Plant diversity increases above- and below-ground biomass by regulating multidimensional functional trait...

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Plant Ecology
• Ecosystem Science

Background:

• Nitrogen enrichment impacts biodiversity, plant traits, and ecosystem functions.
• The interplay between nitrogen, biodiversity, and plant traits in ecosystem functions is understudied.
• Multidimensional plant functional traits are critical predictors of ecosystem functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate how nitrogen addition and species richness influence plant trait networks and biomass.
• Elucidate the mechanisms linking plant trait identity, diversity, and network topology to ecosystem functions.
• Assess the role of species richness gradients and nitrogen levels in a common garden experiment.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a common garden experiment manipulating nitrogen addition and plant species richness.
• Measured plant trait identity, diversity, and network topology.
• Quantified above- and below-ground biomass responses.

Main Results:

• Nitrogen addition increased above-ground biomass but not below-ground biomass.
• Species richness positively correlated with both above- and below-ground biomass.
• Species richness enhanced biomass via increased leaf trait diversity and network modularity, while nitrogen had minor effects on trait networks.

Conclusions:

• Mechanistic links between community biomass, plant traits, and network topology were demonstrated.
• Trait network architecture is a significant indicator of global change effects on ecosystem functions.
• Plant trait identity and diversity, alongside network architecture, are crucial for predicting ecosystem responses.