Region-wide characterization of structural diversity of the U.S. Outer Coastal Plain Mixed Forests Province

Forest structural diversity is related to stability, biodiversity, adaptability and resilience, as well productivity of forest ecosystems. In this study, we characterized the diverse type groups in southeastern Outer Coastal Plains Mixed Province United States. We utilized data from 13,658 Inventory Analysis (FIA) plots across region classified them on basis group (i.e., longleaf-slash pine, loblolly-shortleaf oak-pine, oak-hickory, oak-gum-cypress, or other), disturbance (disturbed by animal, fire, insect disease, weather, other disturbances, no disturbance), ownership (public private Native American), site condition (xeric, mesic, hydric), stand origin (natural planted), age structure (one two classes). The was estimated Shannon index tree size diversity. Our findings indicate a range 0.00 2.40 for values ecoregion. All attributes groups, type, ownership, condition, origin, structure) significantly affected at α = 0.05. Oak-gum-cypress structurally most group. Overall, that were publicly owned, naturally regenerated, two-aged, weather disturbances exhibited higher also created region-wide distribution hot spot maps. maps identified southern Mississippi, northern eastern Virginia, North Carolina, South border between states Texas Louisiana spots. middle part Plain consisting southcentral Georgia, northcentral Florida, southwest Alabama lowest