Effects of species diversity on functional trait of legume forage

A pot experiment was used to determine the effects of species diversity on functional traits of legume forages by measuring the relative growth rate, specific leaf area, leaf dry mass content, plant height, root depth and root mass per unit leaf area, and productivity. The results of this study indicated that the species diversity had a positive effect on specific leaf area and plant height, and a negative effect on relative growth rate, root depth, leaf dry mass content, and root mass per unit leaf area. The productivity, aboveground and belowground biomass of legume forage decreased as the species diversity increased. These results suggested that the increasing interspecific competition caused by the increase of species diversity increased the specific leaf area and plant height, but restricted other four functional traits and the productivity of legume forages.