Summer Moisture Content of Some Northern Lower Michigan Understory Plants

Robert M. Loomis; Richard W. Blank

doi:10.2737/NC-RN-263

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Summer Moisture Content of Some Northern Lower Michigan Understory Plants

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Robert M. Loomis, Richard W. Blank

Year:

1981

Type:

Research Note

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/NC-RN-263

Source:

Research Note NC-263. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station

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Abstract

Summer moisture contents and factors for converting fresh plant weights to ovendry weights were determined for selected herbs, ferns, and small shrubs commonly found on upland sites in northern Lower Michigan. Sampling was done weekly from mid-June through early September 1978, following the period of major plant growth. Average summer moisture contents range from 120 percent for blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) to 370 percent for wild lily-of-the-valley (Maianthemum canadense). Generally, moisture content averages and trends were similar for plant groups sampled in both northern Lower Michigan and northeastern Minnesota. Herbaceous fuel moisture percentages computed using the 1978 National Fire Danger Rating System for the same time period showed a similar general trend but were significantly lower than observed values.

Keywords

forest fuels, fuel modeling, plant biomass, fire danger

Citation

Loomis, Robert M.; Blank, Richard W. 1981. Summer Moisture Content of Some Northern Lower Michigan Understory Plants. Research Note NC-263. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station