THE MATRIX
The matrix is the land area which surrounds the patch-corridor system. Examples of the matrix in agricultural areas are pastureland, crop fields and meadowland (*THE EUROPEAN CONSERVATION RESEARCH INSTITUTES NETWORK). The matrix is usually the most dominant feature of the landscape, covering the largest area (Foreman 1995).
The matrix influences the dynamics of the landscape by acting as a source of seeds, animals, water, heat and particles.
The matrix can also have connectivity and resistance properties. For instance:
- a matrix is said to have "resistance" when its structural characteristics act as a barrier to species movement;
- a matrix is said to have "connectivity" when its structural characteristics facilitate species movement;
- whether a matrix is resistant or connective depends upon the species type (Foreman & Gordon 1986).
Can you pick out the matrix in this picture?
Source: Photo by Ron Nichols, the The USDA Photo Gallery
**editor's note: I am going to find a better picture for the matix soon!
A matrix in itself can be hospitable to species movement, just as it can act as a barrier. Examples of a matrix upon farms would be cropland or grassland surrounding hedgerows and forest patches (The European Conservation Insitutes Research Network). An alternative to providing specific movement corridors is a matrix which is compatible with a species movement needs. This may be a wise alternative--or back-up--as corridors can be destroyed through natural disasters. Linear corridors also offer limited movement options for a species as compared to an entire matrix (Morrison et. al 1992).