A comparison of forest composition and structure on two contrasting sites in the sandhills of South Carolina 35 years after agricultural abandonment

Two sites designated "habitat reserves" on the Savannah River Plant, near Aiken, South Carolina, were compared in terms of plant composition, hardwood invasion, species diversity, biomass, community structure and growth of the dominant species, Pinus taeda. Both sites were abandoned from agriculture 35 years ago and have naturally regenerated since without disturbance.

Pinus taeda clearly dominated the canopy of both sites. Species differences and site factors indicated that the lowland site (3-412) was more mesic than the upland site (9-111). Hardwood invasion was much more extensive in the lowland site. Greater species diversity of the lowland site was a further indication of a faster rate of succession. Growth of Pinus taeda, in terms of height and diameter, was greater on the upland site. Consequently, total biomass on the upland site was greater than on the lowland site. An inverse relationship was observed between species diversity and community production.

Differences between the sites were considered to be a consequence of topographic and edaphic factors. Compared with studies conducted in nearby coastal plain and piedmont provinces, succession has been slower on these sandhill sites. Baseline information is provided on secondary succession in the sandhills region, an area in which successional studies are curiously lacking.