The functional significance of tree species diversity in European forests - the FunDivEUROPE dataset

The FunDivEUROPE project, short for "Functional Significance of
Forest Biodiversity in Europe," aimed at exploring the intricate
relationships between forest biodiversity and ecosystem functionality,
focusing specifically on European forests. The project was a collaborative
effort involving scientists from multiple disciplines and institutions. It
entailed a comprehensive, large-scale assessment of forest biodiversity
and its impact on ecosystem functions in a network of observational plots
spanning the European continent. This extensive network enabled us to
systematically examine how variations in tree species diversity and
functional traits influenced key ecosystem functions. In total, 209 mature
forest plots measuring 30 x 30 meters were located in six European
countries, ranging from boreal to Mediterranean zones, with each
representing a major European forest type: Finland (boreal forest), Poland
(hemiboreal forest), Germany (temperate deciduous forest), Romania
(mountainous deciduous forest), Italy (thermophilous deciduous forest),
and Spain Mediterranean mixed forest). Richness levels of one, two, three,
four, and five target species were replicated within and across regions. A
major strength of the FunDivEUROPE project was the general philosophy to
measure all ecosystem functions in all plots, following the same protocol
by the same observers across the six forest types. In each of the 209
plots, 27 ecosystem functions were measured. Here, we present data on a
high number of basic data for each of the 209 plots, describing geographic
and geomorphological, as well as soil and bedrock characteristics, climate
variables, and several measures of tree diversity. We further show data of
the 27 ecosystem functions, which were classified into six groups
reflecting basic ecological processes, and which have established links to
supporting, provisioning, regulating or cultural ecosystem services.
Details about the measurement protocols are provided. Major results from
the FunDivEUROPE project shed light on the fundamental importance of
biodiversity in European forests. The project revealed that diverse
forests tend to be more resilient to disturbances, sequester more carbon,
and provide enhanced diversity of forest-associated taxa. Moreover, the
study highlighted the crucial role of particular tree species and
functional traits in shaping ecosystem services and functions. The
findings of FunDivEUROPE thus offer insights for forest management and
conservation practices, advocating for the preservation and restoration of
diverse forest ecosystems.