Guide to preparing supplementary metadata for leaf-level gas exchange data

Supplementary metadata tables should be provided to explain codes used in data tables used to describe samples and experimental variables. Supplementary metadata tables or text should also record additional experimental detail not recorded in the methods metadata template.

Here are some typical examples of how to present these metadata. Tables should be included in data packages as .csv files.

Guidance on variable names and descriptions should be taken from other ESS-DIVE data formats where available, for example, the Sample ID and Metadata Reporting Format.

Species information example

Metadata variable	Format	Description	Example
speciesCode	Free text	Code used to identify species in data tables	JUOC
species	Free text	Full species name and subspecies if applicable	Juniperus occidentalis
genotype	Free text	Identified genotype or mutant
citation	Free text	Reference for species authority	Hook.

Locations or plot details example

Metadata variable	Format	Description	Example
siteIdentifier	Free text	Plot or plant within this experiment for which position is being reported	Plot07
longitude	Decimal degrees	Longitude	-122.18877
latitude	Decimal degrees	Latitude	46.197905
elevation	Meters above sea level	Elevation of location	2155

Additional metadata tables or text

The requirement for methods supplement tables or text documents will depend on the experimental setup. Where available and appropriate consider including the following information in a gas exchange data package: biome, ecosystem type, climate, local seasonality, timing of measurements relative to the growing season, data time zone and relationship with solar noon, environmental conditions at time of measurement, soil type, canopy exposure, canopy height and depth, terrain, aspect, seed provenance, genetic or cultivar details, pot size, leaf age classes, instrument configuration and measurement scripts.