Dzhanybek Steppe Biomass and Climate Time Series, 1955-1989

Long-term biomass and climate measurements from a semi-desert steppe at the Dzhanybek Research Station in Kazakhstan. The dataset includes a time series of peak live biomass from 1955 to 1989 (excluding 1976), seasonal above-ground biomass and dead matter from 1985-1989, and monthly/annual climate data from 1953-1989. Averaged values include above-ground live phytomass at 137 g/m², standing dead at 32 g/m², below-ground phytomass at 1,750 g/m², and ANPP estimated at 201 g/m²/yr.

Use Cases

• Analyzing long-term trends in grassland biomass based on a 34-year measurement series.
• Modeling relationships between climate variables and primary production using the provided monthly and annual climate data.
• Calibrating or validating ecosystem models for semi-desert steppes using the detailed phytomass and ANPP estimates.
• Studying seasonal biomass dynamics and dead matter accumulation using the detailed 1985-1989 seasonal measurements.

Strengths

• Provides a long-term ecological record spanning 34 years (1955-1989) for biomass and 36 years (1953-1989) for climate.
• Includes detailed, site-specific average biomass estimates (e.g., below-ground phytomass: 1,750 g/m²).
• Data files have been checked for accuracy and are identical to the original 1997 publication.

Limitations

• Row and column counts are unknown, limiting assessment of dataset granularity and structure.
• Conflicting last updated dates exist between platforms (1989 vs. 2026), suggesting metadata inconsistencies.
• The dataset excludes biomass measurements for the year 1976.

Provenance

Source

Dzhanybek Research Station, Kazakhstan.

Collection Method

Field measurements of peak live biomass and seasonal above-ground biomass and dead matter.

Time Range

1953 to 1989

Freshness

2026-04-09 23:42:09.214199

Geography

Dzhanybek Research Station, Kazakhstan (49.33 N, 46.78 E, Elevation 20 m).