Vegetative Succession Studies on a Defoliant-Equipment Test Area, Eglin AFB Reservation, Florida.
Abstract
Nine months after the last defoliant-equipment test mission on the one-square-mile grid of Test Area C-52A, a vegetative coverage survey was conducted. The percent of vegetative coverage within 169 sections (each 400 by 400 feet) was ranked in one of six possible classes. The average number of dicotyledonous (broadleaf) plants was determined for each coverage class. Seventy-four dicotyledonous species were found on the one-square mile grid and the average number of species within vegetative coverage classes ranged from five in class 0 (0 to 5% cover) to 24 in class V (80 to 100% cover). A control area contained 28 species, all of which were also on the grid except for two species. The existence in class 0 or class 1 areas of dicotyledonous plants that are susceptible to the active ingredients of military defoliants indicates that the amount of defoliant residues in the soil is insignificant. The present vegetative coverage of sections of the grid is due to a combination of soil moisture content, prior mechanical disturbances and prior defoliant spraying. In those areas having a relatively high soil moisture content, considerable vegetation has returned, regardless of whether the vegetation was removed mechanically or by defoliants. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0743638
Entities
People
- Alvin L. Young
- John A. Hunter