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Scientia Silvae Sinicae ›› 2026, Vol. 62 ›› Issue (1): 1-18.doi: 10.11707/j.1001-7488.LYKX20260001

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Effects of Tree Species Diversity on Multifunctionality and Resilience of Forest Ecosystems

Shirong Liu1,*(),Yuanqi Chen1,2,Xiuqing Nie1(),Angang Ming3,Hui Wang1   

  1. 1. Ecology and Nature Conservation Institute, Chinese Academy of Forestry Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Environment of National Forestry and Grassland Administration  Baotianman Forest Ecosystem Research Station  Beijing 100091
    2. Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Coal Resources Clean-Utilization and Mine Environment Protection School of Earth Sciences and Spatial Information Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology Xiangtan 411201
    3. Experimental Center of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry Guangxi Youyiguan Forest Ecosystem Observation and Research Station Youyiguan Forest Ecosystem Observation and Research Station of Guangxi Pingxiang 532600
  • Received:2026-01-01 Revised:2026-01-05 Online:2026-01-25 Published:2026-01-14
  • Contact: Shirong Liu E-mail:liusr@caf.ac.cn;niexiuqing@caf.ac.cn

Abstract:

Forest biodiversity plays a pivotal role in regulating ecological functions and critical ecosystem services, while exacerbating climate change is jeopardizing forest biodiversity, health and stability. To tackle climate change and protect biodiversity, it is particularly important to enhance the multifunctionality, sustainability, and resilience of forest ecosystems. Tree species diversity, as a core issue of forest ecosystem management, directly contributes to shaping forest multifunctionality, stability and resilience, which has become a research hotspot and frontier of forest ecology worldwide. In view of complexity of forest ecosystem (e.g., diverse forest types, complex stand structure and spatiotemporal dynamics in response to environmental disturbances), our understanding of the mechanisms underlying effects of tree species diversity on ecosystem multifunctionality and resilience remains poorly understood. This article systematically synthesizes the key ecological principles illustrating how biodiversity influences ecosystem multifunctionality, including niche differentiation, resource partitioning, functional trait integration and trade-offs, complementarity and selection effects, as well as leverage effects and functional redundancy. This article reviews the research progress on tree species diversity and ecosystem multifunctionality in recent years, covering the effects of tree species diversity on tree growth, stand productivity, root dynamics and exudates, soil organic carbon, soil nutrients, soil microbial communities, and root-soil-microbe interactions. Additionally, how tree species diversity enhances ecosystem stability and resilience in response to droughts, pest outbreaks, and invasive species is also examined. Based on practical management practices, four synergistic silvicultural strategies are proposed to improve forest quality and multifunctionality, such as tree species selection and genetic diversity optimization, mixed-species reforestation and functional trait-based species assemblages, rotation period adjustment and soil fertility maintenance, and landscape-level multifunctional configuration. Finally, in perspective of the nature-based solutions for shaping synergies between climate change mitigation and adaptation and biodiversity conservation as well, future research priorities and directions of tree diversity and multifunctionality of forest ecosystems are looked forward, which will provide theoretical basis and practical guidelines for navigating sustainable forest management, particularly for plantation forests.

Key words: forest ecosystem, tree diversity, multifunctionality, resilience, functional traits, forest quality, plantation forests, climate change

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