Data for "Patterns and environmental drivers of root traits across hydrological gradients in old growth boreal forests."

Many key ecosystem functions are affected by plant roots and their traits. However, understanding of the patterns in, and drivers of, root traits lags far behind equivalent knowledge of above-ground tissues, particularly in boreal old growth forests. We surveyed root traits across hydrological gradients within eleven old growth forests spanning a ~7 oC mean annual temperature latitudinal range in Sweden, then related observed variation to environmental conditions and aboveground variation in plant foliar area in the same stands.Our results provide a valuable baseline for root traits in old growth boreal forests, redefining what are considered typical or natural root properties for the biome and highlighting key environmental controls.