releve Virginia Division of Natural Heritage, see http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_heritage/documents/nh_plotform_instructions.pdf
Overall Taxon Cover Values are Automatically Calculated?
no
Stem Observation Area
400
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Height
32
m
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot location: ca. 0.4 miles SW of jct. Rtes. 234 and 622, on slope of low ridge just E of Rt. 622.
Rock Types Present: Diabase fragments at site indicate map unit is incorrect.
This site is a long, narrow slope wedged between a stream bottom and old agricultural lands. A relatively mature Quercus alba-dominated forest apparently survived past land use alterations but has undoubtedly been influenced by cutting and grazing. Although rather dry, soils on this slope are fertile, with high Ca, Mg, and Mn levels, products of underlying diabase bedrock. Vegetation is exceptionally species-rich for a dry oak-hickory forest and has a great diversity of woody plants.