A dataset of atmospheric silicon wet deposition in China's terrestrial ecosystems (2013–2020)

Abstract

As a "quasi essential" nutrient element for plants, Silicon (Si) serves as an essential nutrient for some phytoplankton. Atmospheric deposition has gradually become an important supplement way for silicon nutrients to enter the ecosystem. At present, there is no national observation data report on atmospheric silicon deposition. In 2013, China Wet Deposition Observation Network (ChinaWD) was established based on the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) and stations across the country. Since 2013, the observation network has covered 43 stations nationwide. These stations are evenly distributed in various ecological regions, and almost cover the main types of ecosystems in China. This paper focuses on the compilation and collation of atmospheric silicon wet deposition flux data of 43 stations in ChinaWD network from 2013 to 2020. ChinaWD network boasts rigorous quality assurance and high quality control standards. We adopted standard solutions and blank samples for testing and calibration, and carried out repeated processing to ensure the accuracy of data. All the parameters indicate the high accuracy and reliability of test results. The dataset is expected to make up for the deficiency of regional silicon deposition data, provide data support for the follow-up regional, national and global silicon biogeochemical cycle research. Moreover, it can be used for reference to comprehensively evaluate the proportions and ecological effect of nutrient elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon).