The Herbaceous Layer in Forests of Eastern North America (Life Sciences) [Hardcover]

Frank S. Gilliam (Editor), Mark R. Roberts (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195140885 | ISBN-13: 978-0195140880 | Publication Date: July 24, 2003 | Edition: First Edition

Focusing on the oft-overlooked herbaceous layer of eastern forests, this volume combines perspectives from different levels of biological organization (ecophysiology to ecosystems) and forest types (from the eastern boreal forest to southeastern pine forests) into a synthesis of our knowledge of the ecology of this important forest layer. This is the first book of its kind to synthesize information concerning herbaceous layer structure, composition, and dynamics of a variety of forest ecosystem types in eastern North America. With over 1,200 references cited in the 14 chapters, this book represents the most comprehensive review of literature on the ecology of the herbaceous layer.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The useful contribution to the study of a complex and rapidly changing region which we tend (mistakenly) to think of as well known." -- Rhodora - Journal of the New England Botanical Club

About the Author

Frank S. Gilliam is at Marshall University. Mark R. Roberts is at University of New Brunswick.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 464 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; First Edition edition (July 24, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195140885
• ISBN-13: 978-0195140880
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,448,577 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

My interests at the level of the plant community are focused predominantly on forest community ecology. I am particularly interested in secondary succession and the species dynamics of the herbaceous layer of forests, as well as the variety of biotic and abiotic factors that influence species composition and change within this vegetation stratum. My future research plans reflect extensions of previous work in the following three areas: (1) vegetation dynamics in forest ecosystems, (2) nitrogen dynamics of forest ecosystems, and (3) species composition and stand structure in old-growth longleaf pine forests.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of Gilliam and Roberts' The Herbaceous Layer ..., February 29, 2004

By 

Bruce Threlkeld (Missoula, Montana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Herbaceous Layer in Forests of Eastern North America (Life Sciences) (Hardcover)

The Herbaceous Layer in Forests of Eastern North America is an invaluable reference tool for those interested in studying forest ecology. The editors have assembled an impressive group of scientists who weigh-in on current issues related to the herbaceous layer of eastern forests. Subjects include nutrient cycling, ecophysiology, composition, interaction with overstory, temporal and spatial dynamics, disturbance, invasion, and more. This is a text that has been long-needed, and includes numerous references that will be helpful for graduate and undergraduate students alike. My doctoral research work has been significantly enhanced and influenced by reading the chapters presented in this book. The ecologic importance of the diverse and multi-functional forest plant layer cannot be overstated. The editors have done justice to the formerly-known "step-over" plants, revealing their significant and intrinsic link within a comprehensive definition of forest ecology. Every college and university library should have at least one copy of this book, and every student of forestry would benefit from keeping this book handy.