Article
Addition of multiple limiting resources reduces grassland diversity
Nature
(2016)
Abstract
Niche dimensionality provides a general theoretical explanation for biodiversity—more niches, defined by more limiting factors, allow for more ways that species can coexist. Because plant species compete for the same set of limiting resources, theory predicts that addition of a limiting resource eliminates potential trade-offs, reducing the number of species that can coexist. Multiple nutrient limitation of plant production is common and therefore fertilization may reduce diversity by reducing the number or dimensionality of belowground limiting factors. At the same time, nutrient addition, by increasing biomass, should ultimately shift competition from belowground nutrients towards a one-dimensional competitive trade-off for light. Here we show that plant species diversity decreased when a greater number of limiting nutrients were added across 45 grassland sites from a multi-continent experimental network.
Disciplines
Publication Date
2016
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/nature19324
Citation Information
Peter B. Adler. "Addition of multiple limiting resources reduces grassland diversity" Nature Vol. 537 (2016) p. 93 - 96 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/peter_adler/114/