Thesis Proposal

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ALW Open Programme

Proposal form adapted for the Future Planet Earth Science - Bsc project

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Adapted for the BSc Project Earth Sciences at IBED UVA 1a. Details of proposal

Title:

Area: Ο Geo and Biosphere Ο from Molecule to Organism 1b. Field(s) of research

main field of research

1 code: 2 description:

3 22.40.00 Ecology

4 If applicable: other fields of research (in order of relevance):

5 code: description:

6 22.50.00 Botany

7 50.90.00 Environmental Sciecnce

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1c. Details of applicant Name: Abbe Hekkert

Gender: Ο Male Ο Female E-mail: Abbehekkert@gmail.com Date of birth: 16-06-1998

BSc study start date: 01-09-2018 Institution: University of Amsterdam

Position: Ο Professor Ο Associate professor (UHD) Ο Assistant professor (UD) Ο Student: Research School: Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics

Name and address of the responsible person at your institution (e.g. scientific director of the institute or dean of the faculty):

Mw. prof. dr. ir. F.T (Franciska) de Vries

Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) P.O. Box 94240

1090 GE Amsterdam , The Netherlands

1f. Applying for: Ο BSc Project

2a. Composition of the research group

Name and title Specialization Institution Involvement Mw. prof. dr. ir. F.T (Franciska) de Vries Earth Surface Science IBED Thesis supervisor Ms. E. (Eileen) Enderle Earth Surface Science IBED PhD student Dhr. dr. K.F. (Kenneth) Rijsdijk Biodiversity and IBED Course Coordinator

Ecosystem dynamics

MSc. A.G. (Anne) Uilhoorn Environmental Biology IIS Mentor

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Page 2 of 13 2b. Top 5 publications related to the proposed research

1.

Prommer, J., Walker, T. W. N., Wanek, W., Braun, J., Zezula, D., Hu, Y., … Richter, A. (2020). Increased microbial growth, biomass, and turnover drive soil organic carbon accumulation at higher plant diversity. Global Change Biology, 26(2), 669–681. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14777

2. Davidson, E. A., Savage, K., Verchot, L. V., & Navarro, R. (2002). Minimizing artifacts and biases in chamber-based measurements of soil respiration. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 113(1–4), 21–37.

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1923(02)00100-4

3. De Deyn, G. B., Cornelissen, J. H. C., & Bardgett, R. D. (2008). Plant functional traits and soil carbon sequestration in contrasting biomes. Ecology Letters, 11(5), 516–531. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1461-0248.2008.01164.x

4. Singh, B. K., Munro, S., Potts, J. M., & Millard, P. (2007). Influence of grass species and soil type on rhizosphere microbial community structure in grassland soils. Applied Soil Ecology, 36 (2–3), 147– 155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2007.01.004

5. Chen, X., & Chen, H. Y. H. (2019). Plant diversity loss reduces soil respiration across terrestrial ecosystems. December 2018, 1482–1492. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14567

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Page 3 of 13 3a. Scientific summary (ITEM 3a and 3b: 10%)

The Netherland consist for about 22% of meadows and natural grasslands. They provide 1/3 of the terrestrial carbon stock. Over the last decades biodiversity within these ecosystem have been declining. This has consequences for ecosystem functioning and their services. This research focusses on the influences of plant community composition on the carbon cycling. Since, plant community compositions are directly and indirectly changing the in- and output of carbon within ecosystems. The respiration and photosynthesis processes will be measured by the infra-red gas analyzer with a chamber-based method. Here, a distribution is made between a dark chamber and a transparent chamber. Moreover, lab measurements will be done on the soil organic carbon sequestration, microbial biomass carbon, the soluble carbon and the total carbon stock. This research will reveal knowledge about the influence of the plant community composition on the carbon cycling. In order to protect the large-scale carbon stock and change poor management strategies to restore biodiversity this research will be of great importance.

3c. Summary for the general public

Title: Verandering in plant gemeenschap compositie en de effecten hiervan op de koolstof kringloop in

graslandschappen.

