The world's matrix of vegetation: Hunting the hidden dimension of landscape sustainability

The world's matrix of vegetation, which includes the spatial heterogeneity of its plants species and soils, is probably the most important component of landscape sustainability because it plays a key role in many ecological processes and helps to secure the intricate web of life. Among landscape ecologists, there is some dissatisfaction with current conceptualizations of spatial heterogeneity; and they suggest broader representations are needed. Key questions and research priorities for landscape ecology are proposed to advance knowledge about the world's matrix of vegetation as a biocultural system.