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
25
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
5
m
Tree Cover
90
%
Shrub Cover
45
%
Field Cover
35
%
Nonvascular Cover
3
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
Some occasional Liriodendron trees of T10 class that have sporadically invaded adjacent plots have died; Fagus also seems to be doing poorly. This situation is similar to various other acidic, high-elevation [relative to fall-line region] communities dominated by oak-hickory-heaths. This diverse type (variant) of fall-line terrace gravel forest community will likely compare closely with some diabase forest communities, although this type has much stronger affinity with Coastal Plain flora. Abundant large cobbles with Scolithos borings are present. The largest oaks in plot and surrounding forest are uniform resprouts, ca. 50-60 years ago. Canopy Liriodendron at NW corner of plot (outside) reflects past clearing. Entire forest mostly free of exotics. Evidence of Indian tool-making.
0-4 cm: dense, thick mat of roots in duff / upper soil layer where vegetation covers ground, otherwise as below:
4-20 cm: very densely compacted, unconsolidated gravels (some large) and grayish clay loam - entire horizon exceedingly weathered. Ancient colluvial slope that is more gravel (both from weathered terrace above and intercepted Potomac Formation) than soil.