Date of Award

Spring 1974

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biological Sciences

Program/Concentration

Biology

Committee Director

Gerald F. Levy

Committee Member

Paul W. Kirk, Jr.

Committee Member

Lytton J. Musselman

Call Number for Print

Special Collections LD4331.B46 J36

Abstract

Vegetational composition and environmental parameters were analyzed in a forest type of the Dismal Swamp. A 0.5 ha forest stand was divided into 200 5 x 5 meter contiguous quadrats and the tree size classes were precisely mapped. Fifty soil samples were analyzed for texture, pH, and major nutrients. A topographic map was constructed with precision to 0.01 ft. Analysis of variance tests showed non-randomness to exist in soil texture and nutrient content while homogeneity tests showed non-randomness in distribution of some woody species. Factor analysis indicated no significant correlations between soil quality, topography, and woody species. Findings indicate that the study area is undergoing rapid succession as a result of disturbance. Oak species (Quercus phellos, Q. velutina, Q. micbauxii, Q. nigra, and Q. alba) appear to be declining in importance due to the increasing importance of red maple (Acer rubrum). Beech (Fagus grandifolia) reproduction indicates that it will contribute canopy dominance with red maple in future vegetation.

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DOI

10.25777/83pw-0h88

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