FG 456: Effect of plant diversity on ecosystem functions in grassland

In the frame work of the research unit "The role of biodiversity for element cycling and trophic interactions: An experimental approach in a grassland community", we investigate the role of roots for diversity-induced alterations of ecosystem functions. In grassland communities differing in the number of species (1 to 60 species), and in the number of plant functional groups (1 to 4 plant functional groups: grasses, legumes, small herbs, tall herbs) we investigate root properties related to carbon accumulation in plant biomass and soil, plant acquisition of soil resources, and nutrient retention and cycling in soil. The data will contribute to our understanding of mechanisms that control plant diversity effects on functional ecosystem properties.