Biodiversity x atmospheric drought x soil drought (Bio2D)

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In experimental manipulations, higher biodiversity plant communities generally produce more biomass than lower diversity communities (see single species biomass production on the top left vs. high diversity biomass production on the bottom left).  Increased biomass production has strong effects on local microclimate conditions.  Higher diversity plots can be more than 10 degrees cooler and 15% more humid than lower diversity plots.  This is likely also due sampling effects in higher diversity communities.  Higher diversity communities are more likely to contain a species that functionally affects the microclimate.  This could be a drought tolerant species that evaporatively cools the microclimate or a flood tolerant species that aerates the soil.

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We are examining the effects of microclimate amelioration for biodiversity ecosystem function relationships during periods of environmental stress.  Microclimate amelioration likely helps explain why biodiversity is particularly important during periods of environmental severity.  These types of environmental severity events are becoming more common due to climate change.

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WE ARE LOOKING FOR MASTERS STUDENTS AND UNDERGRADUATES TO HELP US EXAMINE THIS QUESTION. Please contact Dr. Wright if you are interested.