Ecosystem Development and the Steady State

The biomass accumulation model of ecosystem development which we propose (Chapter 1) has four phases after clear-cutting: Reorganization, Aggradation, Transition, and Steady State (Figure 1–2). In discussing this model, our strategy has been to move from the most verified to the least verified aspects. Many elements of the first two phases, Reorganization and Aggradation (Chapters 1–5), are based on observation and measurement of, and experiment with, actual stands; and the conclusions now can be tested and evaluated. We now consider the remaining phases of the model, Transition and Steady State.