Summary: In de afgelopen decennia is de biodiversiteit in graslandschappen enorm gedaald. Dit heeft gevolgen voor de ecosysteem diensten en hun functies. Een van de belangrijkste ecosysteem diensten die deze

graslandschappen met zich mee dragen is de grootschalige opslag capaciteit van koolstofdioxide. Het Nederlandse landschap bestaat voor 22% uit weiland en natuurlijke graslandschap. Die verantwoordelijk zijn voor een 1/3 van de koolstofdioxide vastlegging binnen het terrestrische systeem. Daarom is het van belang om de interactie tussen de plant gemeenschap compositie en de effecten op koolstof kringloop beter te analyseren. Om zo de grootschalige koolstof opslag te waarborgen en biodiversiteit te herstellen.

4. Description of the proposed research (ITEM 4 60%) Max. 8 pages (and max. 2400 words excluding literature references).

1 | Table of content.

Introduction

... 3

Method

... 5

Study site and experimental design ... 6

Carbon measurements ... 7

Data Collection & Data Analysis ... 7

Expected Results ... 8

Final Pitch ... 8

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2 | Introduction.

In the last decades a decline of grassland diversity due to anthropogenic changes throughout Europe is threatening ecosystem functions and services (Klimek, 2006). Grasslands are of major importance for the biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. Moreover, plant species diversity increases biomass productivity among constituent species due to complementary resource utilization (Chen et al., 2019).

Terrestrial systems have the capability to sequester carbon for longer time periods. This carbon sequestration can be achieved by storing organic carbon in the soil where it has the potential to become stable soil carbon. Globally, grasslands contribute substantially to carbon sequestration as they store 34% of the total terrestrial carbon (White et al., 2000). However, due to rapid anthropogenic changes in climate, carbon sinks could shift to carbon sources for atmospheric carbon (Davidson & Janssens 2006).

The Netherlands has a total grassland area of approximately 1 million ha, consisting of natural grasslands and agricultural used grasslands (CBS, 2019). According to Lof (2017) the Dutch grasslands are responsible for maintaining 31% of the biocarbon stocks, which consist of natural grasslands and meadows. The grassland area is therefore one of the most important sources of carbon stocks in the Netherland. Protecting the large carbon stocks in grasslands is therefore an important management target (Smith, 2014).

The balance between the carbon inputs and outputs are defining the build-up of organic carbon within a system. In figure 1 below a visualization of the processes in the biocarbon cycle can be seen.

Figure 1. The biocarbon cycle processes within a system. The soil carbon in- and output by plants and the interacting soil heterotrophs.

The processes within the carbon sequestration and respiration starts by the translation form the atmospheric decomposition to the shoot and root system of plants, through the photosynthesis process. Root exudates and litter translate carbon form the atmosphere to soil. This creates respiration of volatile organic carbon (VOC). The root exudates and the litter are

decomposed by heterotrophic organism consisting of symbionts and saprophytes. The decomposition leads to carbon loss in the form of microbial respiration. However, it also generates and accumulates the soil organic carbon (SOC). The non-decomposed root exudates also contributes to the SOC (Deyn et al., 2008). The SOC formation and decomposition is strongly influenced by activity of soil microbes and therefore to microbial carbon (Miltner et al., 2012). The SOC can still be

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lost through leaching process. However, due to the process of soil mineralogy the SOC can turn into stable Soil Carbon. The occlusion of carbon in soil minerals enables long residence time (Deyn et al., 2008).

The resource partitioning in diverse communities is dependent on evolutionary trade-offs between acquisitive and conversative strategies within plant species (Deyn et al., 2008). The conversative resource strategy enables plant species to tolerate low resource availability and can be defined as slow-growing species (Weemstra, 2017). The acquisitive plant strategy allows fast resource uptake and can therefore be classified as fast-growing species. Both different trade-offs lead to changes in carbon litter input and root exudates. Fast-growing species contribute more carbon to the soil in decaying aboveground and belowground plant tissue. However, the quality of litter in the forms of carbon is different and more concentrated in conversative plant organs (Deyn et al., 2008).

According to Prommer (2020) the relationship between plant diversity and productivity is interlinked with different above- and belowground, living and dead plant biomass. Which influences the input of carbon in the carbon cycling system. Moreover, the interaction between plants and microbial communities in the rhizosphere is species-specific. This results in different plant-microbial interactions, which will cause different respiration rates (Singh et al., 2007). The different in- and output of carbon is therefore plant community composition dependent.

Therefore, changes in grassland plant community composition and there effect on the carbon cycling should be analysed. In order to secure the large-scale carbon stocks and recover the biodiversity in the Netherlands. This research will focusses on the implementation of different plant community compositions and there effect on the carbon cycling in Dutch grasslands. To determine and specify the impact of different plant community compositions the following research questions were created: Main - Research questions:

1. How is the carbon cycling influenced by a change in dominance of plant community composition of Dutch grassland species?

