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
29
m
Shrub Height
5
m
Field Height
5
m
Tree Cover
90
%
Shrub Cover
40
%
Field Cover
20
%
Nonvascular Cover
0.5
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Small patch of white oak - hickory forest containing a number of basic-soil indicators and differing dramatically from extensive oak / heath forests of nearby uplands; however, nothing in the chemistry of the soil samples collected here indicates basic conditions. This vegetation grades into oak / heath Forest a short distance west of plot; it apparently continued to the south and east, but was clearcut about 10 years ago. Composition suggests a hardpan subsoil. Quercus alba dominates the overstory; Carya spp. Dominate the understory. There are abundant Q. alba seedlings and saplings. Within the plot, herbs are fairly sparse and presumably suppressed by shade, lack of fire, and heavy leaf litter. In the clearcut area, they are much more abundant.