Chapter 2 Subregional Variation in Upland Hardwood Forest Composition and Disturbance Regimes of the Central Hardwood Region.
Authors: | Henry McNab |
Year: | 2011 |
Type: | Book Chapter |
Station: | Southern Research Station |
Source: | Sustaining Young Forest Communities: Ecology and Management of Early Successional Habitats in the Central Hardwood Region, USA. Managing Forest Ecosystems Volume 21. |
Abstract
Oaks and hickories characterize the Central Hardwood Region, with its temperate, humid climate and deep soils. Several xerophytic species characterize stands on xeric sites; mesic sites usually have greater diversity of oaks and hickories and include maple, ash, beech, and yellow-poplar. Ice and wind storms are common disturbances across the region; wildland fires ignited by lightning are uncommon and generally confined to small, stand-size areas. Variable environmental conditions, topography, and forest species compositions from the eastern Appalachians to the western Ozarks can require different silvicultural prescriptions to create early successional habitats, even in stands of similar appearance.