Mapping functional diversity from remotely sensed morphological and physiological forest traits

Fabian D Schneider,Felix Morsdorf,Bernhard Schmid,Andreas Hueni,David S Schimel,Owen L Petchey,Michael E Schaepman

doi:10.1038/s41467-017-01530-3

Fabian D Schneider, Felix Morsdorf + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-017-01530-3

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Abstract

Assessing functional diversity from space can help predict productivity and stability of forest ecosystems at global scale using biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships. We present a new spatially continuous method to map regional patterns of tree functional diversity using combined laser scanning and imaging spectroscopy. The method does not require prior taxonomic information and integrates variation in plant functional traits between and within plant species. We compare our method with leaf-level field measurements and species-level plot inventory data and find reasonable agreement. Morphological and physiological diversity show consistent change with topography and soil, with low functional richness at a mountain ridge under specific environmental conditions. Overall, functional richness follows a logarithmic increase with area, whereas divergence and evenness are scale invariant. By mapping diversity at scales of individual trees to whole communities we demonstrate the potential of assessing functional diversity from space, providing a pathway only limited by technological advances and not by methodology.

Highlights

Assessing functional diversity from space can help predict productivity and stability of forest ecosystems at global scale using biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships
The assessment of plant functional traits and plant functional diversity is of particular relevance when predicting ecosystem productivity and stability
A positive relationship over extended time scales is mainly driven by functional diversity due to an increased resource use efficiency and utilization as well as sampling effects in a changing environment, allowing plant communities to sustain high productivity over time[15,16,17]

Summary

Introduction

Assessing functional diversity from space can help predict productivity and stability of forest ecosystems at global scale using biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships. To make use of the increasing knowledge about biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships in forest ecosystems, it would be necessary to develop methods to assess plant functional diversity efficiently over large continuous areas. A multitude of forest monitoring networks exist[26] as well as trait-based studies in forested ecosystems[27], fostered by standardized measurement procedures[28] and global trait databases[29] These procedures usually require taxonomic information about tree individuals and indirectly assess trait variation and functional diversity combining information about species abundances and mean traits, ignoring variation in tree functional traits within species, which can be large even within individuals[30]. Recent advances in remote sensing provide the opportunity to map traits and trait diversity, filling the

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