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Abstract
Physical site factors are known to affect forest species composition but the pattern and variation across forest landscapes has not been well quantified. We discuss relationships between site factors including soil parent materials, depth to dolomite bedrock, aspect, and landform position and the distribution of vegetation, site index, and short-term succession in oak forests in the southeastern Missouri Ozarks. Overall, we found few strong relationships between these site factors and tree species composition except black oak (
Quercus velutina Lam.) was more abundant on summit and shoulder landform positions. On average, site index was three to five ft. greater on backslopes than on summits and four ft. greater on north-facing slopes than on south-facing slopes. In the absence of disturbance, white oak (
Q. alba L.) was generally succeeding species in the red oak group, especially on upper landforms.
Parent Publication
Citation
Kabrick, John M.; Shifley, Stephen R.; Jensen, Randy G.; Larsen, David R.; Grabner, Jennifer K. 2004. Oak Forest Composition, Site Quality, and Dynamics in Relation to Site Factors in the Southeastern Missouri Ozarks. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-73. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 94-101
