Plant Functional Group Composition Modifies the Effects of Precipitation Change on Grassland Ecosystem Function

摘要: Temperate grassland ecosystems face a future of precipitation change, which can alter community composition and ecosystem functions through reduced soil moisture waterlogging. There is evidence that functionally diverse plant communities contain wider range water use resource capture strategies, resulting in greater resistance function to change. To investigate this interaction between change we performed field experiment for three years successional southern England. This consisted two treatments. The first, simulated end century predictions, summer drought phase alongside winter rainfall addition. second, functional group identity, divided the into groups based on their traits- broadly described as perennials, caespitose grasses annuals- removed these factorial design. Ecosystem related C, N cycling were measured regularly. Effects groupidentity apparent, with dominant trend being process rates higher under control conditions where perennial species present. E.g. litter decomposition significantly plots containing several species, highest average leaf content. Process also very strongly affected by treatmentwhen dominant, but not contained high abundance annual grasses. contrasting response could be attributable differing rooting patterns (shallower structures plants, deeper roots perennials) faster nutrient uptake annuals compared perennials. Our results indicate will have smaller effect key grasslandscontaining maintaining presence should crucial consideration management.