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
26
m
Shrub Height
4
m
Field Height
7
m
Tree Cover
80
%
Shrub Cover
20
%
Field Cover
25
%
Nonvascular Cover
0.5
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
A nice example of a forested depression wetland on a very gentle upland underlain by mafic rocks. An obvious hardpan at 10 cm below the soil surface impedes drainage and results in shallow flooding for extended parts of the year. Site was completely dry at time of sampling. Quercus lyrata and Carex joorii, both more characteristic of the Coastal Plain at this latitude, dominate the vegetation. This stand has been somewhat compromised by the clearcutting of surround upland forests, increasing lateral illumination and the susceptibility of the trees to windthrow.