Richard Bardgett
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198525035
- eISBN:
- 9780191728181
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198525035.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This book provides a comprehensive, up-to-date synthesis of what is known about soil biodiversity and the factors that regulate its distribution, as well as the functional significance of ...
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This book provides a comprehensive, up-to-date synthesis of what is known about soil biodiversity and the factors that regulate its distribution, as well as the functional significance of below-ground biodiversity for ecosystem form and function. It describes the vast diversity of biota that live in the soil environment — the most complex habitat on Earth — and discusses the factors that act as determinants of this diversity across different spatial and temporal scales. This book also considers how biotic interactions in soil influence the important soil processes of decomposition and nutrient cycling. It demonstrates how interactions and feedbacks between diverse plant and soil communities act as important drivers of ecosystem form and function. The importance of these relationships for understanding how ecosystems respond to global change phenomena, including climate change, is discussed in depth. Much is still to be learned about the soil biota and their roles in ecosystems, and the author highlights some of the many challenges that face ecologists in the exploration of soil. This book provides an introduction to the biology of soil, and also discusses the most recent developments in this progressive field of ecology. The importance of soil biotic interactions for community and ecosystem ecology is illustrated through the use of numerous examples and case studies.Less
This book provides a comprehensive, up-to-date synthesis of what is known about soil biodiversity and the factors that regulate its distribution, as well as the functional significance of below-ground biodiversity for ecosystem form and function. It describes the vast diversity of biota that live in the soil environment — the most complex habitat on Earth — and discusses the factors that act as determinants of this diversity across different spatial and temporal scales. This book also considers how biotic interactions in soil influence the important soil processes of decomposition and nutrient cycling. It demonstrates how interactions and feedbacks between diverse plant and soil communities act as important drivers of ecosystem form and function. The importance of these relationships for understanding how ecosystems respond to global change phenomena, including climate change, is discussed in depth. Much is still to be learned about the soil biota and their roles in ecosystems, and the author highlights some of the many challenges that face ecologists in the exploration of soil. This book provides an introduction to the biology of soil, and also discusses the most recent developments in this progressive field of ecology. The importance of soil biotic interactions for community and ecosystem ecology is illustrated through the use of numerous examples and case studies.
Amilcare Porporato and Ignacio Rodríguez-Iturbe
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198566540
- eISBN:
- 9780191718038
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198566540.003.0003
- Subject:
- Mathematics, Probability / Statistics
This chapter describes work on a stochastic soil moisture model that has been used to investigate the relationship between the hydrologic and vegetation dynamics ecohydrology in water-controlled ...
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This chapter describes work on a stochastic soil moisture model that has been used to investigate the relationship between the hydrologic and vegetation dynamics ecohydrology in water-controlled ecosystems. Such systems are complex evolving structures whose characteristics and dynamic properties depend on many links between climate, soil, and vegetation. After a discussion of the soil water balance and a brief account of rainfall modeling, infiltration, and runoff, evapotranspiration and drainage are sketched. The probabilistic modeling of the soil moisture process and of long-term water balance are discussed, followed by minimalist modeling of soil moisture dynamics. The chapter concludes with a brief account of plant water stress, with an application to the Kalahari precipitation gradient.Less
This chapter describes work on a stochastic soil moisture model that has been used to investigate the relationship between the hydrologic and vegetation dynamics ecohydrology in water-controlled ecosystems. Such systems are complex evolving structures whose characteristics and dynamic properties depend on many links between climate, soil, and vegetation. After a discussion of the soil water balance and a brief account of rainfall modeling, infiltration, and runoff, evapotranspiration and drainage are sketched. The probabilistic modeling of the soil moisture process and of long-term water balance are discussed, followed by minimalist modeling of soil moisture dynamics. The chapter concludes with a brief account of plant water stress, with an application to the Kalahari precipitation gradient.
Thomas J. Stohlgren
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195172331
- eISBN:
- 9780199790395
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195172331.003.0012
- Subject:
- Biology, Plant Sciences and Forestry
In arid environments, the patterns of native and non-native plant diversity may be affected by cryptobiotic crusts. This chapter is a detailed case study designed to: (1) quantify patterns of native ...
