Ecosystem structure and function

This is the major section of the book. We describe how the structure of an ecosystem can be seen as an interaction between two mutually dependent sub-systems: vegetation and soil. The vegetation is a purely biological system, but it is embedded in an abiotic environment and, therefore, we need to understand the micrometeorological environment for the aboveground components, and soil physical and chemical conditions for the roots. Hence, energy and water balances are part of ecosystem ecology. These factors also determine soil biological processes.