Plant species composition and community characteristics are the basis for the structure, function and dynamics of forest ecosystems, which determine forest ecosystem services such as productivity, carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. Plant species composition and community characteristics are important indicators for long-term positional observation of biological elements in terrestrial ecosystems by the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) and the Chinese National Ecosystem Research Network (CNERN). Mixed evergreen and deciduous broadleaf forest is a zonal vegetation type in northern subtropical China, and respond sensitively to environmental change. Subalpine coniferous forest is a typical vegetation type in the upper part of the vertical belt spectrum of the Shennongjia mountainous area, preserving a large area of natural primary forests that are the only remaining ones in Central China, and it is an important ecological barrier in the Qinba mountainous area. Two 100 m × 100 m long-term monitoring sample plots of subalpine coniferous forest and mixed evergreen and deciduous broadleaf forest were set up in 2001 and in 2008, respectively, by the Shennongjia Forest Ecosystem Research Station (National Field Station for Forest Ecosystems in Shennongjia, also known as Shennongjia Biodiversity Research Station of Chinese Academy of Sciences). Plant community inventories were conducted in 2010 in accordance with CERN and CNERN monitoring specifications. Tree layer surveys were conducted in 100 sub-samples of 10 m × 10 m, and shrub and herb layer surveys were conducted in 13 sub-samples of 10 m × 10 m. In the tree layer, all woody plants with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 1 cm were surveyed, and the indicators included plant species name, DBH, height, etc. In the shrub layer, woody plants with DBH < 1 cm were monitored, and the indicators included species name, abundance, average basal diameter, average height, and coverage, etc. In the herb layer, herbaceous plants were monitored, and the indicators included species name, abundance, average height, and coverage. Six data tables for this dataset were formed through statistical organization: data sheet on species composition of forest plant communities in the tree layer, data sheet on the species composition of the shrub layer of forest plant communities, data sheet on the species composition of the herbaceous layer of forest plant communities, data sheet on characterization of tree layer communities of forest plant communities, data sheet on characterization of shrub layer communities of forest plant communities, data sheet on characterization of herbaceous layer communities of forest plant communities. This dataset can provide background data for in-depth investigation into the impact of environmental changes on the community structure and productivity of subtropical forest ecosystems, as well as support the evaluation of ecosystem service functions, biodiversity conservation and ecological quality monitoring in the region.

The warm-temperate deciduous broadleaf forest is a zonal vegetation type in warm temperate regions. The natural secondary forests of this forest type are well-preserved in the Dongling Mountain area. Species composition and community characteristics form the basis for studying the structural and functional dynamics of forest ecosystems. These factors have significant impacts on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service functions, and are thus recognized as vital indicators for long-term fixed-point observation of biological components in terrestrial ecosystems. According to the unified observation specifications of the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN), plant community surveys were conducted in 2007, 2010, and 2015 at the comprehensive observation plot of the warm-temperate deciduous broadleaf forest at the Beijing Forest Ecosystem Research Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Data were recorded for trees (diameter at breast height for trees (DBH) ≥ 1 cm), shrubs and herbaceous plants, including scientific names, individual (or clump) counts, mean DBH or basal diameter (BD) for shrubs, mean heights, and life forms. After data collation, quality control, and statistical analysis, a dataset was compiled, including dominant species and their heights, species counts, density, canopy closure (for trees), and total coverage (for shrubs and herbaceous plants). The dataset contains detailed information of a total of 56 plant species (belonging to 44 genera and 25 families), which reflects the community characteristics of the warm-temperate deciduous broadleaf forests and their development trend towards mature forests. The establishment and sharing of this dataset provide critical support for understanding the structural and functional dynamics, as well as the mechanisms of biodiversity maintenance in warm-temperate forest ecosystems under global climate change.

The broadleaf Korean pine forest (Pinus koraiensis) in Changbai Mountain is a zonal vegetation in Northeast China. As one of the largest and best-preserved temperate mixed forest ecosystems worldwide, understanding its species and community composition is vital for the studies of ecosystem structure and function. For this purpose, Changbai Mountain forest ecosystem research station, affiliated to the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) and the Chinese National Ecosystem Research Network (CNERN), has established a permanent sample plot of 1 600 m² quadrat (40 m × 40 m) in the broadleaf Korean pine forest of Changbai mountain since 1998. Long-term ecosystem monitoring and dataset compilation are conducted to the vegetation community following the consistent guidelines of CERN. This dataset includes the raw data of species composition and community characteristics of tree layer, shrub layer and herb layer from two surveys in the plot in 2005 and 2010. Data curation process is also provided as supplementary information. This dataset is fundamental for forest ecosystem research and management.

