ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the theoretical underpinnings of how heterogeneity in¢uences soil microbial processes and agroecosystem functioning. Throughout this analysis, I highlight continuing challenges and opportunities for advancing our understanding of soil microbial processes in light of heterogeneous conditions. I do this through examples of how heterogeneity allows or promotes soil microbial processes to proceed that do not occur at average resource concentrations or constant environmental conditions.
