Functionally diverse tree stands reduce herbaceous diversity and productivity via canopy packing

There is extensive experimental evidence for the importance of biodiversity in sustaining ecosystem functioning. However, such experiments typically prevent immigration by continuously removing non-target species, thereby questioning generality these findings to real-world ecosystems. This particularly true forest ecosystems where understorey herbaceous species are key components but usually weeded tree diversity experiments. Consequently, little known about how influences natural dynamics layers. We conducted a 3-year non-weeded experiment composed eight woody differing widely plant economic strategies. examined functional and identity mixtures drive temporal productivity, composition through canopy packing (CP). Tree with high experienced increased CP over time, decreasing productivity diversity. Furthermore, communities were dominated traits typical low-light conditions [lower community-weighted mean (CWM) maximum height, larger CWM specific leaf area] response CP. Our results provide mechanistic insights into role shaping biomass, layer during early successional period. It expected that effects would also be relevant time due increasing usage space. study highlights significance community processes determining on previously neglected structures Read free Plain Language Summary this article Journal blog.