Soil and stem xylem water isotope data from two pan-European sampling campaigns
Authors: Lehmann Marco M. , Geris Josie , van Meerveld Ilja , Penna Daniele , Rothfuss Youri , Verdone Matteo , Ala-Aho Pertti , Arvai Matyas , Babre Alise , Balandier Philippe , Bernhard Fabian , Butorac Lukrecija , Carrière Simon Damien , Ceperley Natalie C. , Chen Zuosinan , Correa Alicia , Diao Haoyu , Dubbert David , Dubbert Maren , Ercoli Fabio , Floriancic Marius G. , Gimeno Teresa E. , Gounelle Damien , Hagedorn Frank , Hissler Christophe , Huneau Frédéric , Iraheta Alberto , Jakovljević Tamara , Kazakis Nerantzis , Kern Zoltan , Knaebel Karl , Kobler Johannes , Kocum Jiří , Koeber Charlotte , Koren Gerbrand , Kübert Angelika , Kupka Dawid , Le Gall Samuel , Lehtonen Aleksi , Leydier Thomas , Malagoli Philippe , Manca di Villahermosa Francesca Sofia , Marchina Chiara , Martínez-Carreras Núria , Martin-StPaul Nicolas , Marttila Hannu , Meyer Oliveira Aline , Monvoisin Gaël , Orlowski Natalie , Palmik-Das Kadi , Persoiu Aurel , Popa Andrei , Prikaziuk Egor , Quantin Cécile , Rinne-Garmston Katja T. , Rohde Clara , Sanda Martin , Saurer Matthias , Schulz Daniel , Stockinger Michael Paul , Stumpp Christine , Venisse Jean-Stéphane , Vlcek Lukas , Voudouris Stylianos , Weeser Björn , Wilkinson Mark E. , Zuecco Giulia , Meusburger Katrin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract. Stable isotope ratios of hydrogen (δ2H) and oxygen (δ18O) are crucial for studying ecohydrological dynamics in forests. However, most studies are confined to single sites, resulting in a lack of large-scale isotope data for understanding tree water uptake. Here, we provide a first systematic isotope dataset of soil and stem xylem water collected during two pan-European sampling campaigns at 40 beech (Fagus sylvatica), spruce (Picea abies), or mixed beech-spruce forest sites in spring and summer 2023 (Lehmann et al., 2024). The dataset is complemented by additional site-, soil-, and tree-specific metadata. The samples and metadata were collected by different researchers across Europe following a standardized protocol. Soil samples were taken at up to 5 depths (ranging from 0 to 90 cm) and stem xylem samples from three beech and/or spruce trees per site. All samples were sent to a single laboratory, where all analytical work was conducted. Water was extracted using cryogenic vacuum distillation and analyzed with an isotope laser spectrometer. Additionally, a subset of the samples was analyzed with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Data quality checks revealed a high mean total extraction efficiency, mean absolute water amount (> 1 mL), as well as high analytical accuracy and precision. The water isotopic signature of soil and stem xylem water varied as a function of the geographic origin and changed from spring to summer across all sites. While δ2H and δ18O values were strongly correlated, the soil water data plotted closer to the Global Meteoric Water Line (GMWL) than the stem xylem water. Specifically, the δ2H values of the stem xylem were more enriched than those of the soil water, leading to a systematic deviation from the GMWL. Isotopic enrichment of the stem xylem water was larger for spruce than for beech trees at mixed forest sites. This dataset is particularly useful for large-scale studies on plant water use, ecohydrological model testing, and isotope mapping across Europe.