Primary Succession and Ecosystem Rehabilitation
Cambridge University Press
Edition: illustrated edition, 2/13/2003
EAN 9780521800761, ISBN10: 0521800765
Hardcover, 458 pages, 22.9 x 15.2 x 3 cm
Language: English
Natural disturbances such as lava flows, landslides and glacial moraines, and human-damaged sites such as pavement, road edges and mine wastes often leave little or no soil or biological legacy. This 2003 book provided the first comprehensive summary of how plant, animal and microbial communities develop under the harsh conditions following such dramatic disturbances. The authors examine the basic principles that determine ecosystem development and apply the general rules to the urgent practical need for promoting the reclamation of damaged lands. Written for ecologists concerned with disturbance, landscape dynamics, restoration, life histories, invasions, modeling, soil formation and community or population dynamics, this book will also serve as an authoritative text for graduate students and a valuable reference for professionals involved in land management.
Preface
1. Introduction
2. Denudation
the creation of a barren substrate
3. Successional theory
4. Soil development
5. Life histories of early colonists
6. Species interations
7. Successional patterns
8. Applications of theory for rehabilitation
9. Future directions
Glossary
References
Index.
'Walker and del Moral have done a superb job of summarizing current understanding of succession ...' Bioscience