Data from: An enemy's enemy is an ally: Competitive indirect interactions mediate coexistence of trees, grasses, and subshrubs in Neotropical Savanna

Savannas are complex ecosystems where multiple growth forms, including
grasses, trees, and subshrubs, coexist through intricate ecological
interactions. Understanding the mechanisms that promote this coexistence
is key to conserving savanna biodiversity. This study investigated the
effects of grass competition on the survival and growth of trees and
subshrubs, as well as the interactions between these two growth forms.
Using three species of trees and three species of subshrubs, we conducted
a greenhouse experiment to assess how competition between trees and
subshrubs is influenced by the presence of grass. We found that grass
competition significantly reduced the survival of tree seedlings, while
subshrubs were unaffected. When trees and subshrubs competed directly,
subshrub biomass was reduced, but only in the absence of grass. Tree
seedling biomass was not affected by subshrubs, but was negatively
impacted by grass in the absence of subshrubs. Both root and stem biomass
of trees and subshrubs were reduced by grass competition; however, this
effect was mitigated when grasses, subshrubs, and trees competed
simultaneously. These results indicate that when grasses, subshrubs, and
trees compete together, the intensity of competition is reduced, promoting
coexistence and contributing to the balance of growth forms in savanna
ecosystems. While fire is an important factor in savanna dynamics, our
study emphasizes the critical role of competition in maintaining this
balance. Future studies should explore how fire and competition interact
to further our understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem function in
Neotropical savannas.