| dc.description.abstract | Differences in species richness, index of diversity, and indices of similarity were assessed for three study sites located at the Jewett Mine operated by the Northwestern Resources, Company near Jewett, Texas. Sites were also evaluated for differences in herbaceous cover, density, and production. The study sites consisted of an area of reclaimed mine land, an area of unmined land dominated by woody vegetation, and an area of unmined land dominated by grasses. Significant differences were found in cover, density, and production levels between the various study sites. Species richness did not differ between sites, although richness fluctuated with time. Diversity values were high to moderately high on the Reclaimed and Woody Dominated sites. Similarity indices indicated little overlap between species. Maintaining diversity is generally agreed to be important, but no definitive measures of diversity have been established. Motyka and others' version of Sorensen's similarity index is a favorable measure of diversity and can directly compare two different plant communities. | en |
