Size distribution patterns and potential population change of some dominant woody species of the Edwards Plateau region of Texas
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Authors: O. W. Van Auken
Date: 1993
Journal: Texas Journal of Science
Volume: 45
Number: 3
Pages: 199-210
Summary of Methods: Plant community changes within the evergreen woodlands and the heavily grazed grasslands of Edwards Plateau were illustrated with the use of photographs in Bandera County, Texas (98° 36’ W and 29° 48’ N). Size distribution patterns and potential population changes of the upland and riparian forest species Juniperus ashei, Quercus texana, Q. glaucoides and Taxodium distichum were examined. Total density, total basal area, density and basal area for J. ashei in five woodland communities were compared.
Article Summary / Main Points: Photographic evidence showed a lack of Juniperus ashei seedlings in evergreen woodlands, and a high number of seedlings in the heavily grazed grassland areas of the Edwards Plateau. In grasslands, high densities of J. ashei seedling was hypothesized to be due to low grass biomass due to heavy grazing while in mature juniper stands the lack of J. ashei seedling recruitment may be due to shade intolerance. The low number of Quercus spp. seedling in the deciduous woodlands was likely linked to the increased density of large herbivores; while limited Taxodium distichum seedlings in the riparian forest communities were due to light limitations and a lack of safe sites for seedling establishment.
Vegetation Types: Oak Woodlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 81B Edwards Plateau, Central Part
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Grazing Woody plants
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: white-tailed deer, odocoileus virginianus, edwards plateau, woody plants, plant population change, population structure
Annotation: This unreplicated study and its findings are only applicable to the Edwards Plateau. Utilization levels were not associated with the classification of heavy grazing. Evaluation of vegetation changes with aerial photos is a good way to detect changes over time but the location of results is limited to the sites evaluated.
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