Grass Drought Timing Experiment in Swiss Plots, 2013-2015

A Swiss field experiment established in August 2013 on 168 plots (3 × 5 m) with six grass species in monoculture. The dataset likely contains measurements from control and seasonal drought treatments (spring, summer, fall) applied for ten weeks using rainout shelters, with hourly sensor data for soil water potential, humidity, and temperature. Claudia Hahn from the University of Basel conducted the research, which received standardized fertilization and watering interventions.

Use Cases

• Modeling grass productivity and resilience based on drought timing and species traits mentioned in the description.
• Analyzing soil water potential dynamics under simulated drought conditions using the described hourly sensor measurements.
• Comparing physiological responses of early and late flowering grass cultivars to seasonal water deficits.
• Studying the interaction between mineral fertilization (N, P, K, Mg) and drought stress on grassland yield.

Strengths

• Experimental design includes 168 plots with six distinct grass species and four treatments (control plus three drought timings).
• Hourly measurements of soil water potential, air temperature, and relative humidity were collected using VP-3 and MPS-2 sensors.
• Precise fertilization and watering protocols are documented, including application rates of 280 kg N/ha and supplemental watering at specific soil moisture thresholds.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

University of Basel

Collection Method

Field experiment with controlled drought simulations using rainout shelters and sensor-based environmental monitoring.

Time Range

Experiment established August 2013, with data collection referenced for 2014 and 2015.

Geography

Research site in Switzerland, with meteorological data from stations Zurich Affoltern and Zurich Kloten.