Linking changes of forage production and digestibility with grassland community assembly under nitrogen enrichment

Abstract Background Forage production is the fundamental ecosystem service of grasslands. Although forage consumption occurs at community level, most studies focused on species-level changes quality. The quantitative and qualitative are driven by species-specific trait, intra-specific plasticity, species turnover. We examined in digestibility after 5-year factorial treatments nitrogen (N) addition mowing a temperate steppe linked such to assembly under Price equation framework. Results Nitrogen significantly reduced richness, increased production, but did not change (indicated total Ca+Mg concentrations). Mowing affect digestibility. positive effects N were enhancement abundance remaining following enrichment, rather than loss or gain. identity could offset richness gain Conclusions Our results highlight importance perspective addressing global pressure enrichment. Species important determining contribution different processes services.