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In arid environments, the patterns of native and non-native plant diversity may be affected by cryptobiotic crusts. This chapter is a detailed case study designed to: (1) quantify patterns of native and non-native plant species, cryptobiotic crust habitats, rare/unique habitats, and soil characteristics at landscape scales; and (2) determine which habitats in the southeast portion of the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument, Utah, were more invaded by exotic plant species. It provides an opportunity to evaluate the interactions between various components of vascular plant diversity, with non-vascular plants (crusts) in complex arid soil environments.Less
In arid environments, the patterns of native and non-native plant diversity may be affected by cryptobiotic crusts. This chapter is a detailed case study designed to: (1) quantify patterns of native and non-native plant species, cryptobiotic crust habitats, rare/unique habitats, and soil characteristics at landscape scales; and (2) determine which habitats in the southeast portion of the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument, Utah, were more invaded by exotic plant species. It provides an opportunity to evaluate the interactions between various components of vascular plant diversity, with non-vascular plants (crusts) in complex arid soil environments.
Malcolm Ausden
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198568728
- eISBN:
- 9780191717529
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198568728.003.0005
- Subject:
- Biology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
This chapter discusses grassland management. The common objectives of grassland management are to: provide the desired sward composition, the specific aim often being to maintain or increase plant ...
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This chapter discusses grassland management. The common objectives of grassland management are to: provide the desired sward composition, the specific aim often being to maintain or increase plant species richness; provide the sward height and structure favoured by a desired range of animals; and prevent colonization by scrub and trees. The effects of non-intervention on grasslands; management by grazing, management by cutting or without grazing, management by burning or without grazing, rotational management, soil disturbance; and the use of fertilizers, lime, slurry, and farmyard manure are discussed.Less
This chapter discusses grassland management. The common objectives of grassland management are to: provide the desired sward composition, the specific aim often being to maintain or increase plant species richness; provide the sward height and structure favoured by a desired range of animals; and prevent colonization by scrub and trees. The effects of non-intervention on grasslands; management by grazing, management by cutting or without grazing, management by burning or without grazing, rotational management, soil disturbance; and the use of fertilizers, lime, slurry, and farmyard manure are discussed.
Bas van Bavel
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199278664
- eISBN:
- 9780191707032
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199278664.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
The chapter presents the landscapes and soils, and discusses the interaction between land, water and men in the Low Countries. This interaction contributed to the wide diversity of landscapes found ...
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The chapter presents the landscapes and soils, and discusses the interaction between land, water and men in the Low Countries. This interaction contributed to the wide diversity of landscapes found here, with the medieval Low Countries consisting of some 25 distinctive regions. The chapter discusses how these regions were occupied and reclaimed after the post‐Roman population low, and describes the ethnic composition and the growth of the population in the early Middle Ages. Occupation was concentrated in a few fertile and easy to reclaim regions, while others remained virtually empty. Some coastal regions, which formed a kind of frontier area, were occupied in the high Middle Ages, often requiring challenging hydrological tasks. In all these regions, which formed the stage for further development, growing population pressure and increasing interference with nature caused ecological problems, but associations and authorities were mostly able to limit the negative effects.Less
The chapter presents the landscapes and soils, and discusses the interaction between land, water and men in the Low Countries. This interaction contributed to the wide diversity of landscapes found here, with the medieval Low Countries consisting of some 25 distinctive regions. The chapter discusses how these regions were occupied and reclaimed after the post‐Roman population low, and describes the ethnic composition and the growth of the population in the early Middle Ages. Occupation was concentrated in a few fertile and easy to reclaim regions, while others remained virtually empty. Some coastal regions, which formed a kind of frontier area, were occupied in the high Middle Ages, often requiring challenging hydrological tasks. In all these regions, which formed the stage for further development, growing population pressure and increasing interference with nature caused ecological problems, but associations and authorities were mostly able to limit the negative effects.
Frank H. T. Rhodes
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801478239
- eISBN:
- 9780801466212
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801478239.003.0019
- Subject:
- Earth Sciences and Geography, Environmental Geography
This chapter is an overview on soil sustainability and conservation. Soil is the Earth, supporting life and nourishing its growth, containing both mineral fragments and millions of microorganisms ...
