Spatio-temporal availability of soft mast in clearcuts in the Southern Appalachians

摘要: Abstract Soft mast is an important resource for many wild populations in the Southern Appalachians, yet way clear-cutting affects availability of soft though time not fully understood. We tested a theoretical model temporal clearcuts using empirical data on percent cover and berry production Gaylussacia, Vaccinium, Rubus spp. plants 100 stands that were clearcut (0–122 years old) Appalachian Mountains. modeled relationship between stand age, evaluated effects topography forest type mast, developed statistical models predicting spatio-temporal distribution hypothesis provided similar information about availability. found dynamics explained better than it predicted plant cover, whereas topographic variables influenced more they production. Berry highest ∼2–9-year-old stands. Percent was lowest 10–69-year-old intermediate 70+-year-old Three our performed well during testing biased by training data, indicating inferences extended beyond sample data. The methods we used to estimate may be useful modeling distributions other resources.