Theoretical Ecosystem Ecology
Understanding Element Cycles

A rigorous mathematical framework for analysing ecosystems using element cycles; advanced 1996 text aimed at graduate ecologists.

Goran I. Agren (Author), Ernesto Bosatta (Author)

9780521580229, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 14 November 1996

252 pages, 66 b/w illus. 9 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.54 kg

'… recommended for both beginners and experienced researchers.' A. D. Pokarzhevskii, Theoretical Ecosystem Ecology

The cycling of elements such as carbon and nitrogen is of central importance in ecology, particularly when humans are causing changes to element cycles on a global scale. In this 1996 book a rigorous mathematical framework is developed to model how element cycles operate and interact in plants and soils, forming the foundations of a new ecosystem theory. From a few basic equations, powerful predictions can be generated covering a wide range of ecological phenomena related to element cycling. These predictions are tested extensively against field and laboratory studies of agricultural and forest ecosystems. This work will be of interest to graduate students and researchers in theoretical ecology, soil science, forestry and biogeochemistry.

Preface
List of important symbols
Part I. Prelude: 1. Introduction
2. Element cycling
3. Part II. The Soil: 3. Theory for homogeneous substrates
4. Theory for heterogeneous substrates
5. Carbon and nitrogen - applications
6. Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur - applications
7. Interactions with abiotic factors
Part III. The Plant: 8. Theory for plant growth
9. Plant growth - applications and extensions
Part IV. The Ecosystem: 10. Elements of an ecosystem theory
11. Ecosystems - applications
12. Quality - bridge between plant and soil
Epilogue
Appendices
References
Solutions to selected problems
Index.

Subject Areas: Ecological science, the Biosphere [PSAF]