Early Stages of Secondary Succession on the Coastal Plain, New Jersey

Abstract

A study of the flora and vegetation associated with early secondary succession was initiated in March, 1961, and concluded in October, 1963. The year prior to site clearing was devoted to reconnaissance of selected sites, collection of flora, and examination of soil morphology. First and second years after clearing were devoted to floristic survey, and quadrat studies of vegetation of the seven cleared sites. Four of the sites (Warren Grove, New Lisbon, Atsion, and Batsto) lie in the vegetation region known as the Pine Region or Pine Barrens. The remaining three sites (Manahawkin, Tuckahoe, and Millville) are on the Pine Region fringe. A total of 198 species of vascular plants were found during the first year and 127 during the second year. Of these, 24% of the first-year and 23% of the second year flora were naturalized species. Hemicryptophyte (45, 48%) was the leading life form category and therophytes (30, 24%) were of second importance. Herbaceous vegetation of the cleared sites was separable into five categories: (1) dominance by annuals during first and second year (Tuckahoe), (2) dominance by annuals first year and by perennials the second year (Manahawkin), (3) dominance by perennials first year and by annuals the second year (Millville and Batsto), (4) dominance by perennials first and second year (New Lisbon and Atsion), and (5) no dominance (Warren Grove). No first-year field in the Pine Region supported an annual "weed" stage; two of the three Pine Region fringe sites on heavier soils with better moisture relations and recent agricultural history did have an annual "weed" stage during the first year. It appeared that land use was the factor principally responsible for the vegetation patterns. Since all but three woody species had developed from residual vegetative parts, no generalization could be made regarding the importance of woody species that invade by seed. Each community appeared to represent a special example made possible by the species present prior to clearing and the degree of clearing disturbance to the vegetation.