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
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Field Height
25
m
Field Cover
100
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot captures low-statured salt meadow of Distichlis spicata and Spartina patens which is elevated slightly above surrounding vegetation dominated by S. alterniflora. As photo illustrates, this vegetation patch curves toward the York River. Dead culms in right background (east side) are Schoenoplectus americanus; vegetation on this side grades into Spartina alterniflora and Schoenoplectus robustus. On the left (west) side and abrupt transition to S. alterniflora is marked by a drop in the marsh surface. Beyond lies a narrow zone co-dominated by S. alterniflora and Schoenoplectus, which the grades to high marsh entirely dominated by Spartina cynosuroides. Zones of relatively pure S. alterniflora and S. cynosuroides are also evident in the rear of the photo. Distichlis stems in the plot are nearly prostrate, which confounds the estimation of cover.
Dark brown muck, very rich in fine root and stem material; fibric organic matter content extends > 1 m deep; patches of silt encountered at depth, but most is present in upper 10 cm of profile
~25 - water table
