Different assembly processes drive shifts in species and functional composition in experimental grasslands varying in sown diversity and community history.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The prevalence of different biotic processes (limiting similarity, weaker competitor exclusion) and historical contingency due to priority effects are in the focus of ongoing discussions about community assembly and non-random functional trait distributions.

Methodology/principal findings

We experimentally manipulated assembly history in a grassland biodiversity experiment (Jena Experiment) by applying two factorially crossed split-plot treatments to all communities: (i) duration of weeding (never weeded since sowing or cessation of weeding after 3 or 6 years); (ii) seed addition (control vs. seed addition 4 years after sowing). Spontaneous colonization of new species in the control treatment without seed addition increased realized species richness and functional

SUBMITTER: Roscher C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4100744 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature