SPATIAL VARIATION OF SOIL CHEMICAL FACTORS AS INDICATORS FOR THE EFFICACY OF CLEAR CUTTING FOR GLADE MANAGEMENT

Glades have long been studied due to a large number of unique, endemic species, many of which are endangered or of conservation concern. The definition of a glade has altered slightly over the years, and many factors determining their distribution and unique character have been determined. These factors are based on the availability of specific nutrients, soil acidity, substrate, depth of soil to bedrock, the exposure direction and steepness of the hill slopes upon which glades are found, and moisture content and availability. Recently, studies have been conducted to examine the effects of anthropogenic change on these glade communities, especially the change in frequency of wildfires. Fire seems to be vital to the preservation of glades in the Ozarks and is therefore the traditional technique for maintaining glade communities, but there has been a recent upswing in the physical removal of woody species as an alternative. No studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of this technique. The removal of excess organic matter may help preserve the glade community, but further research is needed to determine if this is a sufficient variable to halt the succession of glade soils to forest soils. The effectiveness of this new method will be examined by analyzing the spatial variation of depth to bedrock, pH, and total organic carbon on a burned and a clear-cut glade of similar area on similar substrates, aspect, and slope.