Sub - Research questions:

2. How is the carbon cycling different in evenly distributed plant community compositions then in grass dominant plant community composition.

3. How is the carbon cycling different in evenly distributed plant community compositions then in forbs dominant plant community composition.

2 | Methodology

The aim of this research is to determine the relation between plant community composition and the carbon fluxes in grasslands in the Netherlands. The field experiment that will be conducted is part of a large group of coherent studies. The overarching project is led by F. de Vries focussing on the role of plant-soil feedback in drought-induces shifts in plant community composition. E. Enderle is one of the researchers within this project. She setup a field experiment at Science Park in the summer 2020, of which this research will be part of.

2.1 | Study site and experimental design

In the summer of 2020, 220 experimental grassland mesocosms where set up at Science Park, Amsterdam. Each of them containing 4 commonly Dutch grassland species. In order to simulate a model representing a natural grassland community. The selected grassland species differ in growth strategies. The four selected species consist of two grasses and two forbs. Each of the them containing a fast-growing and a slow-growing species. The Anthoxanthum odoratum is an slow-growing grass species that has conversative resource strategy. By enabling this strategy slow releasing resources are acquired, but are retained on a longer timeframe. This enables the specie to tolerate low resource availability (Weemstra, 2017). Conversely, the Dactylis glomerata is a grass species with an acquisitive strategy that allows fast resource uptake and can therefore be classified as fast-growing species. Moreover, the Rumex acetosa a fast-growing, acquisitive forb species and the Leontodon hispidus a slow-growing conversative forb species were included in the field experiment. The 4 grassland species were planted in 5 different plant community compositions. Containing one equal distribution (9:9:9:9) and an alternately distribution in which one is grown in dominance to the other species (30:2:2:2). In figure 2 an overview is created of the different plant community compositions. The 220 experimental grassland mesocosms had a volume of 43 litre and were filled with a natural clay soil. The natural clay soil was collected and excavated in around the area of Amsterdam. To mimic and simulate the best possible model for natural Dutch grassland conditions.

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Figure 2. Five plant community compositions containing 4 different commonly Dutch grassland species in a mesocosms experimental field set up. Species, 1: Anthoxanthum odoratum, 2: Dactylis glomerata, 3: Leontodon hispidus and 4: Rumex acetosa.

2.2 | Carbon measurements

In the spring 2021 on the 5th_{of April, the first Carbon fluctuation measurements will be conducted. For each plant community}

composition 1 till 5, the amount of CO2 uptake by photosynthesis and respiration will measured. The CO2 measurement fluxes will be conducted with the Infrared gas analyser (IRGA).

The IRGA method is implemented by chamber-based measurements that can be conducted in two modes to calculate fluxes. The so called steady-state mode and the non-steady-state mode. In the steady state mode the CO2 flux is measured by the difference in the known rate of the in- and outflow of air. This is measured after the CO2 concentration in the chamber headspace air has come to an equilibrium. In mode two, the non-steady-state mode the CO2 flux will be calculated by a change in the known volume of the chamber after it is put over the pots (Davidson, E et al., 2002).

The carbon fluxes of the experimental grassland mesocosms will be measured by placing a chamber of the same surface area of the pots to generate a closed system. Within this closed system gas concentration will be begin to change (Conen & Smith, 2000). The chambers that are designed for experimental grassland mesocosms pots are shown in the figure 4 The left closed off chamber, will be used for the CO2 respiration measurements. The right transparent chamber, will also be used to measure CO2 respiration of a closed system. In order to determine photosynthesis the difference between the transparent chamber CO2 flux and the dark chamber CO2 flux needs to be calculated.

Figure 3.Chamber-based CO2 uptake measurements.

Figure 4. Chambers under construction for

Used in an experimental grassland mesocosms research

experimental grassland mesocosms research

in Mancester, England.

at Science Park, Amsterdam.

The change in concentration of CO2 will be measured by the IRGA consisting of four components, visualized in figure 5. The components are light source sending out infrared wavelengths, a sample cell, the targeted in- and outflow of gas, an optical filter and the detector that receives the IR signals.

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Figure 5. visualization of the Infrared Gas Analyser measuring system (manual, EGM-5). Consisting of 5 major

components; infrared Source, the sample cell, optical filter, the detector and the gas in- and outflow.

