Partitioning changes in ecosystem productivity by effects of species interactions in biodiversity experiments

• DOI: 10.7554/elife.98073.2
• Publication Date: 2024-10-29T12:25:27Z
• Authors: Jing Tao; Charles A Nock; Eric B Searle; Shongming Huang; Rongzhou Man; Hua Yang; Grégoire T Freschet; Cyrille Violle; Ji Zheng

Species interactions affect ecosystem productivity. Positive (resource partitioning and facilitation) increase productivity while negative (species interference) decrease relative to the null expectations defined by monoculture yields. Effects of competitive competition) can be either positive or negative. Distinguishing effects species is therefore difficult, if not impossible, with current biodiversity experiments involving mixtures full density monocultures.To partition changes in interactions, we modify growth responses, i.e., proportional individual size (biomass volume) expected mixture based on differences ability. We use partial mixture) monocultures exclusion principle determine maximum responses yields measure ability achieve mixture. Deviations observed from represent positive/negative between reflect interactions.We demonstrate effectiveness our model distinguishing using both simulated experimental mixtures. Our enables meaningful assessments at community levels helps disentangle underlying mechanisms responsible for identify that maximize effects.