Willow Short-Rotation Coppice as Model System for Exploring Ecological Theory on Biodiversity-Ecosystem Function

Abstract

Plantations of willow (Salix spp.) are today grown as short-rotation coppice (SRC) for the sustainable production of biomass. While developing these production systems in the past, much ecological knowledge on plant-plant, plant-environment and trophic interactions has been generated. This knowledge can contribute to the further development of biodiversity-ecosystem function (BEF) theory, which frequently lacks a sound understanding of the complex mechanisms behind the observed patterns of diversity-productivity relationships. Thus, willow SRC systems are suitable models to explore BEF theory; they are simple enough to allow the study of the complex ecological mechanisms involved and they have many similarities to grassland systems in which much of recent BEF theory development has been achieved. This paper briefly reviews the current observational and mechanistic knowledge on diversity-productivity relationships in willow SRC, as well as the most important above- and below-ground trophic interactions that are likely to affect them. If the available knowledge is integrated and combined with further experimental work targeting mechanisms behind patterns, research on willow SRC as a model offers a great opportunity for filling the gaps in the understanding what presently hampers the development of predictive BEF theory.

Keywords

biodiversity-ecosystem function (BEF); diversity-productivity relationships; herbivory; mycorrhiza; trophic interactions; Salix; short-rotation forestry

Published in

Diversity
2019, volume: 11, number: 8, article number: 125

SLU Authors

• Weih, Martin

  • Department of Crop Production Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Glynn, Carolyn

  • Department of Crop Production Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Global goals (SDG)

SDG12 Responsible consumption and production

UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology
Forest Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/d11080125

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/100762