Summary
This controlled microcosm study demonstrates that plant and soil biodiversity exert independent, non-substitutable stabilising effects on grassland biomass production under precipitation variability. Soil biodiversity loss reduced temporal stability by suppressing asynchronous responses among plant functional groups, whilst plant functional diversity promoted stability independently of soil conditions. The findings emphasise that maintaining both trophic levels of biodiversity is essential for resilient terrestrial biomass production.
UK applicability
The findings are relevant to UK grassland and pasture management, particularly regarding soil biodiversity conservation under climate variability. However, applicability depends on whether UK field conditions and microbial communities mirror the experimental system; validation across UK soil types and native plant communities would strengthen practical relevance for land management policy.
Key measures
Temporal stability of biomass production; plant diversity (species and functional); soil biodiversity; asynchronicity of plant functional group responses; multitrophic biodiversity index
Outcomes reported
The study measured temporal stability of plant biomass production under simulated precipitation variation in grassland microcosms, and assessed how plant diversity, soil biodiversity, and their combined effects influenced this stability. It evaluated mechanisms by which soil biodiversity loss and plant functional diversity shaped asynchronous responses of plant functional groups.
Topic tags
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