Field Exposure of Two Upland Cover Types to Solid Rocket Motor Fuel Emissionsi

A series of replicated field experiments in which two important upland cover types were exposed to solid rocket motor fuel emissions did not reveal any immediate impact on the vegetation. Soil pH and Cl- concentrations remained unchanged. Root biomass one year after exposures was not significantly different among the treatments. Likewise, twig growth of two browse species, dwarf live oak (Quercus minima) and myrtle oak (Q. myrtifolia), was unimpaired. Flower and fruit formation by the oaks, saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), and blueberry (Vaccinium myrsinites) appeared normal one year after exposure. Litter fractions (twigs, leaves, and fine material) were not significantly different among treatment groups.