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This chapter is an overview on soil sustainability and conservation. Soil is the Earth, supporting life and nourishing its growth, containing both mineral fragments and millions of microorganisms that contribute to its development. Because soil is the ultimate foundation of the terrestrial food chain, it is vital to preserve it. Preservation here ultimately means retaining the soil's capacity to support life, but soil is now being diminished in many parts of the developing world, where poor soil husbandry and poor agricultural practices are leading to increased soil erosion and depletion. The chapter thus looks into the particular environmental risks and human impacts to soil, and provides some suggestions as to its continued preservation.Less
This chapter is an overview on soil sustainability and conservation. Soil is the Earth, supporting life and nourishing its growth, containing both mineral fragments and millions of microorganisms that contribute to its development. Because soil is the ultimate foundation of the terrestrial food chain, it is vital to preserve it. Preservation here ultimately means retaining the soil's capacity to support life, but soil is now being diminished in many parts of the developing world, where poor soil husbandry and poor agricultural practices are leading to increased soil erosion and depletion. The chapter thus looks into the particular environmental risks and human impacts to soil, and provides some suggestions as to its continued preservation.
Neil M. Maher
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195306019
- eISBN:
- 9780199867820
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195306019.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, American History: 20th Century
Chapter Two analyzes CCC conservation projects on a national scale, and links the landscape changes caused by such work to both a broadening of conservationist concerns and to Franklin Roosevelt's ...
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Chapter Two analyzes CCC conservation projects on a national scale, and links the landscape changes caused by such work to both a broadening of conservationist concerns and to Franklin Roosevelt's desire for political support from rural America. It argues that although Corps conservation work appeared haphazard and static, it actually evolved over time and involved two types of labor on a trio of rural landscapes. While the Corps began its work in forests, primarily in the far West, the Dust Bowl of 1934 forced CCC enrollees onto the nation's farms as well, both on the Great Plains and in the soil-eroded South. This first type of conservation work involving both reforestation and soil conservation not only embodied the goals of Progressive era conservationists, who advocated the efficient use of natural resources, but also popularized the New Deal throughout these rural regions. During the late-1930s the Corps expanded its work projects yet again, this time into the country's state and national parks where CCC enrollees built hiking trails, campgrounds, motor roads, and visitor centers to increase public access to outdoor recreation. This second type of Corps work, which echoed the Boy Scouts' desire to rejuvenate Americans through healthful contact with nature, represented a broadening of conservationist ideology beyond the wise use of natural resources to include concern for public health. Chapter Two concludes that the dueling progressive philosophies that influenced Franklin Roosevelt's creation of the CCC—those of the conservation movement and of the Boy Scouts—became physically realized across the New Deal landscape.Less
Chapter Two analyzes CCC conservation projects on a national scale, and links the landscape changes caused by such work to both a broadening of conservationist concerns and to Franklin Roosevelt's desire for political support from rural America. It argues that although Corps conservation work appeared haphazard and static, it actually evolved over time and involved two types of labor on a trio of rural landscapes. While the Corps began its work in forests, primarily in the far West, the Dust Bowl of 1934 forced CCC enrollees onto the nation's farms as well, both on the Great Plains and in the soil-eroded South. This first type of conservation work involving both reforestation and soil conservation not only embodied the goals of Progressive era conservationists, who advocated the efficient use of natural resources, but also popularized the New Deal throughout these rural regions. During the late-1930s the Corps expanded its work projects yet again, this time into the country's state and national parks where CCC enrollees built hiking trails, campgrounds, motor roads, and visitor centers to increase public access to outdoor recreation. This second type of Corps work, which echoed the Boy Scouts' desire to rejuvenate Americans through healthful contact with nature, represented a broadening of conservationist ideology beyond the wise use of natural resources to include concern for public health. Chapter Two concludes that the dueling progressive philosophies that influenced Franklin Roosevelt's creation of the CCC—those of the conservation movement and of the Boy Scouts—became physically realized across the New Deal landscape.
Karl Ritz and Wim H. van der Putten
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- December 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199575923
- eISBN:
- 9780191774843
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199575923.003.0002
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This chapter provides an overview of the three chapters in Section 1. Chapter 1.1 considers the soil as a habitat. Chapter 1.2 reviews the levels of biodiversity that occur belowground. Chapter 1.3 ...
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This chapter provides an overview of the three chapters in Section 1. Chapter 1.1 considers the soil as a habitat. Chapter 1.2 reviews the levels of biodiversity that occur belowground. Chapter 1.3 considers how the soil biota actually delivers ecosystem services. It also explores the contrasting ‘soil biogeochemistry’ and ‘soil biology’ perspectives of how ecosystems function, and reviews the functional group concept.Less
This chapter provides an overview of the three chapters in Section 1. Chapter 1.1 considers the soil as a habitat. Chapter 1.2 reviews the levels of biodiversity that occur belowground. Chapter 1.3 considers how the soil biota actually delivers ecosystem services. It also explores the contrasting ‘soil biogeochemistry’ and ‘soil biology’ perspectives of how ecosystems function, and reviews the functional group concept.
