Grassland Biomass and Climate Data for Charleville, Australia

Biomass and productivity data for native C3 and introduced C4 grasslands near Charleville, Australia, collected via harvest techniques over a 12-month study from 1973 to 1974. The dataset includes above- and below-ground biomass, litterfall, bioelement data, and a 52-year climate record from a local weather station spanning 1942 to 1994. This data was compiled by NASA to parameterize a simulation model for primary production and livestock carrying capacity.

Use Cases

• Comparing shoot/root allocation between native C3 and introduced C4 grassland species using above-ground and below-ground biomass columns.
• Modeling annual net primary production (NPP) by summing peak above-ground standing crop and root increment data.
• Analyzing long-term climate trends for the region using the 52-year precipitation and temperature time series.
• Studying nutrient cycling dynamics via litter production and bioelement data available for the native grassland site.

Strengths

• Includes a long-term 52-year climate record (1942-1994) from a local weather station.
• Provides detailed biomass measurements, with peak above-ground standing crop quantified at 122 g/m2 and 154 g/m2 for the two grassland types.
• Data collection method is clearly documented as harvest techniques over a 12-month period.

Limitations

• Exact row counts and full column names are not provided by any source.
• Sources conflict on the dataset's last updated date, listing both 1994-12-31 and 2026-03 12.
• Soil moisture data is referenced but not included in the provided files, requiring consultation of external literature.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Harvest techniques for biomass and productivity; weather station records for climate data.

Time Range

1942 to 1994 (climate data); 1973 to 1974 (biomass study).

Freshness

2026-03-12 23:12:40.059407

Geography

Grassland near Charleville, Queensland, Australia (-26.40 S, 146.27 E, Elevation 304 m).