Intensive 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
1000
m²
Plot Quality Fields:
Plot Validation Level
(2) classification plot: sufficient for inclusion in a classification revision
Overall Plot Vegetation Fields:
Tree Height
25
m
Shrub Height
4
m
Field Height
5
m
Tree Cover
40
%
Shrub Cover
20
%
Field Cover
30
%
Nonvascular Cover
1
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Vegetation is somewhat reminiscent of more mesic plots at South Quay, although lower and patchier ericaceous shrub layer here suggests that fire exclusion has not been as severe, and Gaylussacia frondosa is altogether absent, at least locally. Four intensively sampled modules capture the most open portion of the stand (locally) and that which presumably most closely resembles structure under a more frequent fire regime: scattered large overstory pines with a sparse shrub layer containing Quercus laevis. Far end of plot is more disturbed; coarse debris abounds, several gaps are present, and there is some regeneration (individuals 10-15 cm dbh and well below canopy height) of pine, although most have poorly developed crowns. It is impossible to determine identity of several dead oaks, but many resemble Q. laevis.
0 - 2 - leaf litter (generally thicker where pine duff accumulates)
2- 3 - O horizon
3 - light gray sand with abundant organic matter, grading abruptly (but at greater depth [3-5 cm] in soil modules) to dark orange-brown sand; moist throughout, but moisture increases (and OM content decreases) with depth; no evidence of spodic horizon
