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
32
m
Shrub Height
5
m
Field Height
5
m
Tree Cover
85
%
Shrub Cover
65
%
Field Cover
7
%
Nonvascular Cover
1
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This plot is located on the opposite slope of an interfluve from plot SCRU007, and its vegetation differs dramatically from the latter. The convex, dry upper slope supports a species-poor, xerophytic forest of mixed oaks (Quercus montana, Q. velutina, and Q. coccinea) with Kalmia latifolia shrub layer and few herbaceous plants. The overstory trees, however, are tall and well formed. Significant numbers of young Fagus grandifolia and Asimina triloba in the understory suggests that more mesophytic species are invading the stand because of fire exclusion.
Soils are somewhat variable within plot. Average profile:
0-1 cm: leaf litter
1-4 cm: humus/ root mat (dense)
4+ cm: yellowish, silty clay loam with many small stones and large roots
Disturbance Data:
Disturbance Type
Disturbance Intensity
Disturbance Comment
unknown
Very old stump-sprouted Quercus montana scattered through stand (both in and outside plot). Several old wounds on the butts of oaks are suspected of being fire scars.