The theoretical basis of vegetation science

There are two distinct research approaches to a theoretical framework for vegetation science. One involves critical analysis of observed patterns of multi-species community composition; the other entails experimental examination, at the population level, of processes in a multi-species context. Each approach is currently incomplete, but has questions in common with the other. Light, nitrogen and disturbance have been identified as critical factors determining vegetation composition by researchers using different theoretical frameworks. The increasing communication between vegetation analysts concerned with community pattern and experimental ecologists concerned with community processes may lead to a convergence in their theoretical concepts.