Accession Number:

AD0743638

Title:

Vegetative Succession Studies on a Defoliant-Equipment Test Area, Eglin AFB Reservation, Florida.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. May-Sep 71,

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE ARMAMENT LAB EGLIN AFB FLA

Personal Author(s):

• Hunter,John A.
• Young,Alvin L.

Report Date:

1972-02-01

Pagination or Media Count:

32.0

Abstract:

Nine months after the last defoliant-equipment test mission on the one-square-mile grid of Test Area C-52A, a vegetative coverage survey was conducted. The percent of vegetative coverage within 169 sections each 400 by 400 feet was ranked in one of six possible classes. The average number of dicotyledonous broadleaf plants was determined for each coverage class. Seventy-four dicotyledonous species were found on the one-square mile grid and the average number of species within vegetative coverage classes ranged from five in class 0 0 to 5 cover to 24 in class V 80 to 100 cover. A control area contained 28 species, all of which were also on the grid except for two species. The existence in class 0 or class 1 areas of dicotyledonous plants that are susceptible to the active ingredients of military defoliants indicates that the amount of defoliant residues in the soil is insignificant. The present vegetative coverage of sections of the grid is due to a combination of soil moisture content, prior mechanical disturbances and prior defoliant spraying. In those areas having a relatively high soil moisture content, considerable vegetation has returned, regardless of whether the vegetation was removed mechanically or by defoliants. Author

Descriptors:

• *DEFOLIANTS
• *PLANTS(BOTANY)
• *CHEMICAL WARFARE
• *ECOLOGY
• REGENERATION(ENGINEERING)
• SITE SELECTION
• SOILS
• DEPOSITS
• HERBICIDES

Subject Categories:

• Chemical, Biological and Radiological Warfare

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE