METHODS

We compared canopy and ground layer vegetation, soil texture, and soil N of sandy (S) and clayey (C) sites subjected to heavier (H) or lighter (L) military use (8 400m x 400m sites of each combination; Figure 3). All sites were burned in spring, 2000.

Disturbance features were surveyed by line intercept along 2 300m transects in each site.

A 100m x 100m plot was established in each site to survey vegetation. Five transects, with sampling points at every 20 m, were established at 20 m intervals within the plot (total 25 points). At each point, trees were surveyed by the point quarter method and ground cover was sampled by line intercept along a 6 m transect.

Soil texture was determined at 9 locations per site using a Micro-pipette Method. Four samples were removed from each site for soil NO3-N and NH4-N analysis.