With the rapid development of society, the scale of plantation is continuously expanding. How to effectively carry out the management of plantation and evaluate the functions of the ecosystem is a long-term research topic. Established in 1984, the Heshan Hilly Comprehensive Open Experimental Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (hereafter referred to as Heshan Station) was focused on plantation ecosystems. Adhering to the long-term observation standards of CERN, it conducts long-term community dynamics observation of the main plantation types in the South China region, accumulating long-term data. This dataset includes the species composition and community characteristics data from the long-term monitoring plot of Acacia mangium plantations at Heshan Station, spanning 2005 to 2015, along with detailed information on the construction process of the dataset. It is expected to provide important data support for plantation management and ecosystem function evaluation.

Montane coniferous plantations in southwest China serve as a crucial ecological barrier of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, fulfilling multiple ecological service functions including soil and water conservation and maintenance of biodiversity. Therefore, these plantations play a key role in maintaining regional ecological security and promoting sustainable development in western China. Plant species composition and community characteristics are critical indicators for studying the structure and functioning of forest ecosystems, and are vital for observation and assessing the dynamics of community succession, biodiversity, ecosystem health and sustainability. We have conducted three community surveys in a 50 m × 50 m permanent plot of montane coniferous plantation in 2005, 2007 and 2010 at the Maoxian Mountain Ecosystem Observation and Research Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The dataset provided detailed information on plant species composition and community characteristics of tree layer, bush layer, herb layer and interlayer vines. Species names, scientific names, individual number, average diameter at breast/basal height, average height, coverage and life form were recorded. Community characteristics included dominant species, density, average height of dominant species and coverage were recorded. Species number (mainly native plants) increased with community succession. However, density in tree and bush layers decreased, caused by the high mortality rate of planted bush trees due to insufficient sunlight under the forest, and native saplings entering into tree layer. The dataset would provide empirical support for studies and practices of vegetation restoration, community succession and sustainable management of montane coniferous plantations in southwest China.

The Ordos Sandy Grassland Ecological Research Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (referred to as “Ordos Ecological Station” hereafter) is located on the severely desertified agro-pastoral ecotone in the central-southern part of the Ordos Plateau. It represents a quintessential exemplar of the temperate zonal sandy grassland ecosystem. This region situated within a multi-layered and complex ecogeographical transition zone, harboring exceptionally rich endemic and relict species within the ecosystem species composition. However, over the past 50 years, climate change and escalating human activities have induced grassland degradation and land desertification, severely impacting regional sustainable development. Long-term vegetation observation data are crucial for studying the responses of vegetation to climate changes, as well as vegetation succession and restoration in the region. Therefore, we compiled manually surveyed plant community data from two long-term observation plots at the Ordos Ecological Station from 2004 to 2010. The dataset encompasses information on plot background and vegetation classification, shrub layer species composition, shrub layer community characteristics, herbaceous layer species composition, and herbaceous layer community characteristics. This dataset provides scientific foundation for the study on the Ordos Plateau, including floristic studies, analyses of regional ecosystem structure and function, and investigations into the mechanisms of vegetation succession and restoration.

