Patterns of tree species diversity and composition in old-field successional forests in central Illinois

Abstract

Tree species diversity increases and dominance decreases with proximity to forest border in two 60-year-old successional forest stands developed on abandoned agricultural land in Piatt County, Illinois. A regression equation allowed us to quantify an increase in diversity with closeness to forest border for one of the forest stands. Shingle oak is the most dominant species in both stands. While other oak species importance values are lower in the stand with less forested border, shingle oak's importance value is higher, suggesting it has a seed dispersal mechanism that is different than the other oaks. Other dominant trees in the 60-year-old stands include American elm, slippery elm, and black walnut.

Parent Publication

• 13th Central Hardwoods Forest Conference

Citation

Bretthauer, Scott M.; Gertner, George Z.; Rolfe, Gary L.; Dawson, Jeffery O. 2003. Patterns of tree species diversity and composition in old-field successional forests in central Illinois. In: Van Sambeek, J. W.; Dawson, Jeffery O.; Ponder Jr., Felix; Loewenstein, Edward F.; Fralish, James S., eds. Proceedings of the 13th Central Hardwood Forest Conference; Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-234. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station: 267-280