MATREEX aims to explore interactions between spatial complexity, in the form of fragmented clustered active planting, and species diversity (alpha and beta) in relation to growth, mortality and recruitment and the microclimatic conditions within and between plots to optimize forest restoration strategies. Integrating advanced monitoring technologies, this experiment proposes to develop practical, scalable reforestation strategies that support long-term ecological sustainability grounded in ecological theory. The experiment is part of ‘The Tree Diversity Network’ (TreeDivNet), a unique platform for research on the relation between tree species diversity and ecosystem functioning in major forest types around the world. 

• dr. Y. (Yann) Hautier

The Utrecht University Biodiversity and Climate Variability Experiment, UU BioCliVE, is an experiment manipulating plant diversity and future precipitation scenarios to examine how biological diversity can provide us with natural insurance against climate change.

• prof. dr. G.A. (George) Kowalchuk
• prof. dr. Merel Soons
• dr. ir. M.M. (Mariet) Hefting
• G.P. (Betty) Verduyn
• ir. P.T.M. Veenhuizen
• dr. Y. (Yann) Hautier
• dr. K.E. (Kathryn) Barry

• Open for collaborations

We are testing the effects of elevated CO2 concentrations on the performance of ancient plant lineages such as horsetails (Equisetum). These plants have evolved under naturally high CO2 and where thriving as gigantic wetland plants during the Carboniferous. In our modern vegetation they are tiny and only around in very limited species numbers and abundances. Will these paleozoic plants make a comeback in the high CO₂ future of our planet?

We use different methods to answer this question. For example, we conduct experiments in the NPEC growth facilities of Utrecht University to test Equisetum response to CO₂: https://www.npec.nl/phenotyping-modules/module-3-multi-environment-climate-chamber/ 

Iris de Wolf is working on this question: https://www.uu.nl/medewerkers/IKdeWolf/Onderzoek