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Patterns and processes of initial terrestrial-ecosystem development

  • Ecosystems are characterized as complex systems with abiotic and biotic processes interacting between the various components that have evolved over long-term periods. Most ecosystem studies so far have been carried out in mature systems. Only limited knowledge exists on the very initial phase of ecosystem development. Concepts on the development of ecosystems are often based on assumptions and extrapolations with respect to structure–process interactions in the initial stage. To characterize the effect of this initial phase on structure and functioning of ecosystems in later stages, it is necessary to disentangle the close interaction of spatial and temporal patterns of ecosystem structural assemblages with processes of ecosystem development. The study of initial, less complex systems could help to better identify and characterize coupled patterns and processes. This paper gives an overview of concepts for the initial development of different ecosystem compartments and identifies open questions and research gaps. The artificialEcosystems are characterized as complex systems with abiotic and biotic processes interacting between the various components that have evolved over long-term periods. Most ecosystem studies so far have been carried out in mature systems. Only limited knowledge exists on the very initial phase of ecosystem development. Concepts on the development of ecosystems are often based on assumptions and extrapolations with respect to structure–process interactions in the initial stage. To characterize the effect of this initial phase on structure and functioning of ecosystems in later stages, it is necessary to disentangle the close interaction of spatial and temporal patterns of ecosystem structural assemblages with processes of ecosystem development. The study of initial, less complex systems could help to better identify and characterize coupled patterns and processes. This paper gives an overview of concepts for the initial development of different ecosystem compartments and identifies open questions and research gaps. The artificial catchment site “Chicken Creek” is introduced as a new research approach to investigate these patterns and processes of initial ecosystem development under defined boundary conditions. This approach allows to integrate the relevant processes with related pattern and structure development over temporal and spatial scales and to derive thresholds and stages in state and functioning of ecosystems at the catchment level.show moreshow less

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Author: Wolfgang SchaafORCiDGND, Oliver BensGND, Anton Fischer, Horst H. Gerke, Werner GerwinORCiD, Uwe Grünewald, Hartmut M. Holländer, Ingrid Kögel-Knabner, Michael MutzGND, Michael Schloter, Rainer Schulin, Maik VesteORCiD, Susanne Winter, Reinhard F. HüttlGND
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.201000158
ISSN:1522-2624
Title of the source (English):Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science
Document Type:Scientific journal article peer-reviewed
Language:English
Year of publication:2011
Tag:artificial catchment; microbial succession; pedogenesis; soils; vegetation succession
Volume/Year:174
Issue number:2
First Page:229
Last Page:239
Faculty/Chair:Zentrale Einrichtungen / Forschungszentrum Landschaftsentwicklung und Bergbaulandschaften (FZLB)
Fakultät 2 Umwelt und Naturwissenschaften / FG Bodenschutz und Rekultivierung
Fakultät 2 Umwelt und Naturwissenschaften / FG Gewässerökologie
Fakultät 2 Umwelt und Naturwissenschaften / FG Hydrologie
Institution name at the time of publication:Fakultät für Umweltwissenschaften und Verfahrenstechnik (eBTU) / LS Bodenschutz und Rekultivierung
Fakultät für Umweltwissenschaften und Verfahrenstechnik (eBTU) / LS Gewässerschutz
Fakultät für Umweltwissenschaften und Verfahrenstechnik (eBTU) / LS Hydrologie und Wasserressourcenbewirtschaftung
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