Richard D. Bardgett
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198525035
- eISBN:
- 9780191728181
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198525035.003.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
Soil forms a thin mantle over the Earth's surface and acts as the interface between the atmosphere and lithosphere, the outermost shell of the Earth. It is a multiphase system, consisting of mineral ...
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Soil forms a thin mantle over the Earth's surface and acts as the interface between the atmosphere and lithosphere, the outermost shell of the Earth. It is a multiphase system, consisting of mineral material, plant roots, water and gases, organic matter at various stages of decay, and a variety of live organisms. The first step towards understanding what controls the abundance and activities of these organisms, and also the factors that lead to spatial and temporal variability in soil biological communities, is to gain an understanding of the physical and chemical nature of the soil matrix in which they live. This chapter provides background on the factors responsible for regulating soil formation, and hence the variety of soils in the landscape. It also discusses the key properties of the soil environment that most influence soil biota, leading to variability in soil biological communities across different spatial and temporal scales.Less
Soil forms a thin mantle over the Earth's surface and acts as the interface between the atmosphere and lithosphere, the outermost shell of the Earth. It is a multiphase system, consisting of mineral material, plant roots, water and gases, organic matter at various stages of decay, and a variety of live organisms. The first step towards understanding what controls the abundance and activities of these organisms, and also the factors that lead to spatial and temporal variability in soil biological communities, is to gain an understanding of the physical and chemical nature of the soil matrix in which they live. This chapter provides background on the factors responsible for regulating soil formation, and hence the variety of soils in the landscape. It also discusses the key properties of the soil environment that most influence soil biota, leading to variability in soil biological communities across different spatial and temporal scales.
Richard D. Bardgett
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198525035
- eISBN:
- 9780191728181
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198525035.003.0002
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
An increasing number of ecologists are starting to turn their attention to soil communities, largely because of an awareness that not only do soil organisms regulate major ecosystem processes, such ...
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An increasing number of ecologists are starting to turn their attention to soil communities, largely because of an awareness that not only do soil organisms regulate major ecosystem processes, such as organic matter turnover and nutrient cycling, but they also act as important drivers of vegetation change. This chapter provides a brief introduction to some of the major groups of organisms that live in soil, and discusses their diversity in different ecosystems. The chapter also considers what factors are likely to act as primary determinants of soil biodiversity across various spatial and temporal scales.Less
An increasing number of ecologists are starting to turn their attention to soil communities, largely because of an awareness that not only do soil organisms regulate major ecosystem processes, such as organic matter turnover and nutrient cycling, but they also act as important drivers of vegetation change. This chapter provides a brief introduction to some of the major groups of organisms that live in soil, and discusses their diversity in different ecosystems. The chapter also considers what factors are likely to act as primary determinants of soil biodiversity across various spatial and temporal scales.
Richard D. Bardgett
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198525035
- eISBN:
- 9780191728181
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198525035.003.0003
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This chapter illustrates how the activities of soil biota, especially their trophic interactions, influence the processes of decomposition and nutrient cycling, and examines the significance of this ...
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This chapter illustrates how the activities of soil biota, especially their trophic interactions, influence the processes of decomposition and nutrient cycling, and examines the significance of this for material flow and plant production in terrestrial ecosystems. The focus is on the availability of nitrogen and phosphorus since they are the two nutrients that most limit primary productivity in natural and managed terrestrial ecosystems. First, the issue of how soil microbes regulate the internal cycling of nutrients in terrestrial ecosystems is discussed. This is followed by a discussion of how soil animals influence nutrient cycling and plant growth through their feeding activities on microbes and other fauna.Less
This chapter illustrates how the activities of soil biota, especially their trophic interactions, influence the processes of decomposition and nutrient cycling, and examines the significance of this for material flow and plant production in terrestrial ecosystems. The focus is on the availability of nitrogen and phosphorus since they are the two nutrients that most limit primary productivity in natural and managed terrestrial ecosystems. First, the issue of how soil microbes regulate the internal cycling of nutrients in terrestrial ecosystems is discussed. This is followed by a discussion of how soil animals influence nutrient cycling and plant growth through their feeding activities on microbes and other fauna.
