The effects of gypsy moth defoliation on soil water chemistry

Twenty-eight plots were established in oak stands along the leading edge of gypsy moth migration into north-central West Virginia. Plots were arranged in a 3-chain square grid pattern in areas of varying aspect, percent slope, elevation, site index and species composition. Soft water, gypsy moth frass and leaf fragments generated by larval feeding were collected weekly from May 14 until July 30, 1992. Frass and leaf fragments were sorted and weighed. Water and frass samples were analyzed to determine concentrations of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, hydrogen, phosphate and nitrate. Estimates of average defoliation were also made for each plot on a weekly basis.