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Ecological Field Theory: the concept and field tests

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Progress in theoretical vegetation science

Part of the book series: Advances in vegetation science ((AIVS,volume 11))

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Abstract

Ecological field theory (EFT) quantifies plant spatial influences as pulsating geometric zones about individual plants. It provides the basis for a methodology to include spatial interactions between plants of different size, function and growth-form in models of plant community dynamics. The key components of EFT are: 1. the influence domain of individuals (D), 2. the field intensity within the domains (I), 3. the influence surface (ID) and 4. the intensity of interactions (II). The means to calculate these key components are outlined and several tests of the methodology as applied to a semi-arid eucalypt woodland are presented. The tests include a comparison of measured shrub growth with a computer implementation of EFT (the RESCOMP model) and spatial growth data from the eucalypt woodland to support the postulates included in EFT. Practical uses expected for the method are in agroforestry, landscape rehabilitation, simulations of disturbance effects and in determining invasibility of plant communities.

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Abbreviations

ARGR:

Actual Relative Growth Rate

EFT:

Ecological Field Theory

IRM:

Integrated Rate Method

PRGR:

Potential Relative Growth Rate

RESCOMP:

RESource COMPetition model

SMRGR:

Spatially Modified Relative Growth Rate

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Canberra Laboratory, CSIRO Division of Water Resources, GPO 1666, Canberra, 2601, Australia

    J. Walker

  2. Biosystems Research Group, Department of Industrial Engineering, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA

    P. J. H. Sharpe

Authors
  1. J. Walker
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  2. P. J. H. Sharpe
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  3. L. K. Penridge
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  4. H. Wu
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Editor information

G. Grabherr L. Mucina M. B. Dale C. J. F. Ter Braak

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© 1990 Kluwer Academic Publishers

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Walker, J., Sharpe, P.J.H., Penridge, L.K., Wu, H. (1990). Ecological Field Theory: the concept and field tests. In: Grabherr, G., Mucina, L., Dale, M.B., Ter Braak, C.J.F. (eds) Progress in theoretical vegetation science. Advances in vegetation science, vol 11. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-1934-1_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-1934-1_7

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-7363-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-1934-1

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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