The goal of this WP is to test whether there is a causal relationship between tree diversity and provision of regulating services by forest ecosystems. Focusing on major regulating factors, WP 4 will elucidate the role of diversity in mitigating impacts of environmental change.
To achieve this goal, WP 4 will
• estimate the stock of carbon sequestered above and below ground;
• quantify the load of insect pests, mammal herbivores, fungal pathogens and invasive plants; in forests of differing taxonomic and functional diversity;
• assess beneficial organisms for pest regulation.
Italy 2012: Assessment of arthropods (herbivores and predators).