Bryan Shorrocks
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198570660
- eISBN:
- 9780191717680
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198570660.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
Savannahs are one of the largest biomes of the world, comprising about 20% of the land surface. Stated simply, they are tropical and subtropical grasslands, with scattered bushes and trees. Most ...
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Savannahs are one of the largest biomes of the world, comprising about 20% of the land surface. Stated simply, they are tropical and subtropical grasslands, with scattered bushes and trees. Most savannah occurs in Africa, with a smaller amount in South America, India, and Australia. This book looks at: (1) the climate factors that determine the distribution of savannahs worldwide and briefly looks at savannahs in South America, Australia, India, and Africa; (2) the major plants (grasses, and trees such as Acacia) and large animals (mainly large mammals) that live in African savannahs; and (3) the biological and ecological factors that influence their population size, interactions (such as predation), and community composition. Conservation issues such as tourism, hunting, and the conflict between wildlife and farmers are discussed.Less
Savannahs are one of the largest biomes of the world, comprising about 20% of the land surface. Stated simply, they are tropical and subtropical grasslands, with scattered bushes and trees. Most savannah occurs in Africa, with a smaller amount in South America, India, and Australia. This book looks at: (1) the climate factors that determine the distribution of savannahs worldwide and briefly looks at savannahs in South America, Australia, India, and Africa; (2) the major plants (grasses, and trees such as Acacia) and large animals (mainly large mammals) that live in African savannahs; and (3) the biological and ecological factors that influence their population size, interactions (such as predation), and community composition. Conservation issues such as tourism, hunting, and the conflict between wildlife and farmers are discussed.
Vernon Reynolds
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198515463
- eISBN:
- 9780191705656
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198515463.003.0004
- Subject:
- Biology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
Studies of intestinal parasites show that the Budongo chimpanzees live with numerous gut nematodes which they tolerate well. Self-medication is achieved by swallowing the leaves of Aneilema ...
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Studies of intestinal parasites show that the Budongo chimpanzees live with numerous gut nematodes which they tolerate well. Self-medication is achieved by swallowing the leaves of Aneilema aequinoctiale, which are encountered along trails in the forest. These leaves have hooked trichomes, which physically remove worms from the gut wall. In addition, chimpanzees eat termite soil for medicinal purposes. Deaths are described together with a necropsy report (in Appendix D). The danger of transmission of human diseases to chimpanzees is constant.Less
Studies of intestinal parasites show that the Budongo chimpanzees live with numerous gut nematodes which they tolerate well. Self-medication is achieved by swallowing the leaves of Aneilema aequinoctiale, which are encountered along trails in the forest. These leaves have hooked trichomes, which physically remove worms from the gut wall. In addition, chimpanzees eat termite soil for medicinal purposes. Deaths are described together with a necropsy report (in Appendix D). The danger of transmission of human diseases to chimpanzees is constant.
Peter Hogarth
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198568704
- eISBN:
- 9780191717536
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198568704.003.0002
- Subject:
- Biology, Aquatic Biology
This chapter discusses how mangrove trees adapt to their environment. Topics covered include adaptations to waterlogged soil, coping with salt, the cost of survival, inorganic nutrients, reproductive ...
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This chapter discusses how mangrove trees adapt to their environment. Topics covered include adaptations to waterlogged soil, coping with salt, the cost of survival, inorganic nutrients, reproductive adaptations, and why mangroves are tropical.Less
This chapter discusses how mangrove trees adapt to their environment. Topics covered include adaptations to waterlogged soil, coping with salt, the cost of survival, inorganic nutrients, reproductive adaptations, and why mangroves are tropical.
Simon L. Lewis, Yadvinder Malhi, and Oliver L. Phillips
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198567066
- eISBN:
- 9780191717888
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198567066.003.0004
- Subject:
- Biology, Plant Sciences and Forestry
Recent observations of widespread changes in mature tropical forests such as a rise in tree growth, recruitment and mortality, and above-ground biomass, suggest that ‘global change’ agents may be ...