The Lower Liaohe Plain is an important grain-producing area in Liaoning, and the Shenyang National Field Scientific Observatory of Agricultural Ecosystems in Liaoning (hereinafter referred to as the Shenyang Station) is located in the center of the Lower Liaohe Plain. It is situated at the crossroads of two sample zones: the East-West Moisture Driver and the North-South Heat Driver of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Program (IGBP) in China. Therefore, the long-term observation data of farmland at Shenyang Station can represent the traits of the main crops in the Lower Liaohe Plain well. This is of great significance in guiding agricultural production in the region and also provides a data reference for national food security. Since 1998, the Shenyang Station has established 10 long-term biological monitoring sample plots in farmland ecosystems to carry out continuous observation of biological indicators such as crop growth dynamics, harvest traits and yields, as well as environmental elements including soil, water and atmosphere, thereby accumulating a large amount of continuous observation data. This dataset is derived from the continuous observation data on crop harvest traits and yields from 2005 to 2015 in 10 long-term farmland observation plots at Shenyang Station. It consists of eight parts: the table of crop rotation system, the table of major pesticides, herbicides and other uses, the table of farmland irrigation system, the table of plant traits at the harvest time of rice, the table of plant traits at the harvest time of corn, the table of plant traits at the harvest time of soybeans, the table of crop harvest traits and yield measurement, and the table of fertilizer inputs of the sample plots. The long-term observation of the station was carried out in strict accordance with the observation specifications of the China Ecosystem Research Network (CERN). Quality control was implemented throughout the entire process, from the preparation to the implementation of the survey, and the sorting and recording of the data after the survey, in order to ensure that the data were accurate and reliable. This data provides information on harvest-time traits and yield dynamics of major crops in farmland in the Lower Liaohe Plain, which can be used to assess inter-annual yield fluctuations and provide scientific guidance and a basis for decision-making for optimizing the regional agricultural planting structure and achieving high and stable yields of major crops in the region, so as to provide a strong guarantee for national food security.

Rice (Oryza sativa) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) are the main crops cultivated in the farmland ecosystem of the Taihu Plain in the Yangtze River Delta. The 1 000-grain weight, grains per panicle, and spikes per plant are agronomic traits of crops, which significantly influence yield. It is of great significance to understand the changes of agronomic traits and yield during the harvest period of crops in this region, and to ensure regional food security and ecological security. The crop harvest traits and yield datasets also directly provide a long-term data verification for global climate change, such as temperature increase. The Jiangsu Changshu National Agro-Ecosystem Observation and Research Station (Changshu Station) is the only national farmland ecosystem scientific observation and research station in the Yangtze River Delta, representing the semi-artificial wetland farmland ecosystem dominated by rice cultivation in the northern subtropical Taihu Lake Plain. This dataset contains rice and winter wheat harvest traits and yield data in the past 17 years (2004-2020), derived from long-term biological observation at Changshu station. This dataset can provide data support for research on crop growth model, remote sensing yield estimation, regional crop growth dynamics, agriculture responds to and adapts to climate change.

The Horqin Sandy Land is located in the agro-pastoral ecotone of northern China and has the most favorable hydrothermal conditions among the ten major deserts in China. This region features a coexistence of farmland, grassland, and sandy land ecosystems. Despite its fragile ecological environment and severe desertification issues, it is also a key maize (Zea mays) production area in Nei Mongol. Since the 1980s, advancements in agricultural technology have significantly improved maize yield and quality in this region. As the world’s leading cereal crop, maize production and quality remain key areas of agricultural research. This dataset compiles maize plant traits and yield data collected during the harvest period from 2005 to 2015 at the long-term agricultural observation plot of Naiman Desertification Research Station of Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with data on fertilizer inputs and irrigation practices. The establishment and sharing of this dataset will contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamic changes in maize growth under global climate change in Horqin Sandy Land, providing essential scientific evidence for optimizing agricultural management strategies and improving water resource utilization in semi-arid sandy regions.

The hilly and gully region is the most representative geomorphic unit of the Loess Plateau. The complex and fragmented terrain, along with its fragile ecological environment, determines the unique characteristics of agricultural production in this region. The fluvial terraces, as an important agricultural cultivation area, is characterized by its flat terrain and fertile soil, making it a typical agricultural ecosystem type of the region. Crop traits and yields, as fundamental elements in long-term observation of agricultural ecosystems, can directly reflect the productivity of farmlands and are important indicators for assessing agricultural sustainability. Continuous multi-year observations of agricultural ecosystem elements in the fluvial terraces are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic changes in agricultural ecosystems and their interactions with environmental factors. The Ansai Farmland Ecosystem National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station (referred to as Ansai Station) is a core research platform dedicated to the arid and semi-arid hilly regions of the Loess Plateau. It is affiliated with the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) and the National Ecosystem Observation and Research Network (CNERN). The Ansai Station serves as a crucial platform for long-term field observations of farmland ecosystems in the hilly and gully region of the Loess Plateau. This dataset integrates ecological observation data from three long-term observation fields on fluvial terraces at the Ansai Station (2018-2023) under typical cultivation systems, including long-term crop rotation systems, fertilizer inputs, applications of pesticides, herbicides, and growth regulators, harvest period traits, and yield measurements. This dataset provides valuable data support for evaluating the productivity and stability of regional farmland ecosystems, optimizing agricultural management practices, and formulating relevant agricultural policies.

