LTREB: Patterns of Community and Population Change in Oldfields at the Hutcheson Memorial Forest Center

这项研究将实现三个目标。 第一、 它将继续比尔继任研究（BSS），直到至少 第38个年头。 目前，这项研究是最长的， 时间上最完整的研究在北部旧田演替 美国参考 它由11个字段组成，每个字段包含48个永久性 情节 物种组成和覆盖率的取样已经 自1958年以来，在最古老的油田连续进行。 的BSS 因此，数据在范围和密度上是独特的，但代表一个 最普遍的生态过程。 二是会 开发一个数据管理系统，能够容纳新的 从BSS收集的数据。 一个紧凑、易处理的数据 基地将建成。 这将鼓励分析， 对比 第三，为了确保数据库的实用性， 将对数据进行分析。 这个练习将作为一个检查 以完善数据库，并将测试两个关键假设 关于继承。 这项研究将测试关于 群落趋同和空间异质性的趋势， 时间 这项工作的主要成果将是一个可靠的， 灵活的数据库和测试的两个关键问题， 继承理论 一旦数据库运行，其他 今后可以进行分析。 这项研究将 最终与从这个模型中得到的模式进行比较， 与其他长期研究中的结果相一致，特别是 实验性的。 因此，通过确保生存和成果 对奥尔德菲尔德最长时间的研究 在北美的继承，一个独特的机会，解决 社区动态领域的长期问题， 将有可能连续发现新的模式。

The proposed research will accomplish three goals. First, it will continue the Buell Succession Study (BSS) until at least its 38th year. Currently this study is one of the longest, temporally most complete studies of oldfield succession in North America. It consists of 11 fields, each containing 48 permanent plots. Sampling of species composition and cover has been conducted continuously since 1958 in the oldest fields. The BSS data are therefore unique in scope and density, but represent one of the most universal processes in ecology. Second, it will develop a data management system capable of accommodating new data from the BSS as it is collected. A compact, tractable data base will be produced. This will encourage analysis and comparison. Third, in order to ensure utility of the data base, the data will be analyzed. This exercise will serve as a check for refinement of the data base, and will test two key hypotheses about succession. The study will test predictions about community convergence and trends of spatial heterogeneity through time. The principal product of the work will be a reliable and flexible data base and the test of two critical problems in succession theory. Once the data base is operational, other analyses can be undertaken in the future. The study will ultimately be compared to the patterns derived from this succession with those in other long term studies, especially experimental ones. Thus, by ensuring the survival and fruition of the longest and temporally densest study of oldfield succession in North America, a unique opportunity to resolve persistent problems in the area of community dynamics and to discover new patterns in succession will be possible.