Tree Spatial Patterns: South Carolina Bottomland and Swamp Forests

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Abstract
Trees .gtoreq. 4.5 cm DBH were mapped on seven, 1 ha plots along an elevational gradient in South Carolina. These stands ranging in location from a deep swamp to a bluff site, were analyzed in terms of Pielou''s .alpha.i and .alpha.p spatial pattern characteristics. The DBH [diameter breast height] .gtoreq. 4.5 cm and < 24.5 cm, DBH .gtoreq. 24.5 cm, and the DBH .gtoreq. 4.5 cm of all species collectively, and of each of the dominant species individually were characterized in this manner on a plot-by-plot basis. The dispersion patterns of the individual dominant populations tended to decrease in the degree of clumping with increasing size; exceptions were noted: in the case of long-lived, understory-intolerant populations in areas of relatively high pattern diversity, and in areas where fairly recent timber harvesting affected pattern. Over half of the dispersion indices for the individual populations indicated clumping and very few indicated a uniform pattern. In 2 instances, populations were dispersed uniformly within clumps; this was apparently the result of intraspecific competition. When all the individuals of a plot were analyzed collectively, nearly half of the cases showed a uniform pattern, with clumping being rare. The high density and the standard deviation of tree diameters of the all species groupings were apparently important determinants of their spatial patterns.