Applying Functional Niche Framework to Agroecosystems.

Polyculture enthusiasts have ascribed that mixed species plantings that mimic natural systems will over yield though increased resource capture. However, the functional traits relevant to designing overyielding communities of annual and perennial temperate species are poorly understood. Functional traits include morphological, physiological, or phenological features that indicate plant response to environmental conditions, and influence ecosystem properties. Diversity of functional groupings and traits increase ecosystem services due to increased complementarity and facilitation. In this study, frequently measured functional traits and other unique functions will be assessed for common agronomic species. In lieu of species specific trait information, characteristics will be ascribed on the genus or family level for less well studied woody perennials that are good candidates for agroforestry systems. This matrix of temperate annual and perennial species as well as a set of functional traits will serve as a design tool for community construction in agroecosystem redesign.