Temporal and spatial heterogeneity of trophic interactions within below-ground food webs

摘要: Abstract Real food webs are dynamic multi-dimensional systems, whereas the descriptions of real often do not capture this complexity in that they have been confined to a single habitat (the community web sensu Cohen, 1978) and represent changes time (Paine, 1988). We present an analytical approach uses univariate multivariate statistics simulation modeling study pattern within webs. As illustration approach, we compared below-ground from natural agricultural ecosystems terms their architecture, temporal dynamics biomass functional groups, spatial energy channels. The diversity similar detritus-based other terrestrial aquatic habitats. flow nitrogen through Shortgrass Steppe North America is soils reclaimed marine sediments Netherlands. compartmented along dominant flows (energy channels) originating primary production detritus. Comparisons connectedness descriptions, implementations cluster analysis, canonical discriminant analysis variance groups Netherlands, indicate detritus channel can be further into fungal bacterial channel. For winter wheat degree compartmentalization appears depend on management practice. Consumers fungi were separated consumers bacteria integrated practice, while little separation was observed conventional Our indicates (1) analyses should aim project onto principal niche dimensions food, time, (2) quantitative measures structure — identification productivity nutrients channels useful structure.