WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS
Removing C3 grasses and forbs increased soil moisture and physiological or biomass performance for Pleuraphis jamesii, while removing C4 neighbors had different effects.
WHY IT MATTERS / OUR READ
Increased vigor of a survivor after species loss is not evidence of healthier community function.
CAVEATS / UNCERTAINTY
Experimental neighbor removal is not observed climate-driven die-off; results depend on functional group and water pulses.
SOURCE
Oecologia (27 Oct 2026)
View original evidence ↗