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Recent observations of widespread changes in mature tropical forests such as a rise in tree growth, recruitment and mortality, and above-ground biomass, suggest that ‘global change’ agents may be affecting tropical forests far from the deforestation fronts. However, consensus has yet to emerge over the robustness of these changes and the environmental drivers that may be causing them. This chapter focuses on the second part of this debate. Ten potential widespread drivers of environmental change are identified: temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, climatic extremes (including El Niñno-Southern Oscillation events), atmospheric CO2 concentrations, nutrient deposition, O3/acid depositions, hunting, land-use change, and increasing liana numbers. Each is expected to leave a unique ‘fingerprint’ in tropical forests, as drivers directly force different processes, have different distributions in space and time and may affect some forests more than others (e.g., depending on soil fertility). Testable a priori predictions of forest responses are presented to help ecologists attribute particular changes in forests to particular causes. Finally, this chapter discusses how these drivers may change and the possible future consequences for tropical forests.Less
Recent observations of widespread changes in mature tropical forests such as a rise in tree growth, recruitment and mortality, and above-ground biomass, suggest that ‘global change’ agents may be affecting tropical forests far from the deforestation fronts. However, consensus has yet to emerge over the robustness of these changes and the environmental drivers that may be causing them. This chapter focuses on the second part of this debate. Ten potential widespread drivers of environmental change are identified: temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, climatic extremes (including El Niñno-Southern Oscillation events), atmospheric CO2 concentrations, nutrient deposition, O3/acid depositions, hunting, land-use change, and increasing liana numbers. Each is expected to leave a unique ‘fingerprint’ in tropical forests, as drivers directly force different processes, have different distributions in space and time and may affect some forests more than others (e.g., depending on soil fertility). Testable a priori predictions of forest responses are presented to help ecologists attribute particular changes in forests to particular causes. Finally, this chapter discusses how these drivers may change and the possible future consequences for tropical forests.
Alfonso Moreno
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199228409
- eISBN:
- 9780191711312
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199228409.003.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, European History: BCE to 500CE
This chapter attempts to calculate the grain production and carrying capacity of Attica by analyzing five key variables: land, use of the land, crop yields, population, and consumption. Previous ...
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This chapter attempts to calculate the grain production and carrying capacity of Attica by analyzing five key variables: land, use of the land, crop yields, population, and consumption. Previous scholarly attempts to calculate these variables are surveyed. As part of the study of land, soil and climate are examined, as well as the extent of arable space, taking into account the use of terracing. As part of the study of land use, the conventional and revised models of Greek farming are compared. The results confirm the continuing usefulness of the former, which would indicate that half of the cultivable land of Attica required fallowing each year, and that natural fertilizers were insufficiently available to overcome this need or to escape relatively low yields. It is argued that the figures of imported grain transmitted by Demosthenes are reliable, and that recent attempts to demonstrate the opposite are unsatisfactory.Less
This chapter attempts to calculate the grain production and carrying capacity of Attica by analyzing five key variables: land, use of the land, crop yields, population, and consumption. Previous scholarly attempts to calculate these variables are surveyed. As part of the study of land, soil and climate are examined, as well as the extent of arable space, taking into account the use of terracing. As part of the study of land use, the conventional and revised models of Greek farming are compared. The results confirm the continuing usefulness of the former, which would indicate that half of the cultivable land of Attica required fallowing each year, and that natural fertilizers were insufficiently available to overcome this need or to escape relatively low yields. It is argued that the figures of imported grain transmitted by Demosthenes are reliable, and that recent attempts to demonstrate the opposite are unsatisfactory.
Matty P. Berg
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199228973
- eISBN:
- 9780191711169
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199228973.003.0007
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
The structure of a community is an important factor in the stabilization of food web composition and the regulation of ecosystem processes. Nevertheless, surprisingly little is known about temporal ...
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The structure of a community is an important factor in the stabilization of food web composition and the regulation of ecosystem processes. Nevertheless, surprisingly little is known about temporal and spatial variability in community and food web composition, and the underlying mechanisms that cause this variability. Moreover, the question remains of how important spatio-temporal variability in community structure is for the regulation of soil processes, and whether we need this kind of detail to understand underlying mechanisms. In an attempt to answer this question, a terrestrial example, the organic horizon of a coniferous forest soil, will be used (1) to quantify community variability in time and across space and (2) to assess possible consequences of community variability for an important soil process, the degradation of organic matter and the subsequent flow of energy and nutrient through soil.Less
The structure of a community is an important factor in the stabilization of food web composition and the regulation of ecosystem processes. Nevertheless, surprisingly little is known about temporal and spatial variability in community and food web composition, and the underlying mechanisms that cause this variability. Moreover, the question remains of how important spatio-temporal variability in community structure is for the regulation of soil processes, and whether we need this kind of detail to understand underlying mechanisms. In an attempt to answer this question, a terrestrial example, the organic horizon of a coniferous forest soil, will be used (1) to quantify community variability in time and across space and (2) to assess possible consequences of community variability for an important soil process, the degradation of organic matter and the subsequent flow of energy and nutrient through soil.
