Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Ecological site F146XY051ME
Rockland
Accessed: 04/23/2024
General information
Provisional. A provisional ecological site description has undergone quality control and quality assurance review. It contains a working state and transition model and enough information to identify the ecological site.
Ecological site concept
This site is characterized by 25 to 75 percent exposed bedrock, interspersed with pockets of shallow soil supporting mostly herbaceous species. It typically occurs on moderate or very steep sloping terrain with many rock fragments on the surface and throughout the soil profile.
Soils formed in mostly slate and phyllite parent materials which were deposited over bare bedrock as glaciers receded. Although this site receives similar precipitation amounts as nearby forests, the impermeability of bedrock and steep slopes generate significant runoff, resulting in dry soil and site conditions for most of the growing season.
The plant community is composed of diverse lichens, shrubs, and herbaceous species, with some stunted balsam fir and other small trees. The plant community dynamics of this site are poorly understood, and require further study.
Table 1. Dominant plant species
Tree |
Not specified |
---|---|
Shrub |
Not specified |
Herbaceous |
Not specified |
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