Ecology

Large-scale study shows the benefits of high grassland biodiversity for a variety of ecosystem services and rural stakeholder groups. more

An international research team has succeeded in identifying globally acting factors that cause the diversity of forms and functions of plants. Researchers compiled plant data from around the world and were able to show for the first time how strongly these are determined by climate and soil properties for characteristics such as the size, structure and life span of plants. more

The amount of carbon taken up by the Earth's terrestrial ecosystems fluctuates from year to year. These fluctuations are primarily driven by changes in soil moisture. Surprisingly, soil moisture primarily affects carbon uptake by plants and soils indirectly by influencing near-ground temperature and humidity. more