A dataset on above- and below-ground traits of 21 species found in banana cropping systems, cultivated individually.

The data presented in this article describe 21 species that can be found in banana cropping systems: 17 cover crops species, 2 spontaneous species and 2 cultivars of banana. The cover crop species belongs mainly to Fabaceae family, but also to Poaceae, Euphorbiacea and Asteraceae. Four repetition of each species were cultivated individually, in the field, under non-limiting conditions.

A dataset on service crop phenotypic characteristics related to their ability to deliver a set of ecological functions.

The dataset presented in this article describe 33 species or varieties of service crops cultivated in population under non-limiting conditions. The description was made at flowering. 41 variables were measured on leaves, stems, roots and seeds.

Dataset on early growth of cover crops in growth chamber.

The data presented in this data paper describe the early growth of cover crop cultivated in growth chamber under non-limiting conditions. Seventeen species of four botanical groups were described after one month of growth. Traits related to plant growth and leaf area development were measured (five traits) and calculated (eight traits).

Trait-based characterisation of soil exploitation strategies of banana, weeds and cover plant species.

Cover plants can be introduced in cropping systems to provide agroecosystem services, including weed control via competition for resources. There is currently no consensus on how to identify the best cover plant species, while trait-based approaches are promising for screening plant species due to their agroecosystem service provision potential. This study was carried out to characterize soil exploitation strategies of cover plant species in banana agroecosystems using a trait-based approach, and in turn identify cover plant species with a high weed control potential via competition for soil resources in banana cropping systems.