A Field Guide to Site Quality for the Allegheny Hardwood Region

Author: Jones Stephen B.   Saviello Thomas B.  

Publisher: Society of American Foresters

ISSN: 0742-6348

Source: Northern Journal of Applied Forestry, Vol.8, Iss.1, 1991-03, pp. : 3-8

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Abstract

A site quality evaluation technique using soils and topographic criteria is presented. The field guide, developed in the unglaciated, deeply dissected Allegheny Plateau region of southwestern New York and in northcentral and northwestern Pennsylvania, is currently being used by International Paper foresters on company property within that region. A different set of decision criteria and site quality weightings is applied for each of four topographic units: (1) plateau tops (≤15% slope) and side slopes < 10%, (2) upper slopes (>9% slope), (3) middle slopes (>9% slope), and (4) lower slopes (>9% slope). Decision criteria are all field determinable and include: soil texture, soil stoniness, aspect, shade angle, slope shape, and effective rooting depth. Points are awarded so that relative site quality ratings from 40 to 100 are scored. Site I, II, and III designations are assigned to site quality ratings of 80-100, 60-79, and 40-59, respectively. North. J. Appl. For. 8(1):3-8