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Description
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This dataset contains empirical data from a field experiment investigating the effects of simulated herbivory on morphological traits of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) in boreal forest habitats in southeastern Norway. The study was conducted in 2014 in Stor-Elvdal municipality (Innlandet county) across three study sites (Evenstadlia, Imsdalen, and Vinjevegen), each consisting of paired habitat types differing in dominant tree species and productivity. Bilberry is a clonal dwarf shrub and a key species in Fennoscandian boreal ecosystems, serving as important food for wildlife. The dataset was collected to assess how bilberry morphology responds to different types and intensities of herbivory, and how these responses vary across contrasting habitat conditions. Simulated herbivory was applied by clipping plant tissue to mimic herbivory by different herbivores. Treatments included eight categories: control (ambient conditions), three intensities of leaf removal (“insect”), three intensities of annual shoot removal (“vole”), and near-complete removal of aboveground biomass (“moose”). Each treatment was applied to individual ramets. For each sampled ramet, a wide range of morphological and functional traits were recorded, including plant height, number of annual shoots, shoot length, shoot basal diameter, number of buds, internode length, and reproductive output (flowers/berries). In addition, leaf-level measurements were taken to estimate specific leaf area (SLA), based on leaf area and dry weight. Biomass measurements of different plant components (e.g., shoots, leaves, brown and green tissue) are also included. The dataset comprises both field measurements (before and after treatment) and laboratory measurements conducted after harvest. Spatial coordinates for each sampled ramet are provided, along with metadata on sampling accuracy, treatment date, and researcher notes. Several columns indicate observations that should be excluded from specific analyses; these are handled programmatically in the accompanying R script. (2026-06-01)
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