Vegetation Dynamics of a Carolina Hemlock Community at Bluff Mountain, North Carolina, USA
- ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- David Alan Austin (Creator)
- Institution
- Appalachian State University (ASU )
- Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/
- Advisor
- Saskia van de Gevel
Abstract: The goal of this thesis was to examine the Carolina hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana
Engelm.) forest at the early onset of hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand)
infestation to establish baseline data used to measure anticipated changes in
Carolina hemlock forest dynamics. I quantified the composition and structure of the
Carolina hemlock forest overstory and understory, as well as collected increment
cores from all trees within five 0.05 ha plots located in Carolina hemlock dominated
stands. Based on basal area and canopy class, Carolina hemlock was the most
dominant species in the understory and overstory. The diameter distribution and
density of seedlings and saplings indicated that Carolina hemlock is successfully
and continuously regenerating. The stand had several characteristics indicative of
old---growth status with gap---phase dynamics.
I used dendroecological techniques to quantify the frequency and spatial
distribution of canopy disturbances during the period of AD 1870---2000, examined
climate---growth relationships, and determined if there was an age---related difference in the climate---growth relationship. There were no stand---wide disturbance events,
only gap---phase dynamics. Analysis of the climate---growth relationships indicated
that older Carolina hemlocks prefer cool, moist summers. There were age---related
differences in climate response as younger Carolina hemlock were less responsive to
precipitation and PDSI than older Carolina hemlock. However, both older and
younger had a negative relationship between radial growth and temperature during
the month of May and July, respectively. I also used tree age data to conduct a
preliminary study investigating the influence of age on foliar nitrogen and carbon
content and found an increase in nitrogen content with tree age.
Future research on Carolina hemlock at Bluff Mountain will include
resampling plots and using the results of this thesis to quantify changes in stand
structure and composition of the Carolina hemlock forest. Understanding the
dynamics of the Carolina hemlock forest at the site level will provide insight about
the anticpated changes across the species’ range. This information will serve land
managers attempting to preserve Carolina hemlock and the wildlife that relies upon
this species.
Vegetation Dynamics of a Carolina Hemlock Community at Bluff Mountain, North Carolina, USA
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Created on 11/2/2012
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Austin, D.A. (2012). Vegetation Dynamics of a Carolina Hemlock Community at Bluff Mountain, North Carolina, USA. Unpublished master's thesis. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
- Language: English
- Date: 2012