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Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning relations in European forests depend on environmental context
Author(s) -
Ratcliffe Sophia,
Wirth Christian,
Jucker Tommaso,
der Plas Fons,
SchererLorenzen Michael,
Verheyen Kris,
Allan Eric,
Benavides Raquel,
Bruelheide Helge,
Ohse Bettina,
Paquette Alain,
Ampoorter Evy,
Bastias Cristina C.,
Bauhus Jürgen,
Bonal Damien,
Bouriaud Olivier,
Bussotti Filippo,
Carnol Monique,
Castagneyrol Bastien,
Chećko Ewa,
Dawud Seid Muhie,
Wandeler Hans De,
Domisch Timo,
Finér Leena,
Fischer Markus,
Fotelli Mariangela,
Gessler Arthur,
Granier André,
Grossiord Charlotte,
Guyot Virginie,
Haase Josephine,
Hättenschwiler Stephan,
Jactel Hervé,
Jaroszewicz Bogdan,
Joly FrançoisXavier,
Kambach Stephan,
Kolb Simon,
Koricheva Julia,
Liebersgesell Mario,
Milligan Harriet,
Müller Sandra,
Muys Bart,
Nguyen Diem,
Nock Charles,
Pollastrini Martina,
Purschke Oliver,
Radoglou Kalliopi,
RaulundRasmussen Karsten,
Roger Fabian,
RuizBenito Paloma,
Seidl Rupert,
Selvi Federico,
Seiferling Ian,
Stenlid Jan,
Valladares Fernando,
Vesterdal Lars,
Baeten Lander
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
ecology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.852
H-Index - 265
eISSN - 1461-0248
pISSN - 1461-023X
DOI - 10.1111/ele.12849
Subject(s) - biodiversity , species richness , ecosystem , ecology , context (archaeology) , geography , climate change , forest ecology , ecosystem services , environmental resource management , environmental science , biology , archaeology
The importance of biodiversity in supporting ecosystem functioning is generally well accepted. However, most evidence comes from small‐scale studies, and scaling‐up patterns of biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (B‐EF) remains challenging, in part because the importance of environmental factors in shaping B‐EF relations is poorly understood. Using a forest research platform in which 26 ecosystem functions were measured along gradients of tree species richness in six regions across Europe, we investigated the extent and the potential drivers of context dependency of B‐EF relations. Despite considerable variation in species richness effects across the continent, we found a tendency for stronger B‐EF relations in drier climates as well as in areas with longer growing seasons and more functionally diverse tree species. The importance of water availability in driving context dependency suggests that as water limitation increases under climate change, biodiversity may become even more important to support high levels of functioning in European forests.