Dataset: Needle Morphology

Methods

The methods followed in the creation of the dataset, including description of field, laboratory and processing steps, and quality control procedures

Current Methods

• Experimental design
  Started: 0001-01-01
  

  A split-split plot experimental design was used on the plots, split by species (balsam vs fir) first and then samples were split by crown position (sun vs shade). After sample processing, three needles from each sample were used for anatomical measurements.

  Instrumentation: R:FR meter (Skye instruments);

  Software: Leica Q500MC and QWin V1.00 (Leica Cambridge Ltd.)

• Photosynthetic rates
  
  

  Photosynthesis measurements were made on detached shoots with their ends immersed in vials of water. Projected needle area and dry mass were measured and then used to convert the measured photosynthetic rates to projected needle area. Chl NDI and PRI indices were used to obtain physiological insights from the chlorophyll fluorescence and spectral reflectance of dark-adapted foliage.

  Instrumentation: OS-500 Modulated Fluorometer UniSpec Spectral Analysis System

• Foliar C-13 analysis
  
  

  Using a pool of three samples from each site x crown position x species combination, an analysis of foliar C-13 was conducted by a commercial laboratory.

  Instrumentation: Europa Scientific ANCA-GSL elemental analyzer

  Quality Control Measures: Two replicated of every fifth sample were analyzed sequentially. All samples were run against a flour standard and results are expressed in relation to the PDB standard.

Dataset Fields

Detailed documentation of the fields comprising the dataset, including the type of measurement, units where applicable, and any controlled vocabularies or code lists present in the data

Sampling Equipment

Equipment and software used to collect data, including how that equipment was used.

Site Characteristics

The spatial extent of the dataset site coverage, and descriptions of the spatial extent and context for the data collection

• Site Description

  Sampling sites were located on three mountains (Whiteface Mt., Mt. Mansfield and Mt. Moosilauke), along two transects on each mountain (eastern and southern), at three elevations on each transect (low, mid and high elevation), for two species (red spruce and balsam fir) and two crown positions (sun and shade).