An ecological classification system for the central hardwoods region: The Hoosier National Forest

Abstract

This study, a multifactor ecological classification system, using vegetation, soil characteristics, and physiography, was developed for the landscape of the Hoosier National Forest in Southern Indiana. Measurements of ground flora, saplings, and canopy trees from selected stands older than 80 years were subjected to TWINSPAN classification and DECORANA ordination. Physiographic and soil measurements were regressed on groundflora DECORANA scores. Strong relationships were observed between vegetation and slope aspect, soit A- horizon depth, slope position, and soil pH. The landscape was divided into ecological land units on the basis of these relationships. Twelve ecological units were identified for the Brown County Hills subsection, and fifteen units were identified for the Crawford Upland subsection of the Hoosier National Forest. These ecological units ranged from floodplain forest along large streams to dry forest on southwesterly slopes dominated by species such as blueberry (Vaccinium vacillans), common greenbriar (Smilax rotundifolia), and chestnut oak (Quercus prinus). This classification will aid researchers, naturalists and forestland managers as they deal with complex issues such as resource management and biodiversity.

Citation

Van Kley, James E.; Parker, George R. 1993. An ecological classification system for the central hardwoods region: The Hoosier National Forest. In: Gillespie, Andrew R.; Parker, George R.; Pope, Phillip E.; Rink, George: eds. Proceedings of the 9th Central Hardwood Forest Conference; Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-161. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station: 308-326