In all four seasons (summer 2008, autumn 2008, spring 2009 and winter 2010) the gravimetric soil water content of the mineral soil in up to 6 soil layers was determined. Soil sampling was performed in parallel with nitrate and ammonium extractions.

Gravimetric water content is the mass of water per mass of dry soil." The gravimetric water content of the mineral soil was determined in all seasons (summer 2008, autumn 2008, spring 2009 and winter 2010) in the all 27 CSPs. Soil samples were taken using a standard soil corer (diameter 1.3 cm, Eijkelkamp, Netherlands) from the mineral soil (A- and B-horizon) in 5 increments (0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50cm). Sampling was intensified for autumn, winter and spring by dividing the upper soil layer (0-10cm) into two increments (0-5 and 5-10cm). Soil samples were collected in the four corners of the central subplot (10m x 10m) and were pooled per soil layer for analysis. The soil was sieved (2 mm) and a subsample of 5g was used to determine water content. Samples were dried at 105°C for 24h and moisture data are presented as percent dry weight.

CSPs of the BEF China Experiment, Gutianshan Nature Reserve 29°08'-29°17'N 118°02'-118°11'E

summer 2008, autumn 2008, spring 2009 and winter 2010

soil samples, no organisms

Data analysis