Functional diversity and identity influence the self‐thinning process in young forest communities

There is increasing evidence that the strength of tree diversity effects on productivity varies considerably over course forest development. Evidence points to canopy closure and subsequent self-thinning as key phases development during which positive emerge. A number studies have shown can differ among species, also in mixtures compared with monocultures. Yet, how influences process remains poorly understood. In this study, using 11 years growth mortality records from a large experiment, we fitted trajectories for 37 communities equal initial densities explored whether functional identity may affect these trajectories. We then examined were influenced by differences or mortality. found communities' strongly influence process. First, observed dominated early successional slow-growing evergreens begin at larger mean size. Second, mixing species contrasting resource-use strategies, dominance deciduous, fast-growing reduce rate relation size (i.e. shallower slope). The lower rates functionally diverse seem be explained both an increase reduction density-related simultaneously time. Synthesis. Overall, study highlights has potential enhance long term through better performance when competition resources most intense.