Diversity-dependent temporal divergence of ecosystem functioning in experimental ecosystems

Nat Ecol Evol. 2017 Nov;1(11):1639-1642. doi: 10.1038/s41559-017-0325-1. Epub 2017 Oct 2.

Abstract

The effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning generally increase over time, but the underlying processes remain unclear. Using 26 long-term grassland and forest experimental ecosystems, we demonstrate that biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships strengthen mainly by greater increases in functioning in high-diversity communities in grasslands and forests. In grasslands, biodiversity effects also strengthen due to decreases in functioning in low-diversity communities. Contrasting trends across grasslands are associated with differences in soil characteristics.

MeSH terms

  • Biodiversity*
  • Ecosystem
  • Forests*
  • Grassland*