IAI-Data-CRN_012_FLOMBAUM_DRF: Testing the biodiversity-productivity hypothesis in the Patagonian steepe

We created a richness gradient by removing species in the Patagonian steppe. The Patagonian steppe is an ideal model ecosystem because of the low natural diversity with 6 dominant species that account for 960f aboveground net primary production (shrubs: Mulinum spinosum, Senecio filaginoides, and Adesmia campestris; grasses: Poa ligularis, Stipa speciosa, and Stipa humilis).

In 84 (5x5m) plots that initially all contained the 6 dominant species, we removed target individuals and left 1, 2, 4 and 6 species with all possible assemblages replicated. We ensured at the starting point, that all plots had the same vegetation cover but different species number by removing portions of each individual. The information was collected between January 2002 and April 2004 in 16 field expeditions to Rio Mayo, Chubut Province, Argentina.