In this research we will calculate the carbon fluxes of the experimental grassland mesocosms by executing the non-steady-state mode of the IRGA. Due to the advantage that the CO2 fluxes can be measured quickly, within 5 min per chamber. Moreover, minimizing the process time will counteract the effects of Fick’s first law1_{. Since, Fick’s first law is dependent on the}

concentration gradient and the diffusivity. Within the chamber the CO2 concentration gradient will increase and the diffusivity will decrease over a longer period of processing time. Which could cause the tracing CO2 concentration measurements to flatten out (Davidson, E et al., 2002).

Fick’s first law: 𝐽 = −𝐷𝑑𝐶_𝑑𝑥 (1)

J [cm-2_s-1_{] is the flux, D represents the diversity [cm}2_{/s], dC is the change in concentration [cm}-3_{] and dx is the distance [cm} -1_]_{over which the change in concentration is measured.}

2.3 | Data Collection & Data Analysis

In this research 10 pots per community will be analysed, which results in a total of 50 pots. The data collection will contain the generated results measured by the Infrared Gas Analyser of the carbon fluxes. Moreover, separate sensors will measure the variables PAR for light, air temperature, soil moisture and soil temperature. Since, the variables will differ the measurements are taken at three different time points, in order to minimize the effect of variables on the desired CO2 measurements. Two measurements per pot will be made in each of the three time points. This will result in a more transparent measurement of the photosynthesis and respiration processes of the different plant community compositions.

Moreover, lab work will be done in order to measure the soil carbon amounts among the different plant community

compositions. The soil microbial carbon, total carbon, organic carbon and the soluble carbon will be measured in 4 pots per plant community composition. Resulting into a total of 20 pots. The results will generate more information on the microbial activity per plant community composition and their influence on the total soil carbon amount.

An excel sheets was created to secure a structured data collection for the experimental mesocosms system design. Accounting all the 50 pots and their different plant community compositions.

The results gathered from the experimental mesocosms system design will be analysed with an one-way ANOVA. In order to distinguish if there is a significant difference between the plant community composition related to the carbon fluxes in natural Dutch grasslands.

H0 = There is no significant difference between the plant community compositions in grassland species related to the carbon

cycling measurements.

HA= There is a significant difference between the plant community compositions in grassland species related to the carbon

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3 | Expected Results

This research will expect increasing organic carbon build-up within the system in more evenly distributed plant community compositions. Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) storages will accumulate within Dutch grasslands due to the increasing input of carbon in rhizosphere by plant root secretion (Cong et al., 2014). Moreover, the SOC build-up will be positively influenced by an increase in microbial growth and necromass (Prommer, 2019). Also, the plant respiration and plant carbon uptake by photosynthesis are expected to increase. However, the photosynthesis will acquire a stronger increase then the respiration processes.

4 | Final Pitch

In recent decades, the biodiversity in grasslands has dramatically declined. This has consequences for ecosystem function and their services. One of the most important ecosystem services provided by grasslands is the large-scale stock of carbon. The Dutch landscape consist for 22% of pasture and natural grasslands. They are responsible for 1/3 of the carbon stock within the Dutch terrestrial system. The plant community composition has great influences on the carbon in- and output by respiration and photosynthesis. Therefore, it is important to analyse the interaction between the plant community composition and their effect on the carbon cycling. In order to protect the large-scale carbon stock and change poor management strategies to restore biodiversity this research will be of great importance.

5 | References

CBS (2020, juli 15) . Grasland; oppervlakte en opbrengst. Perioden: 2019. Regio: Nederland. https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/cijfers/detail/7140gras

Chen, X., & Chen, H. Y. H. (2019). Plant diversity loss reduces soil respiration across terrestrial ecosystems. December 2018, 1482–1492. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14567

Conen, F., & Smith, K. A. (2000). An explanation of linear increases in gas concentration under closed chambers used to measure gas exchange between soil and the atmosphere. European Journal of Soil Science, 51(1), 111–117. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2389.2000.00292.x

Cong, W. F., van Ruijven, J., Mommer, L., De Deyn, G. B., Berendse, F., & Hoffland, E. (2014). Plant species richness promotes soil carbon and nitrogen stocks in grasslands without legumes. Journal of Ecology, 102(5), 1163–1170.

