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Life SciencesBotanySoil SciencesForest EcologyPlant EcologySilvicultureAnimal EcologyEcosystem StructureForest GrowthForest StructurePlant-soil InteractionsSoil CompositionComplex IntegrationForest Floor ConditionsMoistureMoisture BalanceTerrestrial BiogeochemistryVegetation Functional CompositionWood Production
The total environment of a tree is a complex integration of physical and biological elements. The physical elements are related to climate and soil and include radiation, precipitation, and the movement and composition of air; as well as the texture of the soil and its structure, depth, moisture capacity, drainage, nutrient content, and topographic position. Biological elements are the plant associates; the larger animals that use the forest as a source of food and shelter; the many small animals, insects, and insectuke animals; the fungi to which the trees are hosts; and the microorganisms in the soil.