Spatial patterns of forest composition, successional pathways, and biomass production among landscape ecosystems of northwestern Lower Michigan
Spatial patterns of forest composition, successional pathways, and biomass production were related to glacial landforms in a regional area of northwestern Lower Michigan. There were three general objectives: (1) to develop a geomorphic map of the study area, (2) to define and describe upland forest ecosystems, and (3) to study variation in species composition, successional pattern, and biomass production among landforms and ecosystems. Glacial landforms were mapped using field observation, airphoto interpretation, and topographic profile analysis. Eighty sample stands were located in upland landscape positions using a landform-based stratified random sampling design. Compositional patterns detected in multivariate analysis of floristic data were used to form ecological species groups and relate vegetation pattern to environmental factors. Chi-squared analyses showed significant patterns of species distribution related to landform. Potential successional pathways were studied by comparing seedling and sapling densities with current overstory composition. Total above ground biomass and biomass increment varied significantly among landforms and ecosystems. Variation in the composition, production, and structure of upland forests exhibits a pattern that corresponds closely to the geomorphic surface on which the forests developed.
- Research Organization:
- Michigan State Univ., East Lansing (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 5861878
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
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