https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.12280

Davidson, E. A., & Janssens, I. A. (2006). Temperature sensitivity of soil carbon decomposition and feedbacks to climate change. Nature, 440(7081), 165–173. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature04514

Davidson, E. A., Savage, K., Verchot, L. V., & Navarro, R. (2002). Minimizing artifacts and biases in chamber-based

measurements of soil respiration. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 113(1–4), 21–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1923(02)00100-4

De Deyn, G. B., Cornelissen, J. H. C., & Bardgett, R. D. (2008). Plant functional traits and soil carbon sequestration in contrasting biomes. Ecology Letters, 11(5), 516–531. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1461-0248.2008.01164.x

Klimek, S., Richter gen. Kemmermann, A., Hofmann, M., & Isselstein, J. (2007). Plant species richness and composition in managed grasslands: The relative importance of field management and environmental factors. Biological Conservation, 134(4), 559–570. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2006.09.007

Lof, M., Schenau, S., de Jong, R., Remme, R., Graveland, C., & Hein, L. (2017). The SEEA EEA carbon account for the Netherlands. Wageningen University & Research, 64. file:///C:/Users/Vitor/Downloads/Carbon-account-2017.pdf Manual, EMG-5, Infrared Gas Analyser. (2019). Operational Manual:

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Miltner, A., Bombach, P., Schmidt-Brücken, B., & Kästner, M. (2012). SOM genesis: Microbial biomass as a significant source. Biogeochemistry, 111(1–3), 41–55. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10533-011-9658-z

Prommer, J., Walker, T. W. N., Wanek, W., Braun, J., Zezula, D., Hu, Y., Hofhansl, F., & Richter, A. (2020). Increased microbial growth, biomass, and turnover drive soil organic carbon accumulation at higher plant diversity. Global Change Biology, 26(2), 669–681. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14777

Singh, B. K., Munro, S., Potts, J. M., & Millard, P. (2007). Influence of grass species and soil type on rhizosphere microbial community structure in grassland soils. Applied Soil Ecology, 36(2–3), 147– 155.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2007.01.004

Smith, P. (2014). Do grasslands act as a perpetual sink for carbon? Global Change Biology, 20(9), 2708–2711. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.12561

Weemstra, M. (2017). Belowground Uptake Strategies. In Wageningen University.

https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/belowground-uptake-strategies-how-fine-root-traits-determine-tree White, R., Murray, S., & Rohweder, M. (2000). Pilot analysis of global eco‐ systems: Grassland ecosystems. Washington, DC: World Resource Institute. ISBN: 1‐56973‐461‐5.

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Page 10 of 13 5a. Timetable of the project (ITEM 5: 10%)

The timetable of the entire experimental research is visualized in figure 6 below.

Figure 6 The timetable is divided into three main parts. The overarching research let by F. de Vries in the top left corner, consisting of 3 large-scale experiments over a timeframe of four years. PhD student E. Enderle, is leading experiment 5, 6 and 7. The timetable of this research can be seen on the top right of the figure. On the bottom the timetable of the BSc student can be seen. Which is contributing to the control group measurements of the mesocosms field experiment.

5b. Budget

The timeframe in which the research months take place is from the 1st_{of March until the 1}st_{of June 2021.} Table 1. The overall cost category.

Cost Category Month 1 Month 2 Month 3

Personnel

(in research months)

Bsc student 4800 4800 4800

PhD student 3200 3200 3200

Technician 2400 2400 2400

Research costs (in euro)

Equipment - - -

Consumables** 12900

Fieldwork** -

Total Requested Grant (in euro) 44,100

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Ass can be seen in table 1 the research team will consist of a BSc student, PhD student and a research technician.

BSc Student: I will dedicate myself to work fulltime, 40 hours a week on this research project. In order to deliver a high-quality BSc thesis.

PhD Student: Along my side I will be needing guidance from a motivated PhD student for 10 hours a week. That could accompany me during the research months to successfully carrying out an experimental research design. Technician: To conduct the carbon fluxes measurements in the correct implementation a 0.8ft technician is needed for about 10 hours a week. That can help me fulfilling the desired data collection and analyzation. Equipment.

No extra equipment is needed. Consumables:

Infra-red gas analysers (PP systems). In order to measure the CO2 fluxes, 2 IRGA systems are needed: €12000 General Laboratory consumables. A selection of laboratory products, reagants, pipettes, glassware ect: €150 Sample analysis for Carbon. Costs to conduct total Carbon analysis: €750

Fieldwork.

