Effects of plant diversity, functional group composition, and fertilization on soil microbial properties in experimental grassland.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Loss of biodiversity and increased nutrient inputs are two of the most crucial anthropogenic factors driving ecosystem change. Although both received considerable attention in previous studies, information on their interactive effects on ecosystem functioning is scarce. In particular, little is known on how soil biota and their functions are affected by combined changes in plant diversity and fertilization.

Methodology/principal findings

We investigated the effects of plant diversity, functional community composition, and fertilization on the biomass and respiration of soil microbial communities in a long-term biodiversity experiment in semi-natural grassland (Jena Experiment). Plant species richness enhanced microbial basal respiration and microbial biomass, but

SUBMITTER: Strecker T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4418810 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature