The Jena Experiment is one of the longest biodiversity experiments in Europe. We study diversity effects in European grassland communities now since more than 10 years.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.
Most of our work focuses on abiotic and biotic relationships. These include species like decomposers (earthworms, arthropods and microbes), producers (plants), and consumers (herbivorous arthropods or parasitoids). We integrate information from greenhouse tests, mesocosm studies and field experimentation at multiple sites. Combined with data mining, and modelling our integrative approach is intended to provide insights in ecosystem functioning.
The design of the Jena Experiment allow to study management and land use effects (e.g. fertilization, climate change, bioenergy utilization) on species and species diversity. Our experiment has established itself as a platform of biodiversity research that is becoming more and more important in ecological long term research.
