Survival and growth data for tree species planted to reforest degraded tropical peat swamp forests and functional trait data for peat swamp forest species across Southeast Asia

Degraded tropical peat swamp forests are harsh environments so difficult to restore. Evidence from past restoration projects can inform selection of species for planting. As part of a systematic review, we collated and synthesised survival and growth monitoring data on trees planted in degraded tropical peat swamp forests across Southeast Asia. A key aim of the systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine which tree species survive best when planted to restore tropical peat swamp forests. We also investigated the impact of seedling and site treatments and climatic conditions (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) on tree seedling survival and growth and the potential to use plant functional traits to predict survival and growth.  

Full methodological details of the systematic review, including: search strategy, article screening and inclusion criteria, critical appraisal of screened articles, data processing and data analysis can be found in the published article and supporting information stated below.

Smith SW, Rahman NEB, Harrison ME, Shiodera S, Giesen W, Lampela M, Wardle DA, Chong KY, Randi A, Wijedasa LS, Teo PY, Fatimah, YA, Teng NT, Joanne YKQ, Alam MJ, Brugues Sintes P, Darusman T, Graham LLB, Katoppo DR, Kojima K, Kusin K, Lestari DP, Metali F, Morrogh-Bernard HC, Nahor MB, Napitupulu RRP, Nasir D, Nath TK, Nilus R, Norisada M, Rachmanadi D, Rachmat HH, Ripoll Capilla B, Salahuddin, Santosa PB, Sukri RS, Tay B, Tuah W, Wedeux, BMM, Yamanoshita T, Yokoyama EY, Yuwati TW, Lee JSH. Tree species that ‘live slow, die older’ enhance tropical peat swamp restoration: evidence from a systematic review. Journal of Applied Ecology. DOI:10.1111/1365-2664.14232

In this data repository, we have uploaded the following data used in the meta-analysis to generate the findings presented in the systematic review, specifically:

• Screening sheets of eligible articles across languages (English, Indonesian, Japanese and German) read in detailed by multiple authors on the review
• Survival monitoring data, including predicted half-life (duration until 50% mortality) derived from functional line-fitting
• Height monitoring data, including standardized relative growth rates (cm × cm^-1 month^-1) derived from functional line-fitting
• Plant functional traits, selected leaf nutrient contents and wood densities for those species used in the functional trait analyses

Each data file has an associated meta-data file explaining the column headers and variables. Please note, data contributors from some studies wished to retain control over access to their monitoring data, but are willing to share this data on request. The relevant study-site code those studies used in the analyses in our systematic review can be found in the meta-data sheets. Details given include study-site code (used in the systematic review), site name and location, author name(s), author contact email(s). All these details have been provided with permission from relevant data contributor co-author(s).