Impacts of species richness on productivity in a large-scale subtropical forest experiment

TLDR

Tree diversity is known to enhance forest productivity, as loss of species in grasslands negatively impacts ecosystem functioning. The study aims to determine whether tree diversity similarly boosts productivity in forests. The experiment uses many replicates, realistic tree densities, large plot sizes, and a wide range of species richness levels. After eight years, the experiment shows strong positive effects of tree diversity on forest productivity and carbon accumulation, suggesting that mixed forests could benefit biodiversity restoration and climate change mitigation. Huang et al., Science, issue p.

Abstract

Tree diversity improves forest productivity Experimental studies in grasslands have shown that the loss of species has negative consequences for ecosystem functioning. Is the same true for forests? Huang et al. report the first results from a large biodiversity experiment in a subtropical forest in China. The study combines many replicates, realistic tree densities, and large plot sizes with a wide range of species richness levels. After 8 years of the experiment, the findings suggest strong positive effects of tree diversity on forest productivity and carbon accumulation. Thus, changing from monocultures to more mixed forests could benefit both restoration of biodiversity and mitigation of climate change. Science , this issue p. 80