This global-scale meta-analysis quantifies how plant litter diversity affects decomposition rates. The study finds significant and substantial positive effects of plant diversity on decomposition across forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The magnitude of this effect is comparable to projected increases in decomposition rates due to climate change over the next 50 years. This highlights the importance of considering biodiversity changes as a significant driver of future biogeochemical cycles and climate feedbacks.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Sep 11, 2020
Authors
Akira S. Mori, J. Hans C. Cornelissen, Saori Fujii, Kei-ichi Okada, Forest Isbell
Tags
plant litter diversity
decomposition rates
biodiversity
biogeochemical cycles
climate change
ecosystems
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