Spatial asynchrony matters more than alpha stability in stabilizing ecosystem productivity in a large temperate forest region

• DOI: 10.1111/geb.13488
• Publication Date: 2022-03-13T17:34:26Z
• Authors: Xuetao Qiao; Yan Geng; Chunyu Zhang; Zhuoxiu Han; Zhonghui Zhang; Xiuhai Zhao; Klaus von Gadow
• Keywords: Ecological stability; Temperate rainforest; Spatial heterogeneity

Abstract Aim Understanding the biodiversity–stability relationship has become a central issue in ecology and conservation biology. Although stabilizing effects of tree species diversity on ecosystem productivity are well recorded small local communities, they remain poorly understood across scales (from to larger spatial scales). This study evaluates from large temperate forest region, considering range environmental conditions heterogeneity. Location North‐eastern China ( c . 700,000 km 2 ). Time period 2005–2017. Major taxa studied Woody plants. Methods We define stability as temporal invariability biomass productivity. Regional metacommunities representing were developed by aggregating multiple sets field plots. Simple regression analysis was used test relationships metacommunities. Piecewise structural equation modelling then disentangle abiotic variables at scales. Multiple mixed‐effects models determine relative contribution individual predictive Results found that (alpha diversity) positively related communities stability), whereas turnover space (beta asynchronous dynamics among (spatial asynchrony), regardless whether factors considered or not. also heterogeneity affected The effect asynchrony gamma greater than alpha stability. Main conclusions Our results imply is key maintaining within region. suggest diverse forests heterogeneous landscapes should be sustained buffer negative climate change degradation.