A level and open area should be selected to accommodate a 10-year
plant succession plot. The plot should be rectangular in shape
and at least 20 feet by 100 feet. In a 20 by 100 foot 10-year
plot, each section,identified by a letter (e.g., A through J),
would be 10 feet by 20 feet (see diagram below).
Early in the first spring, the entire plant succession plot (A-J) is plowed, followed by the application of a general herbicide. During the growing season, pioneer plants should become established representing one year of plant succession. The second spring, 9 of 10 sections (B-J) are plowed. At the end of this growing season,the results of two years of plant succession will be evident in Section A and one year of plant succession in Section B J.
The third spring, 8 of 10 sections (C-J) are plowed. At the end of this growing season, Section A will demonstrate three years of plant succession. Section B, two years of plant succession, and Sections C-J, one year. This process is continued over a 10-year period. Over the years, changes in the animal populations in the various sections will also be observed and, along with the plant populations, can be recorded.
At the end of the tenth growing season, Section A will display
the results of 10 years of plant succession with each adjacent
section showing one less year of change in the kinds of plants
(and animals) that dominate (see following diagram). Observations
may be carried out beyond the 10 years.
Variations of this plan are possible, especially in the size of the plant succession plot and the number of years to be followed. A 15-year plot would need to be divided into 15 sections.
Successional changes may also be recorded from year-to-year, e.g., around unmowed portions of a newly constructed pond, in an open field, or in an abandoned garden.
