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
22
m
Shrub Height
6
m
Field Height
1
m
Tree Cover
85
%
Shrub Cover
45
%
Field Cover
40
%
Nonvascular Cover
0.5
%
Misc Fields:
Observation Narrative
This plot is similar to GDNF003 but straddles the narrow crest of Shenandoah Mountain, has a more closed canopy, a denser understory dominated by Ostrya virginiana, and lower herb cover. Coarse woody debris from several old blow-downs is present in parts of the plot. Fire, wind, and (probably) past livestock grazing have been factors in the development of this stand. Soil calcium is extraordinarily high.
Surficial litter highly variable; very thin over most of plot, but up to 6 cm deep on east side.
O horizon = 3 to 6 cm of dense roots and humus.
A horizon = very stony, dark, sandy loam; the stoniness of the soil made it very difficult to extract; rocks appear to be sandstone.
Disturbance Data:
Disturbance Type
Disturbance Intensity
Disturbance Comment
unknown
Probably fire scars / butt rot on bases of larger oaks.