Perspectives on sustainability: the nutrient cycle

Abstract

THE nutrient cycle is central to the functioning of biological systems. It can be studied in terms of either processes, patterns or mechanisms. If these attributes are emphasized by definition, there will be a tendency for them to be devoid of any time dimension, that is, the definition will account for the present while ignoring the history by which the process was derived. It can, of course, be argued that a detailed history of the evolution of the process is unknown and thus not worth attempting. It is true that detailed knowledge cannot be gained quickly, yet sufficient information is accessible to form the basis for an historical perspective which is especially important in planning, implementing or achieving a vision of a sustainable future.