Non-equilibrium thermodynamics and development cycles of temperate natural forest ecosystems

Abstract

The presented contribution in its first part summarizes several important theoretical findings of the system ecology supporting non-equilibrium paradigm of complex adaptive systems. We emphasise the concept of non-equilibrium thermodynamics of living systems and the Holling’s adaptive cycle of a social-ecological system. In natural forests, the phases of an adaptive cycle fit to a substantial extent also to stages and phases of a large and a small forest cycle, although there is a different terminology. Further, we have emphasised the natural role of disturbances and their explanation from the thermodynamic point of view – as an important component of an adaptive cycle, which supports conclusions that these natural phenomena not only participated in the evolution of the whole habitats, but from the long-term view, they may even increase the resilience and overall ecological stability of ecosystems. Finally, we have tried to apply the findings of the theories presented to derive or underlie several principles of the management of temperate deciduous and mixed natural forests, which we consider important.

Keywords

• adaptive cycle
• natural forest
• non-equilibrium thermodynamics
• resilience