The Effect of Overstory Composition and Cover on Understory Make-up in the Long Island Solar Farm Area.

摘要: been extensively studied. The construction of the Long Island Solar Farm at BNL will allow scientists to pioneer studies on environmental effects solar arrays. Researchers have a chance study aspects such as rain pooling base panels and changes in shading due panel installation. proposed farm area is currently composed mostly Pine Barrens forests, which need be cleared order for occur. method clearing was chosen minimal disruption understory involves cutting trees then removing their stumps (1). This reduce overstory over forest zero allowing future research conducted how this affects or composition. In carry out various array research, vegetation baseline must created outline current forests present are successional stages. As areas progress from bare soil climax experience make-up. Newer comprised mainly softwood species, particularly pitch pine white forest, while more mature ones made up hardwood species oak, hickory, maple. previous it noted that type exhibit greater diversity shrub herb so result expected seen mature, oak-dominated (4). Since biodiversity can used monitor health understory, project focus quantifying different monitored after installed. also varying degrees cover investigating make-up percent patterns tracked.