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Habitats Terrestrial System. Cultural Subsystem-- Paved road/path community
Physical Setting: This community occurs in narrow bands formed by the paved portion of Ice Pond Road (1 km or 0.6 mi long) and the paved Farm to Market Road (Putnam Co. 62) that is 2.1 km or 1.3 mi long and both about 15 m or 50 feet wide. The paved road community covers approximately 31,500 square meters (7.8 acres) and ranges in altitude from 136 to about 200 meters (446 to 656 feet) above sea level. Substrate and Hydrology: The substrate of the paved road is artificially formed by grading, deposition of road base, and application and maintenance of asphalt. The runoff from the road undoubtedly influences the chemistry of adjacent soils. The hydrology of this community is artificially influenced by grading, ditching and compaction. Biota: Of course the road itself is completely devoid of all plant life. The margins support species typical of disturbed roadsides (many in common with the unpaved road) such as colt's foot (Tussilago farfara), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale, pictured), Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa) and many others. Cultural:.This community is totally artificial and dependent on human intervention. Left undisturbed, it would most likely revert to that of the community through which it passes, except where the topography has been drastically altered, such as grading and ditching. |
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