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
8
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
5
m
Tree Cover
25
%
Shrub Cover
75
%
Field Cover
25
%
Nonvascular Cover
50
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
A long, narrow plot configuration centered on the narrow xeric ridge crest and Appalachian Trail was employed to make the dense shrubby vegetation of this site accessible for plot sampling. The ridge drops off precipitously on both sides, making aspect highly variable within the plot; the northeast aspect of the crest was entered into the database. Short, scrubby Pinus pungens dominates the open woodland vegetation, often rooted directly in narrow crevices of massive sandstone outcrops. A dense complex of predominantly ericaceous shrubs occurs under the pines wherever thin veneers of soil or organic matter have accumulated. Because of great edaphic stresses and occasional fires, it seems unlikely that this vegetation will change significantly in the foreseeable future.
Variable soil profile with areas of exposed rock, sand, an some deep pockets of organic matter; sand and OM often layered.
0-1 cm: pine needles
1-2 cm: organic matter
2+ cm: light gray sine sand with stones
Disturbance Data:
Disturbance Type
Disturbance Intensity
Disturbance Comment
unknown
Appalachian Trail runs through plot. Several pine snags in plot.
