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RESEARCH LITERATURE
The Research Literature database was created and funded by the Florida Wildflower Foundation. Use the search features below to find scientific articles on native wildflowers that are commercially available or used in restoration projects.
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Soil fertility increases with plant species diversity in a long-term biodiversity experiment
Author(s): R. Dybzinski, J. E. Fargione, D. R. Zak, D. Fornara and D. Tilman
Month: Nov
Year: 2008
Journal: Oecologia
Volume: 158
Issue: 1
Pages: 85-93
Article Topic(s): Community level survey, Nutrients, Succession
Research Setting(s): Greenhouse
Species Referenced: Echinacea purpurea (Eastern purple coneflower),
Abstract
Examines the mechanism underlying the positive effect of plant species diversity on productivity. Echinacea purpurea seedlings were grown in soil from 10-year-old experimental plant communities that varied in species diversity. Soil collected from the most diverse communities resulted in greater biomass than soil collected from monocultures. The increase in biomass was attributed to greater Nitrogen availability likely through plant functional groups that both supplied and retained nutrients.Suggested Citation
R. Dybzinski, J. E. Fargione, D. R. Zak, D. Fornara and D. Tilman. "Soil fertility increases with plant species diversity in a long-term biodiversity experiment." Oecologia 158.1 (2008): 85-93.Go back