Aspect induced differences in vegetation, soil, and microclimatic characteristics of an Appalachian watershed

Abstract

This study evaluates and quantifies the variation in vegetation, plant nutrients, and microclimate across four topographic aspects in an Appalachian watershed (39°39'43"N, 79°45'28"W). The study found that the north and east aspects were 27-50% more productive than the west and southwest aspects. Species groups that showed strong aspect preference included yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), black cherry (Prunus serotina), chestnut oak (Quercus prinus), and white oak (Quercus alba); the former two being dominant on the north and east aspects while the latter two dominate the west and southwest aspects. Red oak (Quercus rubra) and red maple (Acer rubrum) showed mild aspect preference indicating their broad ecological amplitude. Although the north and east aspects had greater biomass, the west and southwest aspects had about 23% more stems per hectare.

Citation

Desta, Fekedulegn; Colbert, J.J.; Rentch, James S.; Gottschalk, Kurt W. 2004. Aspect induced differences in vegetation, soil, and microclimatic characteristics of an Appalachian watershed. CASTANEA. 69(2): 92-108.