Abstract

There is a new emerging interest in the effects of gaps and patches on succession and biodiversity. This innovative volume is a synthesis of studies of plant responses to temporal and spatial heterogeneity, the exploitation of resources from pulses and patches by plants, and their competition with neighbors in the face of this variability.
Aboveground, the book focuses upon the nature of canopy patchiness, consequences of this heterogeneity for the light environment, and the mechanisms by which plants respond to and exploit this patchiness. Belowground, the text explores the heterogeneity of soil environments and how root systems obtain nutrients and water in the context of this temporal and spatial variability.
As a new reference in an evolving and growing field, this text is sure to be a valuable tool for researchers and advanced students in plant physiology, ecology, agronomy, and forestry alike.
"Overall, the depth of detail on methods and the emphasis on theory makes this volume a very thorough summary of research on plant response to environmental heterogeneity."
--ECOLOGY
"...presents an innovative synthesis of studies of plant responses to temporal and spatial heterogeneity, the exploitation of resources from pulses and patches by plants, and their competition with their neighbors. ...this volume will be valuable for both researchers and students in plant physiology, ecology, agronomy or forestry."
--K.T. Kiss in ACTA BOTANICA HUNGARICA