Article
Phytomass and Nutrient Levels in the Understory of an Appalachian Oak Forest in Southwest Virginia
Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club
(1982)
Abstract
Total amounts and concentrations of above-ground phytomass and nutrients in the understory of an Appalachian oak forest in the Ridge and Valley Province of Southwest Virginia were determined. Four stands, representing points along a topographically derived moisture gradient, were selected for sampling. Above-ground understory phytomass increased from the mesic mixed hardwood stand to the more xeric mixed pine stand, while overstory phytomass decreased. Nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) concentrations of individual species decreased along the moisture gradient from mesic to xeric sites. Mean stand nutrient concentrations also decreased along the gradient due to decreased concentrations in individual species and the dominance of xeric sites by species with low average nutrient concentrations. In contrast to the large herbaceous, non-ericaceous component on mesic sites, xeric sites were characterized by an abundance of woody ericads, including evergreen species. This trend indicated a lower turnover rate of nutrients on the more xeric sites. The size of above-ground nutrient pools in the understory increased from mesic to xeric sites as a result of increased phytomass in the understory.Â
Disciplines
Publication Date
1982
DOI
10.2307/2995980
Citation Information
Terry L. Sharik. "Phytomass and Nutrient Levels in the Understory of an Appalachian Oak Forest in Southwest Virginia" Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club Vol. 109 Iss. 3 (1982) p. 330 - 343 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/terry_sharik/150/