No fieldwork cost were applicable. Since the mesocosms experiment was conducted at Science Park. 6. Scientific embedding of the proposed research (ITEM 6 + 7: 10%)

.

This experimental mesocosms field research will be conducted as part of the bachelor Future Planet Studies which is section of the Earth Science faculty at the University of Amsterdam. Moreover, this research contributes to the research let by E. Enderle focusing on the role of plant-soil feedback in drought-induces shifts in plant community composition. The research let by E. Enderle is also part of an overarching group of field experiments, coordinated by F. de Vries. F. de Vries will coordinate 3 large-scale experiments over a timeframe of four years. All the staff that is contributing to this project is part of the IBED and the Ecosystem and Landscape Dynamics Department within IBED. Moreover, the staff is part of the Dutch Graduate School of Production Ecology and Resource Conservation they provide a platform for collaboration and communication. This BSc thesis will be used as control group for achieved carbon cycling measurements within the research of E. Enderle. In order to gain more insights on the plant-soil feedback in drought-induced shifts in plant community compositions.

7. Knowledge utilisation - 7A: Beneficiaries identified:

This research contributes to an overarching group of field experiments, let by F. de Vries. In order to distinguish the role of plant-soil feedbacks to drought induced shifts. The measurements that will be done within this thesis will provide essential information to draw conclusions form the overarching researches. The results, will

contribute to a better understanding within the plant-soil interaction within grasslands and their ability to sequester and stock carbon. This could lead to different management decisions regarded to agricultural and natural grasslands. The agricultural sector could be a potential knowledge user. Moreover, could the government also play a role as a knowledge user, by changing their management strategies.

- 7B: Stakeholder feedback:

There are no stakeholder meetings planned yet, as far as I know. However, possible stakeholder meetings could take place when the results arrive the overarching researches.

- 7C: Beneficiaries confirmed: Which potential knowledge users are involved in, and have committed themselves to the research project?

Within this research project different academia have committed themselves. F. de Vries, coordinator of the 3 large-scale experimental research projects. E. Enderle, PhD student leading experiment 5, 6 and 7. Of which

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experiment 5 is dependent on the research results of this thesis. Finally, the technician whom is helping and committing himself by ensuring measurement techniques in order to acquire the research results.

- 7D: Education:

Bachelor, Future Planet Studies with the direction of the Future Earth track. - 7E: Data management:

An Microsoft Excel sheets (xlsx.) was created to secure a structured data collection for the experimental mesocosms system design. Accounting all the 50 pots and their different plant community compositions. Moreover, all files and data will be stored on an external hard drive with corresponding number of pot, type of plant community composition and type of data.

All equipment in the lab will be regularly checked and cleaned in order to achieve accurate data generation, outliers will be checked and re-moved when found. All the measurements and calculations will be checked by the direct technician and PhD supervisor E. Enderle. Thereby, all measurements will first and foremost be noted on paper, to secure a physical backup in case of technical failure.

- 7F: Data distribution or integration:

The data provided by this research is contributing to the overarching research let by F. de Vries. I hereby give my consent to use and share the achieved data required by the measurements within this bachelor thesis. It will be up to F. de Vries where to share the data.

- 7G: Outreach method identified:

Unfortunately there isn’t any plan yet to communicate the achieved results of this research to the knowledge users or the general public. However, I hope this communication of the achieved results will be communicated when the results are presented of E. Enderle and F. de Vries.

- 7H: Outreach time schedule and budget:

No financial resources are needed to conduct the knowledge utilization. 8. Statements by the applicant

YES/NO I endorse and follow the Code Openness Animal Experiments (if applicable). YES/NO I endorse and follow the Code Biosecurity (if applicable).

YES/NO By submitting this document I declare that I satisfy the nationally and internationally accepted standards for scientific conduct as stated in the Netherlands Code of Conduct for Scientific Practice 2012 (Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU)).

YES/NO I have completed this form truthfully.

YOUR DETAILS: Name: Abbe Hekkert Place: Amsterdam Date: April 1st_{, 2020}

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--- Please submit the application to NWO in electronic form (pdf format is required) using NWO’s electronic

application system, which can be accessed via the NWO website. The application must be submitted from the account of the main applicant. For any technical questions regarding submission, please contact the helpdesk (iris@nwo.nl).