Plant Successional Changes Over 67 Years on the Gothic Earthflow.

Abstract

Long term data on stages of plant succession on bare areas is extremely useful in determining patterns of revegetation over longer periods of time. Understanding of these patterns can have application in conservation and restoration. This study examined plant community composition data for a subalpine earthflow in Gothic, Gunnison County, Colorado, covering a period of 67 years. Ten plots permanent plots were established in disturbed areas in 1947 and surveyed from 1947-1954, with subsequent re-surveys in 1969, 1989-1991, and 2014. Species abundance data shows a peak in diversity around 1970, with subsequent years shows diversity stabilizing. There has also been a significant species turnover rate, shifting from domination by pioneer species to domination by more common perennial forbs adapted for the environment. Additionally, major plant communities were identified and described , and compared between 1947 and 2014. Changes in abundance and composition on a community scale were apparent, but minimal shifts of community boundaries were observed. Overall, the community succession on the Gothic Earthflow has been slow, limited by slow breakdown of shale fragments, lack of nutrients in substrate, and persistent dryness.

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