  
- PFT: plant functional type  

Missing data codes:  
NA = not available  

Specialized formats or other abbreviations used:  
None  

Date that the file was created: October 2025