Long-term Effects of Industrial History on the Forest Flora of Southeastern Ohio

Throughout the Appalachians, residual effects from furnace and mining industries may still influence plant communities.The purpose of this project is to determine if the species composition on two industrial sites in Ohio differs from reference forests.The long time since industrial abandonment (120 years) provides insight into the potential for forests to regenerate to their natural plant composition.Plots were established on remnant industrial disturbances and in reference forests as controls.Plots were described based on species composition, soil properties, and community characteristics.Results indicate differences between industrial and reference forest sites, and the microsites within the industrial sites (i.e., waste dumps).Differences can be attributed to soil pH and cation concentrations, as well as disturbance intensity and frequency.This study argues that the plant community is still affected by century old industrial activities.Identifying the most influential disturbances could aid in restoring industrial sites.