Hierarchy theory in hydropedology

Abstract

Abstract. The challenges that face scientists in the bourgeoning field of hydropedology include many of those that face investigations in complex systems. We suggest hierarchy theory as being particularly helpful in teasing through complexity in hydropedological investigations. We present a brief overview of hierarchy theory highlighting the importance of defining levels of analysis, the role of theory in prediction, and the importance of narrative in science. These concepts are highlighted by references from the hydropological literature. We point out several issues common to scientists faced with complex systems analysis, and suggest several strategies to help hydropedologists deal with them. In order to help bridge the gap between theory and application, we present several specific examples of how hierarchical treatments have helped scientists deal with the modeling and analysis of complex systems related to hydropedology. We conclude that hierarchy theory offers many powerful tools with which to tackle the complexity inherent in soil water interactions, and that its use would benefit a more systematic and robust integration of the hydrologic and soil sciences.

Clay content modulates differences in bacterial community structure in soil aggregates of different size

“…A key characteristic of hierarchy theory is the order of the different hierarchy levels. Allen et al (2009) identify five general principles that characterize the order in hierarchical ecological systems:…”

The Application of an Extended Hierarchy Theory in Understanding Complex Organizational Situations: The Case of FIReControl

“…Hierarchy theory provides a descriptive framework for exploring how control, constraints and communications address the structure and processes of complex systems. Hierarchy theory has been applied in ecology to study complex multi-scaled systems such as forests and water systems (O'Neil, 1986), and in hydropedology, the study of the interaction of water and soil environments (Allen et al, 2009) and termite societies (Allen et al, 2008). Hierarchy theory has also been applied in understanding how visual perceptual learning occurs (Ahissar and Hochstien, 2004), the relationship of genome size to organism complexity (Gregory, 2004), the stability of species in a coral reef community (Waltho and Kolasa, 1994) and even the forecasting of avalanches (Hageli and McClung, 2004).…”