Tree species identity determines wood decomposition via microclimatic effects.

ABSTRACT: Empirical evidence suggests that the rich set of ecosystem functions and nature's contributions to people provided by forests depends on tree diversity. Biodiversity-ecosystem functioning research revealed that not only species richness per se but also other facets of tree diversity, such as tree identity, have to be considered to understand the underlying mechanisms. One important ecosystem function in forests is the decomposition of deadwood that plays a vital role in carbon and nutrient cycling and is assumed to be determined by above- and belowground interactions. However, the actual influence of tree diversity on wood decay in forests remains inconclusive. Recent studies suggest an important role of microclimate and advocate a systematical consideration of small-scale environmental co

SUBMITTER: Gottschall F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6854332 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature