Assistant Professor of Ecosystem Science Amber Churchill and her research team conducted a study at Nuthatch Hollow, an outdoor laboratory and wildlife sanctuary, as part of the Pasture and Lawn Enhanced Diversity Global-change Experiment (PLEDGE). The study aimed to explore how the number of species in an ecosystem influences its function. The researchers set up 30 experimental plots, each with different combinations of plant species, ranging from simple grass lawns to more diverse mixtures that included clover and creeping thyme. Lawns were chosen as the focus because they represent a unique and controllable ecosystem. Churchill explained that lawns allow for easy manipulation of species composition, making them an ideal setting to test how biodiversity affects environmental outcomes. The study sought to understand if small changes in lawn biodiversity could lead to meaningful benefits, such as improved soil health or reduced environmental impact. One of the key findings was that adding clover to lawns significantly increased soil nutrient availability. This could mean that homeowners might be able to maintain greener lawns without relying on synthetic fertilizers. Additionally, the research found no increase in nutrient runoff, which is a common environmental concern when using fertilizers. This suggests that increasing biodiversity in lawns can improve environmental outcomes without contributing to pollution. Another unexpected result was that more diverse lawns grew slightly shorter on average after mowing. Churchill noted that this could potentially reduce the frequency of mowing, leading to less labor and fuel use. This challenges the idea that more complex lawns are harder to manage. The team observed these differences within the first month of the study, highlighting how biodiversity can have immediate and measurable effects on lawn characteristics. The study also revealed that adding species to lawns did not increase overall biomass, which is typically observed in other ecosystems. In the context of lawns, this means homeowners might experience less maintenance work. Churchill emphasized that even small changes, such as introducing clover, can significantly improve lawn health and resilience, offering practical benefits for those looking to manage their outdoor spaces more sustainably.