Plant height along the plant diversity gradient in the Jena Experiment (Main Experiment, year 2002)

This data set contains measurements of plant height: vegetative height (non-flowering indviduals) and regenerative height (flowering individuals) in 2002 from the Main Experiment plots of a large grassland biodiversity experiment (the Jena Experiment; see further details below). In the Main Experiment, 82 grassland plots of 20 x 20 m were established from a pool of 60 species belonging to four functional groups (grasses, legumes, tall and small herbs). In May 2002, varying numbers of plant species from this species pool were sown into the plots to create a gradient of plant species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 60 species) and functional richness (1, 2, 3, 4 functional groups). Plots were maintained by bi-annual weeding and mowing. In 2002, plant height was recorded twice a year: in late June and just before biomass harvest during peak standing biomass in late August. For 3 target plant individuals (if present) per sown species from the central area of the plots, vegetative height (non-flowering indviduals) and regenerative height (flowering individuals) were measured as stretched height. Provided are the indivdiual measurements and the mean over the measured plants per plot (in June) and the mean over the measured plants per plot (in August).