A method for reconstructing temporal changes in vegetation functional trait composition using Holocene pollen assemblages

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216698
• Publication Date: 2019-05-29T17:28:37Z
• Authors: Fabio Carvalho; Kerry A. Brown; Martyn P. Waller; M. Jane Bunting; Arnoud Boom; Melanie J. Leng
• Keywords: Trait; Pollen source

Methods of reconstructing changes in plant traits over long time scales are needed to understand the impact changing environmental conditions on ecosystem processes and services. Although Holocene pollen have been extensively used provide records vegetation history, few studies adopted a functional trait approach that is pertinent processes. Here, for woody herbaceous fen peatland communities, we use modern data combined with from deposits reconstruct dynamics. The six chosen (measures leaf area-to-mass ratio nutrient content) known modulate species' fitness vary We fitted linear mixed effects models between community weighted mean (CWM) values determine whether assigned types could be found assemblages. relative productivity (RPP) correction factors an attempt improve this relationship. For showing best fit vegetation, applied model dated sequences Fenland Romney Marsh eastern southern England reconstructed temporal composition. RPP adjustment did not relationship vegetation. Leaf (leaf C N) were generally more predictable than mass-area traits. show inferences about biomass accumulation decomposition rates can made using reconstructions. While it possible community-level trends some assemblages preserved sedimentary archives wetlands, importance testing methods systems first encourage further development address issues concerning pollen-plant abundance source area.