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
30
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
5
m
Tree Cover
95
%
Shrub Cover
40
%
Field Cover
12
%
Nonvascular Cover
10
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Plot location: steep SW-facing slope at south end of ridge, 0.3 km NE of Beverly Mill, Thoroughfare Gap. Marked with a metal tree tag. See form/report for sketch. Rock types present: small, flat flaggy quartzite/ muscovite schist fragments.
This steep, dry, infertile slope supports a medium-age forest dominated by Quercus montana, with some Quercus velutina. Herbaceous species are very sparse here, with most of the herb-layer cover is contributed by low, ericaceous shrubs. This stand was cut long ago and regenerated largely from stump sprouts.
Soil Nutrient Status: low.
Duff and humus/ root mat layers highly variable within plot, 2-10cm deep in aggregate.
A = Yellow-brown, very stony, sandy loam.
Physical Analysis (A-Horizon): 2% clay, 32% silt, 66% sand.
Disturbance Data:
Disturbance Type
Disturbance Intensity
Disturbance Comment
unknown
Many sprout-origin oaks- cut 60+ years ago. Light gypsy moth defoliation.