Successes, Limitations, and Frontiers in Ecosystem Science [Paperback]

Ecosystem research has emerged in recent decades as a vital, successful, and sometimes controversial approach to environmental science. This book emphasizes the idea that much of the progress in ecosystem research has been driven by the emergence of new environmental problems that could not be addressed by existing approaches. By focusing on successes and limitations of ecosystems studies, the book explores avenues for future ecosystem-level research.Research on the ecosystems has emerged in recent decades as a vital, successful, and sometimes controversial approach to environmental science. Ecosystem science has addressed issues such as human alteration of biogeochemical cycles, ecological complexity and biodiversity, and ecological response to climate change. As a central and integrating science, ecosystem-level studies have been highly successful. This book emphasizes the idea that much of the progress in ecosystem research has been driven by the emergence of new environmental problems that could not be addressed by existing approaches. By focusing on successes, limitations, and frontiers in ecosystem studies, it will be welcomed by students and scientists throughout the ecological and environmental communities.1 Needs and Concerns in Ecosystem Science.- 2 Cultural Eutrophication of Inland, Estuarine, and Coastal Waters.- 3 Managing Forests as Ecosystems: A Success Story or a Challenge Ahead?.- 4 Wastelands to Wetlands: Links Between Habitat Protection and Ecosystem Science.- 5 Riparian Forest Ecosystems as Filters for Nonpoint-Source Pollution.- 6 Ecological Research in Agricultural Ecosystems: Contributions to Ecosystem Science and to the Management of Agronomic Resources.- 7 Progress in Understanding Biogeochemical Cycles at Regional to Global Scales.- 8 Acid Deposition Research and Ecosystem Science: Synergistic Successes.- 9 Empirical and Theoretical Ecology as a Basis for Restoration: An Ecological Success Story.- 10 Limitations to Intellectual Progress in lós