The Hexi Corridor is an important agricultural and ecological area in Gansu and Northwest China. The oasis agriculture in Hexi Corridor relies on abundant light and heat resources, predominantly operates through irrigated farming, and exhibits a notably diverse planting structure. This region is not only an important economic area, but also has significant agricultural distinctiveness and advantages in terms of diversity. The study area is located in the middle part of the Hexi Corridor, within the midstream region of the Heihe River Basin. It is one of the representatives of the oasis agricultural ecological zone in the Hexi Corridor. This region is not only a major grain-producing area in Gansu, but also faces challenges such as water resource scarcity, the coexistence of desertification and oasis expansion. The Gansu Linze National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station of Farmland Ecosystem, Chinese Academy of Sciences (hereinafter referred to as Linze Station), has been a part of the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) since 2003. According to the protocols for CERN long-term observation, Linze Station has conducted long-term investigations on a range of indicators of farmland ecosystems, including cultivation practices, farming systems, harvest characteristics, and yield measurements at harvest time. This dataset compiles and organizes data from the Linze Station covering the period from 2004 to 2010 across four agricultural observation sites, including the Comprehensive Observation Site of Desert-Oasis Farmland Ecosystem, the Auxiliary Observation Site of Desert-Oasis Farmland Ecosystem, the New Oasis Farmland Survey Site, and the Old Oasis Farmland Survey Site. It includes long-term sampling data on crop rotation systems, fertilizer inputs, pesticide/herbicide/growth regulator applications, irrigation practices, harvest traits, and yield measurements at harvest time. This dataset is regional representative and provides foundational data for researchers to understand the water and fertilizer utilization mechanisms in typical irrigated agricultural areas of the Hexi Corridor. It also has significant value for constructing water-saving oases and sustainable development management in this region.

Agriculture is the foundation of social-economic development on the Xizang Plateau. Constrained by the region’s natural conditions, agriculture activities are predominantly concentrated in plateau river valley areas, including the Yarlung Zangbo River, Nyangchu River and Lhasa River. The primary crops cultivated in these areas are grain and oil crops, include highland barley (Hordeum vulgare var. coeleste), wheat (Triticum aestivum) and rapeseed (Brassica rapa var. oleifera), which favor cool climate. The Lhasa National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station of Agro-ecosystem, Xizang (Lhasa Station), is located in the Lhasa River Valley agricultural area in the heart of the Qingzang Plateau, serving as a typical representative site of plateau agricultural regions. With a focus on monitoring the long-term dynamic of the plateau farmland ecosystem, Lhasa Station has established one comprehensive observation field, one long-term experimental observation field and two farmer survey points to conduct long-term and fixed-site observations on typical cultivation patterns of the region’s main crops, including highland barley, wheat, and rapeseed. This dataset includes the observation data of the crop harvest traits and yield in Lhasa River valley collected by Lhasa Station from 2016 to 2020, including five parts: farmland multiple cropping index and crop rotation system, fertilizer input of farmland crops, farmland irrigation, crop harvest trait data, and crop yield data. This dataset will provide scientific basis and data support for agricultural capacity assessment, sustainable agricultural production management and smart agricultural system development in this agricultural area.

Oasis transition belt is the natural barrier of ecological security in the Taklimakan Desert, and it is also the most sensitive and vulnerable area affected by climate change. The long-term positioning observation of oasis farmland ecosystem plays a crucial role in the construction of ecological environment and the sustainable development of economy and society in this region. The Cele National Station of Observation and Research for Desert-Grassland Ecosystems of Xinjiang of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (referred as “Cele Station” hereafter), located in the southern edge of the Taklimakan Desert, has been carrying out long-term ecological observation of the characteristics and yields of local typical crops at harvest time since 2004. This dataset collected the biological observation data of Cele Station from 2005 to 2010, which mainly included the plot background (including crop types, rotation system, fertilizer input, pesticide input, and irrigation system) and crop traits and yield (including plant number, plant height, boll mass, lint percentage, density, and aboveground dry mass). The dataset could provide important scientific basis for the research on the stability of desert vegetation, the harmonious coexistence of human-sand relationship, and the healthy development of oasis farmland. It could also provide basic information for crop selection, cultivation system improvement, and crop trait changes during harvesting period in arid areas.