Year:
2003
Publication type:
General Technical Report (GTR)
Primary Station(s):
Northern Research Station
Historical Station(s):
Northeastern Research Station
Source:
In: Sutherland, Elaine K.; Hutchinson, Todd F., eds. Characteristics of mixed oak forest ecosystems in southern Ohio prior to the reintroduction of fire. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-299. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station. 67-83
Description
This chapter documents patterns of species composition and diversity within the understory vegetation layer and provides a species list for the four study areas in southern Ohio. Within each of 108 plots, we recorded the frequency of all vascular plant species in sixteen 2-m² quadrats. We recorded 297 species, including 187 forbs (176 perennials, 9 annuals, 2 biennials), 44 graminoids, 34 shrubs and woody vines, and 32 trees. Only seven species were nonnatives and none of these were abundant. We also documented 12 state-listed species. Detrended correspondence analysis indicated that variation in species composition was primarily along a soil moisture-fertility gradient described by the Integrated Moisture Index. Additional variation in composition among the study areas was correlated with differences in soil texture. Species richness per plot (32-m² sampled) ranged from 23 to 106 and averaged 65.2; richness per quadrat averaged 16.7. All measures of species diversity were significantly higher on mesic than on xeric plots, primarily because forb richness was higher on mesic plots.
Parent Publication
Citation
Sutherland, Steve; Hutchinson, Todd F.; Windus, Jennifer L. 2003. Understory vegetation. In: Sutherland, Elaine K.; Hutchinson, Todd F., eds. Characteristics of mixed oak forest ecosystems in southern Ohio prior to the reintroduction of fire. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-299. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station. 67-83