Ecotone characteristics of a southern Appalachian Mountain wetland

Southern Appalachian Mountain wetlands support important habitat and serve several hydrologic functions. However, they may be threatened by human activities and global climate change. These wetlands are often located in remote, biogeographically isolated locations at high elevations. One of the largest of these wetlands — the peatlands within the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area — was assessed for meadow–forest ecotone characteristics. The Cranberry Glades have been reported to be infilling with trees from the surrounding forest, but little research has been conducted on the patterns of tree growth within the moss-dominated communities. Tree establishment patterns were analyzed in regard to location within the ecotone, hummock/hollow topography, and soil conditions by recording the growing conditions of 1389 trees located within nine, 10 × 100 m belt transects. The results indicated that tree growth within the ecotone occurred in decreasing density from the forest to the meadow interior, and much of the tree establishment occurred in tree islands (80% of trees were found in tree islands). Significantly more trees (92%) were also found on hummocks than hollows (8%), likely in response to the greater distance from the water table that the hummocks provide. Most soil properties did not vary significantly across the ecotone or in association with topography. The results add to the minimal literature on southern peatlands and may assist in peatland restoration and conservation efforts.

Research Highlights
► Tree density decreased across the ecotone from the forest out towards the open peatland.
► Soil properties did not correspond with the changes in tree density.
► Tree establishment within the ecotone occurs more often on hummocks rather than hollows.
► Trees were more likely to establish within tree islands as opposed to growing individually.