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Overyielding and species diversity: what should we expect?
1Department of Plant Biology, University of Vermont, Marsh Life Science Building, Burlington, VT 05405, USA. Brian.Beckage@uvm.edu
The New Phytologist
|September 2, 2006
Summary
Overyielding in plant species mixtures is common, but doesn't always mean increased biomass production. Stable ecosystems can include both overyielding and underyielding species.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Theoretical Ecology
- Biodiversity Research
Background:
- Empirical studies suggest increased biomass in species mixtures (overyielding), but theoretical support is lacking.
- Interpreting overyielding results is controversial due to undefined theoretical expectations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the expected frequency and stability of overyielding in species mixtures.
- To evaluate overyielding using Lotka-Volterra models with community, population, and specific rate of biomass production (SRP) definitions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Lotka-Volterra models for two- and four-species dynamics.
- Simulated species assemblages approaching ecological equilibria.
- Explored a parameter space yielding biologically relevant plot biomass values.
Main Results:
- Overyielding was common under community and population definitions (>55% of assemblages).
- Overyielding did not necessarily equate to an increased specific rate of biomass production (SRP).
- Stable coexistence of overyielding and underyielding species was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- Theoretical models predict overyielding to be frequent in species mixtures.
- Overyielding definitions require careful consideration to avoid misinterpretation of biomass production.
- Ecosystem stability is achievable with mixtures of overyielding and underyielding species.
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