Biophysical effects on plant competition and coexistence

Abstract

Physical laws influence the ability of plants to exchange energy and mass with their external environments, which is influenced by the size and spatiotemporal display of surface area. In turn, energy-mass exchange rates affect plant growth and thus the consumption of resources and plant competitiveness. Representative physical laws and processes are reviewed, and empirical data and computer models are used to elaborate on how energy-mass exchange rates, growth and competitiveness are interconnected. Our review shows that biophysical constraints on energy-mass exchange rates significantly influence plant growth and plant-plant competition. We also show that biophysical constraints also provide opportunities for adaptation and species coexistence. © 2012 British Ecological Society.