A research led by the University of Michigan, in collaboration with over 30 scientific institutions, analyzed the growth of almost 100,000 trees of 130 species in 15 forest experiments distributed across different continents.
The main finding: biodiversity enhances tree growth, especially in humid climates.
Individual approach to understand the forest
Scientists studied each tree and its neighborhood to evaluate specific interactions.
Instead of treating the forest as a homogeneous unit, the team observed each individual along with its closest neighbors, evaluating local diversity and its effects on performance. This approach allowed for the detection of fine patterns of ecological complementarity among species.
Trees surrounded by different species grew faster in humid areas, while in dry regions the effect was weak or nonexistent.
More than quantity: the importance of functional traits
Benefits do not only come from the number of species, but from functional diversity.
Traits such as specific leaf area, wood density, root depth, and crown shape determine how species share light, nutrients, and space, generating ecological synergies that favor collective growth.
Biodiversity as a driver, not as a shield
Contrary to what was thought, biodiversity did not offer additional advantages during droughts or heatwaves. Its positive effect was manifested under average climatic conditions, which are the most common.
This redefines its role in forest management: not as a barrier against disaster, but as a constant driver of productivity.
Implications for ecological restoration
Incorporating diversity as a technical criterion is urgent and feasible in the context of the climate crisis.
Although the studied trees were young (between 4 and 14 years old), the results provide a solid foundation for concrete decisions. The diversity of tree neighbors improves individual performance and can scale benefits at the landscape level.
Programs in countries like China and Costa Rica already apply this approach, prioritizing complementary native species in reforestation projects, with positive results in:
- Carbon capture
- Soil regeneration
- Ecosystem resilience
Planting with intention: towards applied ecological intelligence
Effective restoration requires more than volume: it needs planning based on diversity.
“Simply greening is not enough, it must be done with ecological intelligence,” conclude the researchers.
Incorporating functional diversity as a design axis in forest projects can transform the way we restore ecosystems, combat climate change, and rebuild resilient landscapes.
