Ecological Studies

1. Ecosystems and Soils.- A. Concept of Ecosystem.- B. Soil as an Object of Nature.- C. Soil Colors and Soil Particles.- D. Soil Taxonomy and Classification.- E. Review of Chapter.- References.- A. Processes of Soil Genesis.- 2. Water Regimes of Soils and Vegetation.- A. Soil, a Climostat.- B. Gravitational Potential of Water.- C. Sorptive Potential of Water.- D. Matric Potential of Water.- E. Capillary Phenomena.- F. Osmotic Potential.- G. Summation of Potentials.- H. Movement of Water.- I. Flow of Water through the Ecosystem.- J. Soil Water for Plants.- K. Evapotranspiration and Water Balance.- L. Review of Chapter.- References.- 3. Behavior of Ions in Soils and Plant Responses.- A. Biological Elements.- B. Ions in Rock and Soil Crystals and in Solutions.- C. Exchangeable Ions and Ion Exchange.- D. Ion Currents by Diffusion.- E. Oxidation-Reduction Potentials.- F. Aspects of Plant Nutrition in Soils.- G. Problems of Soil Acidity.- H. Mineral Cycling.- I. Limiting Factor or Performance Equations.- J. Review of Chapter.- References.- 4. Origin, Transformation, and Stability of Clay Particles.- A. Six Common Primary Silicate Minerals.- B. Weathering and Neogenesis of Clays.- C. The Structural Kinship of Micas and Clays.- D. Clay Sequences.- E. Solubilities and Stability Fields of Clays.- F. Clays as Initiators of Organic Evolution.- G. Review of Chapter.- References.- 5. Biomass and Humus.- A. Carbon Fixation.- B. Respiration, the Energy Supplier of Soil Organisms.- C. Vegetation Productivities.- D. Nitrogen Fixation.- E. Soil Organisms as Decomposers and Porositors.- F. Soil Organic Matter and Humus.- G. Nitrogen in Humus and Its Availability.- H. Steady-State Formulations.- I. Review of Chapter.- References.- 6. Soil Colloidal Interactions and Hierarchy of Structures.- A. Flocculation and Deflocculation.- B. Mutual Interactions of Unlike Particles.- B. Peds, Crusts, and Voids.- D. Swelling, Shrinking, and Their Turbations.- E. Review of Chapter.- References.- 7. Pedogenesis of Horizons and Profiles.- A. Transport Considerations.- B. Clay Migration.- C. Mottling, Gleyzation, and Concretions.- D. Podzolization.- E. Laterization.- F. The Pedocal Process.- G. Stone Lines and Stone Pavements.- H. Depth Functions of Organic Matter.- I. Review of Chapter.- References.- B. Soil and Ecosystem Sequences.- 8. State Factor Analysis.- A. Derivation of State Factor Formula.- B. Extended Equation.- C. Commentary to the Formula.- D. Ordination of Ecosystems According to State Factors.- E. Factor Variation.- F. Review of Chapter.- References.- 9. The Time Factor of System Genesis.- A. Nature of Chronosequences.- B. Buildup and Decline of Organic Matter in Chronosequences.- C. Leaching of Carbonates.- D. Clay Formation and Profile Features.- E. Pygmy Forest Ecological Staircase.- F. Chronosequences and Plant Succession Theories.- G. Review of Chapter.- References.- 10. State Factor Parent Material.- A. Conceptual Topics.- B. A Primer of Rock Compositions.- C. Soils Derived from Igneous Rocks.- D. The Serpentine Syndrome.- E. Diversity of Limestone-Derived Soils.- F. Glacial Till Variations.- G. Loess Influx Sequences.- H. Review of Chapter.- References.- 11. State Factor Topography.- A. Points of Compass Orientation.- B. Ridge and Trough Configurations.- C. Toposequences on Slopes.- D. Salt-Affected Soils.- E. Soil Erosion.- F. Review of Chapter.- References.- 12. State Factor Climate.- A. Climatic Indices.- B. Altitude Sequences.- C. The Humus-Climate Paradigm.- D. Precipitation, Base Status, and Carbonate Regimes.- E. Climate and Clay Features.- F. Review of Chapter.- References.- 13. Biotic Factor of System Genesis.- A. Formulation of Biotic Factor Sequences.- B. Partitioning Biotic Factor and Environment.- C. Plant-Controlled Initiation of Ecosystem Genesis.- D. Trees in Forests.- E. Prairie-Forest Biosequences.- F. Animal Activities and Impact by Man.- G. Review of Chapter.- References.- 14. Integration of Factors and Overview of Book.- A. Integration of Factors.- B. Overview of Book.- C. Review of Chapter.- References.- Appendix I. Names of Vascular Species Cited.