A dataset of biomass of the alpine shrub meadow (2003–2020) and the alpine Kobresia humilis (2002–2020) observed at the CO2 flux monitoring station in Haibei, China

Abstract

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) is a hotspot and sensitive region affected by global climate change. The alpine shrub and alpine Kobresia humilis meadow are the primary types of alpine meadow found in this area, which play an important role in the sustainable development of the QTP and even the global alpine meadow ecosystem. Biomass, as a direct index reflecting the production function of grassland ecosystem, can be used to effectively study the relationship between grassland ecosystem function and other influencing factors. The precise measurement and assessment of the biomass of the alpine shrub and alpine Kobresia humilis meadow are crucial elements for gaining a scientific understanding of the ecological functions of the alpine meadow on the QTP. The National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station of Alpine Grassland Ecosystem located in Haibei Prefecture, Qinghai Province (Haibei Station) has been conducting scientific monitoring of the biomass of alpine Potentilla fruticosa shrub and alpine Kobresia humilis meadow respectively since 2002 and 2003. Haibei Station has continuously accumulated the original data of these two ecosystems for 17 and 18 years respectively. In order to precisely evaluate the carbon sink potential of the alpine shrub and alpine Kobresia humilis meadow ecosystems in the QTP and even the global, and accurately predict the long-term response of the ecosystem to climate change, we published the biomass data of the alpine shrub (2003-2020) and alpine Kobresia humilis meadow (2002-2020) in the Haibei Flux Monitoring Station. This dataset includes aboveground biomass and underground biomass of the alpine shrub and alpine Kobresia humilis meadow. It can provide ground observation data support for scientific cognition, remote sensing inversion and model verification of the spatial and temporal dynamics of ecosystem biomass in alpine meadows, and contribute to the healthy and sustainable development of alpine meadows.