Seasonality regulates the effects of resource addition on plant diversity and ecosystem functioning in semi-arid grassland

Abstract Aims Seasonal variations in species richness, aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) and stability under resource enrichment are frequently ignored. This study explores how the impacts of on ANPP vary among seasons semi-arid grasslands. Methods We conducted a 3-year experiment an Inner Mongolia grassland to determine effects input (water [W], nitrogen [N]) community using seasonal sampling during growing season (2013–2015). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used examine relative importance via mechanistic pathways each month whole season. Important Findings Resource inputs did not affect May June, while N and/or NW enhanced July August. generally asynchrony or most time. Positive responses perennial bunchgrasses (PB) treatments contributed increased Species may be major mechanism contributing June entire season, PB is potentially factor controlling August enrichment. Our results indicate that availability could interact regulate These findings have important implications for management practices grasslands order mitigate impact land use global change.