Biology And Management Of White-tailed Deer In Alabama

stand also is an example of edge. Diversity is provided by the creation
of edge, where one relatively homogenous habitat type meets a markedly
different habitat type. These areas promote the growth of diverse
plant communities, provide cover and travel corridors, and may provide
excellent foraging habitat.
IMPACT OF SOIL FERTILITY ON HABITAT
QUALITY
Habitat quality is influenced greatly by the nutritive value of
the plants growing in an area. The amounts of protein, energy, minerals,
and trace elements contained in plants are directly related to the
fertility of the soil in which they grow. Six major soil provinces have
been defined in Alabama: soils of the Limestone Valleys and Uplands;
soils of the Appalachian Plateau; soils of the Piedmont Plateau; soils of
the Prairies (Black Belt soils); soils of the Coastal Plains (Upper and
Lower); and soils of the Major Flood Plains and Terraces. Soils in each
of these major regions have markedly different characteristics relative
to moisture-holding capability, composition, and natural fertility. Soil
characteristics within a particular soil province will vary from site to
site as well.
Cultivated areas throughout these provinces may require the
addition of lime and fertilizer to address and correct soil fertility and
pH deficiencies. However, soil deficiencies on the vast majority of uncultivated
deer habitat found in these provinces cannot be so easily
corrected. Thus, it is important to note relative soil fertility will
create a ceiling of performance with respect to physical indices
in deer populations. In areas where deer rely primarily on native
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