IBG-2, Research Area Ecosystem Dynamics
Plant-Plant Interactions and Biodiversity Group

Functional Biodiversity

Plant species in an ecosystem often perform different functions within the system and can be categorized into functional groups (e.g. grasses, forbs, legumes). Legumes can fix nitrogen directly from the atmosphere and are less dependent on soil nitrogen. The neighbours of legume often profit from the extra nitrogen such that overall productivity is enhanced.

It is well known from biodiversity-ecosystem experiments, that species-rich grasslands are more productive and have tighter nutrient cycling than monocultures or species-poor assemblages. In natural systems, plant species can arrive and establish at a site, und change its species composition. We know that species that arrive first at site have a strong effect on the further development of the community (community assembly).

Positive effects of biodiversity and the link to restoration ecology

We lack knowledge on the role of positive diversity effects in natural habitats. Our group studies the role of plant diversity under a range of environmental conditions.

We test community ecology theory on degraded sites (post-mining, on ex-arable land). The development of site conditions during succession changes the overall availability of traits in a system. We are studying changes in plant traits over time in relation to starting conditions, with non-invasive methods under controlled and field conditions (phenotyping).

leader: Dr. Vicky Temperton