Long‐term enhancement of agricultural production by restoration of biodiversity

摘要: 1. Experimental manipulations have shown positive impacts of increased species richness on ecosystem productivity, but there remain some questions about this relationship. First, most studies last < 4 years, which raises issues whether diversity–productivity relationships are maintained in mature communities. Secondly, the conservation relevance many is debatable. We addressed both using long-term experimental agriculturally relevant hay yield recreated species-rich grasslands. 2. Grasslands were within replicated experiments ex-arable fields at two sites southern England by either species-poor or seed mixtures. The mixture comprised seven grasses as recommended for grassland creation English agri-environment schemes. 11 and 28 forbs was designed to recreate a typical meadow. 3. After 8 years plots sown with mixtures resembled target diverse community types. had been colonized number lower numbers grasses, legumes other than plots. Increased first described an earlier paper, these differences after years. 4. In eighth year average 43% higher Regression analysis showed that variation related non-leguminous no relation grass legume numbers. This suggests effect greater range life forms exhibited rather simple fertilizing legumes. 5. nitrogen content phosphorus complex treatment effects over time. However, nutritional value above minimum requirements livestock. 6. Synthesis applications. aims conservationists farmers can often be conflict. study has recreation grasslands impact yield, benefits farm business, repeated across differing sites. Because time, income will long term.