The Relationship between Forest Productivity and Biodiversity

Forest productivity is defined as the rate at which a forest generates biomass. It involves the efficient utilisation of sunlight to drive photosynthesis.
Productivity can be measured in different ways: Net Primary Productivity (NPP), Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) or Secondary Productivity. Understanding these terms is crucial.
Many factors influence forest productivity including availability of nutrients, sunlight, water, temperature and the presence of decomposers such as fungi and bacteria.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It includes the diversity of species, genes and ecosystems.
Biodiversity in a forest ecosystem is exceptionally high, providing diverse habitats for a wide range of species from large mammals and birds to small insects and plants.
High biodiversity is generally associated with greater stability and resilience in an ecosystem, enabling it to cope with environmental changes and disturbances.

Forest productivity and biodiversity are closely interconnected. Rich biodiversity can enhance forest productivity. The more diverse a forest is, the more productive it can be as there are more species to make use of different resources.
Different species can have different roles within the forest ecosystem, complementing each other so that the ecosystem functions more effectively. This is known as niche differentiation.
Some trees and plants are essential for putting nutrients back into the soil through leaf litter and decomposition, thus improving soil fertility and hence productivity.
Increased forest productivity can also contribute to higher biodiversity, since a more productive forest can support a greater number of species.

Human activities, such as deforestation, can drastically reduce both biodiversity and productivity, resulting in weak and unstable ecosystems.
Climate change can also influence forest productivity and biodiversity. Changes in temperature, precipitation and extreme weather events can modify the composition and function of forest ecosystems.
Reforestation and forest management strategies can enhance both productivity and biodiversity, promoting healthier and more sustainable forest ecosystems. These strategies may involve species selection, spacing and thinning, and management of pests and diseases.