Conifers and non-native tree species shift trophic niches of generalist arthropod predators in Central European beech forests.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Functional diversity is vital for forest ecosystem resilience in times of climate-induced forest diebacks. Admixing drought resistant non-native Douglas fir, as a partial replacement of climate-sensitive Norway spruce, to native beech forests in Europe appears promising for forest management, but possible consequences for associated biota and ecosystem functioning are poorly understood. To better link forest management and functional diversity of associated biota, we investigated the trophic niches (∆¹³C, ∆¹⁵N) of epigeic generalist predators (spiders and ground beetles) in mixed and pure stands of European beech, Norway spruce and non-native Douglas fir in north-west Germany. We assessed the multidimensional niche structure of arthropod predator co

SUBMITTER: Wildermuth B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9896740 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature