Canopy structural complexity promotes ecosystem multifunctionality in a temperate forest

Canopy structural complexity can affect light interception and light-use efficiency, thereby driving key ecosystem functions in forests. However, its role in regulating ecosystem multifunctionality remains poorly understood, with studies often focusing on individual functions. In this study, we explore how dimensions of canopy structural complexity relate to ecosystem multifunctionality by integrating airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data with repeated tree census measurements from a 25.6-ha temperate forest dynamics plot. Our results showed that both horizontal and vertical canopy structure were positively associated with individual functions such as aboveground biomass and forest productivity, as well as with overall multifunctionality. Moreover, canopy structural complexity was found to have positive effects on multifunctionality even after accounting for the effects of species diversity, functional diversity, and local topography, indicating its independent contribution to ecosystem multifunctionality in natural forests. Our study highlights the necessity of incorporating multidimensional structural attributes into forest conservation and management strategies aimed at sustaining multiple ecosystem functions and services.