Laws of Nature ...Thermodynamics

[Gloria]

What do you think of this? I have read her book Energy-wise Landscape Design and found it to be very good with a sizable section on planting with native plants and how to go about that.


Nature: What Is It Good For?

We live according to various laws of nature. One of the most important of these is the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which states that although energy can’t be created or destroyed (that’s the First Law of Thermodynamics), it can be transformed. Further, all transformations release some amount of energy, from smaller systems out to the larger systems in which they are embedded

In The Myth of Progress, ecologist Tom Wessels explains how this works in the natural world. When systems are growing, they’re taking in more energy than they’re releasing – as in a young forest. When they absorb and release roughly equal amounts of energy, they’re in a state of “dynamic equilibrium” – like a mature forest. When systems release more energy than they absorb – as in a clear-cut or dying forest – they’re at the beginning of the end, unless new energy is added.

There is more about living with nature as competitors or learning to co-exist.
Can we (our species)learn to live a mutual existence within natures laws?

Mutualism, in which intimate co-existence benefits both organisms

Sue Reed
registered landscape architect, an expert at designing sustainable landscapes that are environmentally sound, ecologically rich and energy efficient. Her new book, Energy-Wise Landscape Design, was published in April 2010 by New Society Publishers.

[Gloria]

What does this have to do with biodiversity you say? Well I have come to the conclusion that biodiversity is nature at work.

[benj1]

Originally Posted by Gloria

What do you think of this?

I'm so impressed I've added her book to my Amazon wish list. Seems like an ideal choice as I move to a new house with an essentially blank landscape.

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by benj1

...as I move to a new house with an essentially blank landscape.

benj,

Will you still be in PA?

I hope you enjoy the process of starting from scratch.