Coordination Funds

最近观察到的生态系统β-多样性的持续丧失表明，景观斑块中的群落越来越同质化，这主要是由于土地利用强度增加造成的。生物多样性关系到生态系统的多种功能和稳定性。因此，降低β-多样性也有望降低多官能度。为了评估同质化的影响，并制定森林指南以扭转其潜在的负面影响，我们将森林科学，生态学，遥感，化学生态学和统计学的专业知识结合起来，采用合作和实验性的β多样性方法。具体来说，我们将解决的问题，无论是在森林中的结构β复杂性（ESBC）的造林或自然干扰的增强将增加生物多样性和多功能性，在以前均匀结构的生产森林。我们的方法将确定观察到的同质化多样性关系背后的潜在机制，并显示这些如何转化为对多功能性的影响。在整个德国的11个森林站点，我们选择了两个地区作为两种类型的小“森林企业”。在这两个地区之一，我们建立了ESBC治疗。在第二个控制区，我们将建立九个没有ESBC的补丁。通过全面的采样，我们将监测18个分类组和测量21个生态系统功能，包括温带森林的关键功能，在所有斑块。该统计框架将通过量化不同生物多样性水平（α、β、γ多样性）的多营养生物多样性（分类、功能和系统发育多样性）的不同方面，进行全面的生物多样性评估。为了联合收割机的整体多样性，我们将在18个分类群中应用多样性的概念。我们将使用和开发新的方法来量化和划分α和β尺度的多功能性。总的来说，我们的研究将预示着一个新的研究途径，即通过实验描述β多样性和多功能性之间的联系。此外，我们将帮助制定指导方针，以改进造林概念和管理温带森林自然干扰的概念，扭转过去的同质化效应。

The recently observed consistent loss of β-diversity across ecosystems indicates increasingly homogeneous communities in patches of landscapes, mainly caused by increasing land-use intensity. Biodiversity is related to numerous ecosystem functions and stability. Therefore, decreasing β-diversity is also expected to reduce multifunctionality. To assess the impact of homogenization and to develop guidelines for forests to reverse its potentially negative effects, we combine expertise from forest science, ecology, remote sensing, chemical ecology and statistics in a collaborative and experimental β-diversity approach. Specifically, we will address the question whether the Enhancement of Structural Beta Complexity (ESBC) in forests by silviculture or natural disturbances will increase biodiversity and multifunctionality in formerly homogeneously structured production forests. Our approach will identify potential mechanisms behind observed homogenization-diversity-relationships and show how these translate into effects on multifunctionality. At eleven forest sites throughout Germany, we selected two districts as two types of small ‘forest landscapes’. In one of these two districts, we established ESBC treatments. In the second, the control district, we will establish nine patches without ESBC. By a comprehensive sampling, we will monitor 18 taxonomic groups and measure 21 ecosystem functions, including key functions in temperate forests, on all patches. The statistical framework, will allow a comprehensive biodiversity assessment by quantifying the different aspects of multitrophic biodiversity (taxonomical, functional and phylogenetic diversity) on different levels of biodiversity (α-, β-, γ-diversity). To combine overall diversity, we will apply the concept of multidiversity across the 18 taxa. We will use and develop new approaches for quantification and partitioning of multifunctionality at α- and β- scales. Overall, our study will herald a new research avenue, namely by experimentally describing the link between β-diversity and multifunctionality. Furthermore, we will help to develop guidelines for improved silvicultural concepts and concepts for management of natural disturbances in temperate forests reversing past homogenization effects.