Datensatz

Zusammenfassung

Anthropogenic environmental changes threaten biodiversity as well as interactions between trophic levels and consequently alter ecosystem functions. A new experimental research platform, the „iDiv Ecotron“, was developed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning by manipulating biodiversity at multiple trophic levels. This vertical biodiversity manipulation more realistically mimics biodiversity changes in natural ecosystems and will thus shed light on mechanisms and consequences of species loss for the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. The iDiv Ecotron comprises 24 identical experimental units, called „EcoUnits“, each of which may be separated into four compartments, allowing for the study of up to 96 isolated ecosystems. The iDiv Ecotron can be used to investigate abovegroundbelowground interactions among different plant and animal species, microorganisms, and abiotic factors and to measure element and energy flows under nearnatural conditions using non-invasive methods under controlled environmental conditions. Here we present the scientific background and technical possibilities of the iDiv Ecotron.