In February, some fifty researchers gathered for the MyDiv Annual Meeting, where they marked the experiment’s 10th anniversary. At this meeting, the participants reflected on last year’s progress and discussed visions for the future.
MyDiv is a tree diversity platform that explores how tree diversity and mycorrhizal associations affect ecosystem functioning. As a forest matures, it increasingly mirrors the dynamics of natural ecosystems, offering unique insights into relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Relationships related to climate change are of particular interest. MyDiv is part of iForm, an iDiv Support Unit that also includes the iDiv Ecotron, ARBOFun, and the Leipzig Canopy Crane. Together, these platforms foster synergies across disciplines, bridging biodiversity, climate research, and socio-ecological research. They also contribute to and facilitate a large research proposal initiative called BBCe, a DFG Collaborative Research Centre within Leipzig University.
MyDiv is an open platform with international reach. Interested researchers are invited to contribute by submitting a short research proposal to the coordination team. Upon review and approval by the consortium, projects become part of this unique, dynamic research environment.
A decade on, MyDiv continues to grow. Some of the most exciting recent developments are the establishment of plot-level microclimate stations and the sub-experiment TreeREx. The stations enable studies on microclimate heterogeneity within plant communities, whereas TreeREx looks into the effects of litter resource exclusion. Despite several successful past and ongoing projects, there are several research gaps that can be filled in the future – hinting at many more years of exciting research. Examples for current research gaps are detailed studies of multitrophic communities above and below the ground, plant physiology and phenology. Later this year, iForm is planning to offer an excursion to the field sites for iDivers to explore and discuss future research options – stay tuned!
Contact: olga.ferlian@idiv.de