A main aim of the Jena-Experiment is to study ecosystem processes on experimental plots, and over a large time-scale. Since 2002 the experiment yielded time-series data on a wide range of ecosystem processes, ranging from productivity, C-storage, and N-cycling to herbivory, pollination and decomposition. For all plant species investigated, a large number of demographic, morphological and physiological variables are compiled. Each participant of the projects has therefore a specific role in the research group, e.g. for investigating Interspecific Interactions in communities, or explore Water and Element Cycling like aboveground and belowground processes, or Applied Aspects (e.g. effects of biodiversity on energy production). A particular strength of the research group is the complementary of the approaches in different subprojects and the syntheses and Integration of the data. Since 2002, therefore an international and interdisciplinary network of scientist was created for research on the complex relationship between ecosystems in an exemplary experimental field site nearby Jena in Germany. The strengths of the Jena Experiment, a full quantification of the most important element cycles as well as a coordinated investigation of above-ground and below-ground processes will be used to unravel the mechanisms underlying the observed biodiversity effects. These include species like decomposers (earthworms, arthropods and microbes), producers (60 species of plants), and consumers (species of herbivorous arthropods or parasitoids). ... [Information of the supplier]
