BGB_TROPICAL ANDES_REVIEW

Description

This dataset supports the systematic review “Quantifying belowground biomass in the Tropical Andes: a systematic review of methods, knowledge gaps, and sources of variation." Rather than testing a single a priori hypothesis, the review evaluated whether methodological choices contribute to variation in reported belowground biomass (BGB) stock and root productivity estimates across tropical Andean ecosystems. The dataset was compiled through systematic searches of Scopus and Web of Science for studies published between 2000 and 2026, with the final search conducted on 12 September 2026. The searches retrieved 1,714 records (865 from Scopus and 849 from Web of Science). After duplicate removal, title and abstract screening, and full-text assessment following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 34 studies comprising 228 sampling-site records were included. Data extracted from these studies include bibliographic information, country, sampling site, geographical coordinates, elevation, ecosystem type, BGB quantification method, root fraction, sampling depth and area, replication, and reported BGB stock and productivity. Estimates were standardised to Mg ha⁻¹ for biomass stock and Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ for productivity. The repository contains the original Scopus and Web of Science search outputs, the curated study- and site-level data extracted from the studies included in the review, and an analysis-ready dataset used for methodological and ecosystem comparisons. Users should consider method, root fraction, sampling depth, sampling area, and ecosystem when interpreting or comparing BGB values, because different approaches quantify different components and spatial or temporal scales of belowground biomass.

Steps to reproduce

The dataset was generated through a systematic literature review of studies quantifying belowground biomass (BGB) stock and root productivity in the Tropical Andes. Literature searches were conducted in Scopus and Web of Science for publications from 2000 to 2026, with the final search performed on 12 September 2026. Database-specific search strings combined terms related to belowground biomass, root biomass, root production, and productivity with geographical terms identifying the Tropical Andes. The searches retrieved 1,714 records (865 from Scopus and 849 from Web of Science). Duplicate records were removed before screening. Two additional relevant studies were identified through complementary manual searching. Titles and abstracts were screened according to predefined eligibility criteria, followed by full-text assessment. Study selection was conducted independently by two reviewers, with disagreements resolved by consensus, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. No automated tools were used for study selection. The final dataset included 34 studies comprising 228 sampling-site records. For each eligible study, data were manually extracted on study identity, geographical location, ecosystem, elevation, BGB quantification method, methodological approach, root fraction, sampling depth and area, replication, and reported BGB stock and productivity. Roots <2 mm in diameter were classified as fine roots and roots ≥2 mm as coarse roots. BGB stock and productivity estimates were standardised to Mg ha⁻¹ and Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, respectively. Where values were reported as carbon stocks, they were converted to biomass assuming that carbon represented 50% of dry biomass.

Institutions

• National University Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza

  Amazonas, Chachapoyas

Categories

Funders

• PROCIENCIA

  Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación Tecnológica

  Lima Province, Lima

  Grant ID: “Interinstitutional Alliances for Doctoral Programs” (E077-2023-01-BM, Contract grant PE501090611-2024) and the grant “Interinstitutional Partnerships for Doctoral Programs” (E033- 2023-01-BM, Contract grant PE501084305-2023).

Licence