Increasing Evidence for Chaotic Dynamics in the Soil-Plant-Atmosphere System: A Motivation for Future Research

This paper reviews the background and current development of nonlinear dynamics and chaos as it applies to the soil- plant-atmosphere system (SPAS). We build the case that such processes are likely common in the SPAS and offer the possibility that the phenomena constituting chaotic dynamics are the underlying biophysical basis for sustainability of natural ecological and agricultural systems. Recent experiments that illuminate this viewpoint are described, along with data analysis methodology. It is concluded that a fuller understanding will require interdisciplinary research devoted to an improved understanding of complex system behaviour.