Role of biodiversity mediating the effect of land use intensification on the functioning of grasslands and forests and the services they supply

Experimental research has provided many insights into biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships. However, we are still far from understanding how interactions among multiple trophic groups affect ecosystem functions and services in real-world ecosystems. Our work shows that the effect of biodiversity on ecosystem functions is as important or more than environmental variables, and that biodiversity at multiple trophic levels is necessary to maintain high levels of ecosystem functioning. We identify the key trophic groups for ecosystem functions and services and the services showing largest trade-offs with others. These results pave the way to exciting management opportunities to enhance ecosystem services and biodiversity.