Piney Point Tract Herbaceous Communities
Two herbaceous communities are present in the Piney Point Tract, one of which was not present in 1937 (Figure 1, Table 1). However, both are declining in area from 2002. Upland Switchgrass Vegetation provides a buffer on the edges of agricultural fields. Northeastern Old Field was at its largest not soon after the cutting of the tract during the turn of the century. Since then it has been maturing to shrubland and other forests.
Figure 1. Piney Point Tract Herbaceous Communities
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Table 1. Piney Point Tract Herbaceous Communities 1937-2012 (m²) |
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| 1937 | 2002 | 2007 | 2012 | |
| Northeastern Old Field | 85,810.00 | 31,280.90 | 25,857.61 | 19,561.03 |
| Upland Switchgrass Vegetation | 0.00 | 9,570.42 | 8,546.50 | 6,122.75 |
Overview of Herbaceous Communities
Northeastern Old Field at Piney Point Tract
Northeastern Old Field (CEGL006107)
These fields generally locate in abandoned agricultural fields and have experienced a decline in area since 1937 as they mature to shrubland and forest. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) dominates the fields. Horseweed (Conyza canadensis) and broom-sedge (Andropogon virginicus) may join the fescue in the fields. This community was the subject of a previous post.
Upland Switchgrass Vegetation (file photo)
Upland Switchgrass Vegetation (CEGL006616)
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) dominates Upland Switchgrass Vegetation. Other associates include orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). This community provides a buffer between areas in agricultural use and forest in the Piney Point Tract.