Wim H. van der Putten
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199228973
- eISBN:
- 9780191711169
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199228973.003.0008
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
One of the greatest challenges facing applied ecologists is to elucidate causes of unwanted developments in natural and production ecosystems, and to translate this knowledge into management ...
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One of the greatest challenges facing applied ecologists is to elucidate causes of unwanted developments in natural and production ecosystems, and to translate this knowledge into management decisions without causing unintended side-effects. Such a strategy requires interventions based on solid understanding of the underlying mechanisms, as well as proper predictions of future direct and indirect effects of the interventions. Good applied ecological research quite often may reveal our shortage of knowledge, which in turn will fuel fundamental research initiatives. Community ecology plays a key role in many aspects of applied ecology because the abundance of species strongly depends on competitive and predatory interactions among species that are part of food webs. Food web interactions are major drivers of ecosystem processes, and they are key to the delivery of ecosystem goods and services.Less
One of the greatest challenges facing applied ecologists is to elucidate causes of unwanted developments in natural and production ecosystems, and to translate this knowledge into management decisions without causing unintended side-effects. Such a strategy requires interventions based on solid understanding of the underlying mechanisms, as well as proper predictions of future direct and indirect effects of the interventions. Good applied ecological research quite often may reveal our shortage of knowledge, which in turn will fuel fundamental research initiatives. Community ecology plays a key role in many aspects of applied ecology because the abundance of species strongly depends on competitive and predatory interactions among species that are part of food webs. Food web interactions are major drivers of ecosystem processes, and they are key to the delivery of ecosystem goods and services.
Richard D. Bardgett
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198525035
- eISBN:
- 9780191728181
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198525035.003.0004
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This chapter examines the various ways that plants and soil biota influence each other, and highlights some of the recent findings on the links that exist between plants and soil biological ...
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This chapter examines the various ways that plants and soil biota influence each other, and highlights some of the recent findings on the links that exist between plants and soil biological communities. First, it discusses some of the ways that plants, and changes in the diversity and composition of plant communities, can modify soil biological communities and their activities. Second, the issue of how soil biota can in turn influence plant growth and also act as agents of vegetation change, both in the short- and longer-term is considered. The ultimate goal of the chapter is to illustrate the nature and ecological significance of linkages between plant and soil communities at the community and ecosystem scale.Less
This chapter examines the various ways that plants and soil biota influence each other, and highlights some of the recent findings on the links that exist between plants and soil biological communities. First, it discusses some of the ways that plants, and changes in the diversity and composition of plant communities, can modify soil biological communities and their activities. Second, the issue of how soil biota can in turn influence plant growth and also act as agents of vegetation change, both in the short- and longer-term is considered. The ultimate goal of the chapter is to illustrate the nature and ecological significance of linkages between plant and soil communities at the community and ecosystem scale.
Richard D. Bardgett
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198525035
- eISBN:
- 9780191728181
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198525035.003.0007
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This chapter reviews the discussions in the preceding chapters and presents some concluding thoughts from the author. The biology of soil is of fundamental importance to the sustainability of life on ...
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This chapter reviews the discussions in the preceding chapters and presents some concluding thoughts from the author. The biology of soil is of fundamental importance to the sustainability of life on Earth. Not only will new insights into the biology of soil improve our understanding of how managed and natural ecosystems are structured and function, it will better enable humans to predict the effects on ecosystems of human-induced global changes and enhance our ability to restore degraded ecosystems. However, soil remains the least understood, and perhaps most abused, habitat on Earth.Less
This chapter reviews the discussions in the preceding chapters and presents some concluding thoughts from the author. The biology of soil is of fundamental importance to the sustainability of life on Earth. Not only will new insights into the biology of soil improve our understanding of how managed and natural ecosystems are structured and function, it will better enable humans to predict the effects on ecosystems of human-induced global changes and enhance our ability to restore degraded ecosystems. However, soil remains the least understood, and perhaps most abused, habitat on Earth.
