Data From: Diversifying bioenergy crops increases yield and yield stability by reducing weed abundance

Relationships between species diversity, productivity, temporal stability
of productivity, and plant invasion have been well documented in
grasslands, and these relationships could translate to improved
agricultural sustainability. However, few studies have explored these
relationships in agricultural contexts where fertility and weeds are
managed. Using seven years of biomass yield and species composition data
from twelve species mixture treatments varying in native species
diversity, we found that species richness increased yield and inter-annual
yield stability by reducing weed abundance. Stability was driven by yield
as opposed to temporal variability of yield. Nitrogen fertilization
increased yield, but at the expense of yield stability. We show how
relationships between diversity, species asynchrony, invasion,
productivity and stability observed in natural grasslands can extend into
managed agricultural systems. Increasing bioenergy crop diversity can
improve farmer economics via increased yield, reduced yield variability,
and reduced inputs for weed control, thus promoting perennial vegetation
on agricultural lands.