XVI International Botanical Congess

To better understand the effects of logging on eastern deciduous forests, this study examined vegetation in stand initiating (SI, ca. 7 yr after clearcutting) and understory reinitiating (UR, >125 yr) central Appalachian oak-hickory stands. SI had higher light, temperature, humidity, and soil compaction, similar nutrient availability, and lower soil moisture and litter depth than UR. SI and UR were similar in composition but differed in species importance. Tree and sapling density was greater but basal area lower in SI. Tree and herb H' and E was lower but S greater in SI. Sapling and seedling H' and E were greater in SI. Distribution of herbs, species sensitive to disturbance, was correlated with aspect, soil compaction, moisture, and litter depth. Correlation of understory and overstory composition increased from SI to UR, suggesting greater linkage between strata with stand age.