Possible Ecological Mechanisms for Loss of Vernal Herb Diversity in Logged Eastern Forests
Meier AJ, Bratton SP, Duffy DC. 1995. Possible Ecological Mechanisms for Loss of Vernal Herb Diversity in Logged Eastern Forests. Ecological Applications. 5(4):935-946
The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of logging in eastern deciduous forests. Logging removes nutrients from the soil, and removal of the canopy elevates the temperature and depletes moisture, factors hostile to many vernal herbs. A later closure of the canopy shades out the sun-loving invader species. Some logged forests fail to show full recovery after 150 to 200 years.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Meier, Albert; Bratton, Susan; Duffy, David
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, Ecological Impacts, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GRSM, GRSM-00561, GRSM-00956, GRSM-00999, Logging, Plant Studies, SER, Southeast Region, Vegetation