In this datapaper we describe the dataset of the Global Change, Altitudinal Range Shift and Colonization of Degraded Habitats in Mediterranean Mountains (MIGRAME) project, which aims to asses the capacity of altitudinal migration and colonization of marginal habitats by Quecurs pyreanica Willd. forests in Sierra Nevada (southern Spain) considering two global change drivers: temperature increase and land use changes. The dataset includes information of the forest structure (diameter size, tree height and abundance) of the Quercus pyrenaica ecosystem in Sierra Nevada obtaided from 199 transect sampled at the treeline ecotone, mature forest and marginal habitats (abandoned cropland and pine plantations). A total of 3839 occurence records were collected and 5751 measurement recorded. The dataset is included in the Sierra Nevada Global-Change Observatory (OBSNEV), a long-term research project designed to compile socio-ecological information on the major ecosystem types in order to identify the impacts of global change in this area.

Vegetation structure (mainly forest) derived by an arial photo analysis

This dataset contains a long-term record of tree (Pinus sp.) defoliation by pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) in a series of pine forest plots distributed throughout the Granada province (SE Spain). The plots are part of a monitoring network, aimed to study the phenology and intensity of defoliation by this lepidopteran, that occasionally causes severe defoliation in Mediterranean pine forests. The file includes descriptive features of the plots as well as annual records of defoliation and population size.

Vegetation survey data of mature beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) plantation at the LTER site Sonian forest (LTER_EU_BE_02), Belgium. The percentage cover of vascular plant and moss species was recorded on 10 x 10 m (100 m²) permanently marked subplots between the years 1996 and 2017.

Bulk precipitation measurement for LTER site Mazsalaca pine, 1992-2012

Air temperature data for LTER site Mazsalaca pine forest, 1992-2012

Climate change scenarios suggest that subalpine forests in the Alps will be affected by a reduction of snow cover duration. Consequently, the alteration of pedoclimatic conditions could determine important consequences on soil nitrogen and carbon dynamics. In this study we consider the effects of snow cover duration (SCD) and pedoclimatic conditions on topsoil carbon and nitrogen cycling during the snow-free season along an altitudinal gradient (1550m-1900m asl) in NW Italian Alps (LTER site Mars). Three study sites under a Larch (Larix decidua) stand were instrumented with suction cup lysimeters and soil temperature and moisture sensors. Sampling and analysis are done monthly during the growing season.

Climate change scenarios suggest that subalpine forests in the Alps will be affected by a reduction of snow cover duration. Consequently, the alteration of pedoclimatic conditions could determine important consequences on soil nitrogen and carbon dynamics. In this study we consider the effects of snow cover duration (SCD) and pedoclimatic conditions on topsoil carbon and nitrogen cycling during the snow-free season along an altitudinal gradient (1550m-1900m asl) in NW Italian Alps (LTER site Mars). Three study sites under a Larch (Larix decidua) stand were instrumented with suction cup lysimeters and soil temperature and moisture sensors. Sampling and analysis are done monthly during the growing season.

Climate change scenarios suggest that subalpine forests in the Alps will be affected by a reduction of snow cover duration. Consequently, the alteration of pedoclimatic conditions could determine important consequences on soil nitrogen and carbon dynamics. In this study we consider the effects of snow cover duration (SCD) and pedoclimatic conditions on topsoil carbon and nitrogen cycling during the snow-free season along an altitudinal gradient (1550m-1900m asl) in NW Italian Alps (LTER site Mars). Three study sites under a Larch (Larix decidua) stand were instrumented with suction cup lysimeters and soil temperature and moisture sensors. Sampling and analysis are done monthly during the growing season.

Climate change scenarios suggest that subalpine forests in the Alps will be affected by a reduction of snow cover duration. Consequently, the alteration of pedoclimatic conditions could determine important consequences on soil nitrogen and carbon dynamics. In this study we consider the effects of snow cover duration (SCD) and pedoclimatic conditions on topsoil carbon and nitrogen cycling during the snow-free season along an altitudinal gradient (1550m-1900m asl) in NW Italian Alps (LTER site Mars). Three study sites under a Larch (Larix decidua) stand were instrumented with suction cup lysimeters and soil temperature and moisture sensors. Sampling and analysis are done monthly during the growing season.