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
31
m
Shrub Height
5
m
Field Height
5
m
Tree Cover
90
%
Shrub Cover
60
%
Field Cover
90
%
Nonvascular Cover
0
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This plot is representative of the slightly higher, better drained portions of a medium-sized floodplain along the Appomattox River. The sample captures an area with fewer non-native species than on the lower floodplain. The stand is mostly even-aged Fraxinus pensylvanica and Liquidambar styraciflua, and was probably cleared in the past, though there is no evidence of recent logging. Platanus occidentalis is important in some areas of the floodplain but was not captured. This plot was sampled before full leaf-out, thus total canopy cover, and cover of Toxicodendron radicans and Asimina triloba were estimated as if in full leaf. The herb layer was shorter than it will be later in the season, and contains a number of nutrient-indicator species such as Asarum canadense.
0-3 cm loose deciduous leaf litter
3-5 cm dark brown clay loam with fine micaceous flakes
5- 20+ cm yellow brown clay loam with fine micaceous flakes
Disturbance Data:
Disturbance Type
Disturbance Intensity
Disturbance Comment
unknown
rarely flooded but flood debris are present. There is no evidence of recent logging, but stand was perhaps cleared in the past. Ditches are within the floodplain
