ISSN:
1573-5036
Keywords:
Forest site quality index
;
Plant moisture stress
;
Predawn plant water potential
;
Soil water potential
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Summary A Forest Site Quality Index (FSQI) formulated to predict site quality in Ridge and Valley terrain based on the topographic parameters of aspect, slope inclination and slope position was used to verify moisture gradients along the southeast face of Potts Mountain in Craig County, Virginia. A gradient of site quality index values representing xeric to mesic sites was established in both recently clearcut and adjacent uncut second-growth forest stands. Soil moisture content was determined gravimetrically at ten day intervals from May to October, 1981. Plant moisture stress measurements were taken in conjunction with soil moisture sampling using the pressure chamber technique on three dominant hardwood tree species. For both clearcut and uncut forest stands, a general gradient of increasing soil moisture availability with increasing FSQI was evident, although differences were not large between index values of 8 and 11 in either stand type. Soil water potential and predawn plant water potential exhibited a strong seasonal trend, their direct relationship suggesting that available soil water is probably the critical factor controlling base P levels. Growth limiting stress levels began in late July and continued for the remainder of the growing season.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02161173
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