Welcome to Chinese Journal of Ecology! Today is Share:

cje ›› 1995, Vol. ›› Issue (2): 27-36,51.

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Thermodynamic Foundation and Information Theory in Understanding Landscape Heterogeneity

Michel Godron1, Jacques Baudry2, Richard T. T. Forman 3   

  1. 1. LBEM, Institute of Botany, 163 Rd. A, Broussonet, 34000 Montpellier, France;
    2. National Research Institute of Agro-economy, Department of Agro-system Research and Development, 19170 Lieury, France;
    3. Harvard University, Graduate School of Design. Cambridge Massachusetts 02138,USA
  • Online:1995-04-10

PDF (PC)

219

Abstract: theoretical framework based on the dynamics and information theory is outlined. Thermodynamic principles explain the flows of energy that.in turn,produce heterogeneity in thedistribution of energy and material.We describe the(1)trend toward a logarithmic vertical distribution of biomass.(2)thermedynamic linkage across scales(3)importance of entropy in isolated,closed and open systems,as a landscape changes,and(4)three resistances opposing the law of zonality or horizontal homogenization. Together they provide insight into heterogeneity at the landscape scale. The broad theory of information is used to measure and understand structure,i.e. spatial configuration. Based on probability and conditional algebras,a simple method for measuring the amount of information in a landscape map is described.

Key words: bulk blending controlled release fertilizer, mustard, nitrogen uptake, nitrogen loss, nitrogen balance.