Work

Forest biodiversity increases productivity via complementarity from greater canopy structural complexity

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The horizontal distribution and vertical stratification of tree crowns can affect light interception and tree growth, thus driving forest productivity and carbon storage. However, how canopy structure is affected by tree diversity and thus can mediate its effects on productivity remains unclear. Using 4-y consecutive unmanned aerial vehicle-borne light detection and ranging and ground-based growth measurements from 482 plots and 38,088 trees, 11 to 15 y after planting, within a large-scale forest biodiversity experiment in southeast China, we found that increased canopy structural complexity consistently explains the positive effects of tree diversity on productivity. Species complementarity was the main mediator of diversity-enhanced productivity, with the positive complementarity effects strengthening over time. Our study underscores the importance of establishing multispecies forest communities with complex canopy structure to maximize productivity and carbon sequestration in forest ecosystems.

Source: Zurich Open Repository and Archive (University of Zurich)

DOI: 10.5167/uzh-282759

Authors: Deng, Xianglu, Schmid, Bernhard, Bruelheide, Helge, Chen, Chen, Li, Yi, Li, Shan, Morsdorf, Felix, Ray, Tama, Schuman, Meredith Christine, Tang, Ting, Von Oheimb, Goddert, Ma, Keping, Liu, Xiaojuan

Language: English

Topic: Remote Sensing and LiDAR Applications

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7124749389

FWCI:

Cites:

Cited by:

Related to: