Determination of Alterations in Forest Condition Using Various Measures of Land Use Change along an Urban-Rural Gradient in the West Georgia Piedmont, USA
Joint Authors
Chappelka, Arthur H.
Styers, Diane M.
Somers, Greg L.
Source
Issue
Vol. 2011, Issue 2011 (31 Dec. 2011), pp.1-12, 12 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2011-06-14
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
12
Main Subjects
Earth Science , Water and Environment
Abstract EN
Our overall goal was to examine forest condition across different land use types through measurement of various biotic, abiotic, and anthropogenic variables.
Thirty-six permanent 0.05-ha circular plots were established along an urban-rural gradient near Columbus, Ga, USA.
In general, forest structure did not differ by land use type for the majority of variables measured.
However, urban forests contained less total tree and hardwood species than developing or rural areas.
Regarding forest condition, no differences were observed for pest or disease incidence by land use, but more mechanical injury (broken branches, wounds, etc.) was found in urban locales.
Lichens were the most sensitive indicator of possible changes in forest condition.
Lichen incidence, abundance, and species richness were the greatest in rural forests and the least in urban locations.
These factors were related to several indicators of urbanization such as housing density and distance from roads.
In this case study subtle, but significant changes in forest structure and condition may have resulted from alterations in land use patterns.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Styers, Diane M.& Chappelka, Arthur H.& Somers, Greg L.. 2011. Determination of Alterations in Forest Condition Using Various Measures of Land Use Change along an Urban-Rural Gradient in the West Georgia Piedmont, USA. ISRN Ecology،Vol. 2011, no. 2011, pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-473379
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Styers, Diane M.…[et al.]. Determination of Alterations in Forest Condition Using Various Measures of Land Use Change along an Urban-Rural Gradient in the West Georgia Piedmont, USA. ISRN Ecology No. 2011 (2011), pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-473379
American Medical Association (AMA)
Styers, Diane M.& Chappelka, Arthur H.& Somers, Greg L.. Determination of Alterations in Forest Condition Using Various Measures of Land Use Change along an Urban-Rural Gradient in the West Georgia Piedmont, USA. ISRN Ecology. 2011. Vol. 2011, no. 2011, pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-473379
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-473379