Unleashing the Power of Plant Structural and Functional Diversity: From Common Observations to Theory and Management Models

Abstract

New approaches for managing agricultural and forestry systems are needed to bring back inputs to levels that are within planetary boundaries and make greater and better use of ecosystem services based on biodiversity. A new scientific framework informed by ecology, agronomy, forestry, and agroforestry is key to designing resilient plant-based ecosystems to meet this challenge. Integrating information on plant functional traits, ontogenetic development stages, site characteristics, and structural stand characteristics can unleash the power of diversity (in species traits and structural and temporal arrangements) as a crucial factor for sustaining environmental services in times of global change. To leverage the benefits of diversity, a general theoretical framework and scalable simulation models are needed to understand structural and species diversification effects and interactions at multiple levels, from plant to field/forest stand to landscape. By working across established research boundaries, the scientific community can harness the power of structural and functional diversity to develop resilient, production-oriented ecosystems. With this integrative approach, our objectives are as follows: (i) to conceptualize processes and methodologies for managing resilient terrestrial ecosystems that can guarantee sustainable and diversified ecosystem services within planetary boundaries, and (ii) to outline the workflow for crafting a system capable of sustaining human well-being amid space, resource, and energy constraints.