Gradients of microclimate, carbon and nitrogen in transition zones of fragmented landscapes – a review

Abstract

AbstractFragmentation of landscapes creates a transition zone in between natural habitats or different kinds of land use. In forested and agricultural landscapes with transition zones, microclimate and matter cycling are markedly altered. This probably accelerates and is intensified by global warming. However, there is no consensus on defining transition zones and quantifying relevant variables for microclimate and matter cycling across disciplines. This article is an attempt to a) revise definitions and offer a framework for quantitative ecologists, b) review the literature on microclimate and matter cycling in transition zones and c) summarise this information using meta-analysis to better understand bio-geochemical and bio-geophysical processes and their spatial extent in transition zones. We expect altered conditions in soils of transition zones to be 10–20m with a maximum of 50m, and 25–50m for above-ground space with a maximum of 125m