Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2025

Experimental Protocol for Manipulating Plant-induced Soil Heterogeneity
Published on: March 13, 2014
Belowground facilitation and trait matching: two or three to tango?
Rui-Peng Yu1, Hans Lambers2, Ragan M Callaway3
1Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, 2 Yuan Ming Yuan West Road, Beijing 100193, PR China.
Abstract:
High biodiversity increases ecosystem functions; however, belowground facilitation remains poorly understood in this context. Here, we explore mechanisms that operate via 'giving-receiving feedbacks' for belowground facilitation. These include direct effects via root exudates, signals, and root trait plasticity, and indirect biotic facilitation via the effects of root exudates on soil biota and feedback from biota to plants. We then highlight that these two- or three-way mechanisms must affect biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships via specific combinations of matching traits. To tango requires a powerful affinity and harmony between well-matched partners, and such matches link belowground facilitation to the effect of biodiversity on function. Such matching underpins applications in intercropping, forestry, and pasture systems, in which diversity contributes to greater productivity and sustainability.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Social Facilitation
Symbiosis
Trait Centrality
Frequency-dependent Selection
Responses to Gravity and Touch
Inclusive Fitness

