Functional composition of tall-statured trees underpins aboveground biomass in tropical forests

Abstract The influences of trait diversity (i.e., the niche complementarity effect) and functional composition mass ratio on aboveground biomass (AGB) is a highly debated topic in forest ecology. Therefore, further studies are needed to explore these mechanisms unstudied ecosystems enhance our understanding, provide guidelines for specific management. Here, we hypothesized that would drive AGB better than stem size inequality (sub-) tropical forests Nepal. Using data from 101 plots, tested 25 structural equation models (SEMs) link elevation, DBH inequality, richness, evenness, dispersion divergence), [i.e., community-weighted maximum height mean (CWM Hmax), leaf area SLA), dry matter content LDMC), wood density WD)] AGB. best-fitted SEMs indicated CWM Hmax promoted while overruling impacts indices However, low were linked with higher effects SLA, LDMC WD In addition, decreased increasing whereas did not influence Our results suggest divergent species’ strategies could shape along an altitudinal gradient forests. We argue management practices should include plant traits plan co-benefits biodiversity conservation carbon sequestration underpins human wellbeing.