-Values between 0 and 10 and between 90 and 100 are recorded in increments of 1%
-Values in between 10 and 90 are recorded to the nearest 5%
-When all percent cover values are completed at a given plot, stop and check the group totals against the sum of the separate species within that group. IE. Check the total herb value against the sum of all the herb species values. They may or may not be similar, however the following two conditions must be met. 1) The sum of the herb species can add up to or be more than the total herb group value but not vice versa. And 2) the total herb group value must be equal to or more than the highest single herb species value.
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Ex. A |
Ex. B |
Ex. C |
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Epilobium = 50 |
Epilobium = 50 |
Epilobium = 20 |
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Equisetum = 55 |
Equisetum = 25 |
Equisetum = 40 |
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Cornus = 10 |
Cornus = 2 |
Cornus = 50 |
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Total = 115 |
Total = 77 |
Total = 110 |
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Total herb = 60 |
Total herb = 90 |
Total herb = 40 |
Example A is fine. Conditions 1 and 2 have both been met. The sum of all species, 115, is greater thatnt he total herb value, 60. The greater the difference between the sum of species values and the total herb value the more the canopies overlap. The highest species value of 55 is less than the total herb value, 115.
Example B is not acceptable. Condition 1 has not been met. The total herb value, 90 is greater than the sum of all the herb species. Something has been overlooked or overvalued.
Example C is also not acceptable. Conditon 2 has not been met. The total herb value, 40, is less than the species value which is 50. You have miscalculated.
Measurements-Use metric units
-Height measurements are made from the ground surface to the top of the tallest growing branch tip or to the base of the terminal bud. When a thick moss layer covers the ground the surface is defined by laying the open hand on the moss layer and compressing slightly. When the tree is growing on a hill take your measurements on the uphill side of the tree.
-Distance measurements are made from the center of the tree trunk or stem to your destination point. To estimate the position of the tree center use a point at the side of the tree that is midway between the front and back of the tree.
-Diamter measurements are taken usually at breast height (1.37m) but sometimes at the base 10cm. If branches, knots, or other growths are present move either up or down the stem to a point that would best approximate what the diameter would be if the growths were not there.
PhotographsDigital photos are taken from prime corner looking towards the opposite corner on the diagonal and of plot one, looking down from above. It is best to have the quadrat open on the plot edges for this picture.
Four meter square circular plotThis plot is used to sample three seedlings, tall shrubs and some tree information (canopy values). It has a radius of 114cm.
1) Tree seedlings are the small plants of any tree species that are less than 1.37m tall. The seedlings of each species are to be counted, a canopy cover values is to be estimated, and the average and maximum heights taken. In addition a total canopy and total live wood cover value is to be estimated for all seedlings, saplings, and mature trees taken together.
2) Tall shrubs are the large and small plants of all species that are classified as tall shrubs. See tall shrubs species list.
3) The stems of each species are to be counted, a canopy cover value is to be estimated and average and maximum height taken. In shrub clumps the main stems are counted at a height of 10cm (the width of a hand) above the ground. Occasionally the counts are done by diameter class. In addition a total tall shrub canopy cover will be estimated.
4) Tree and sapling information. The only information that is gathered in the 4 square meter plot is the tree-sapling-seedling canopy and the live wood values that have already been discussed
This plot is used to sample mosses, lichens, herbs, low shrubs, most vegetation category totals, as well as litter and soil surface type (ore all species and categories not treated on either the tall shrub or tree species list.
For each species and/or category the canopy cover is to be estimated. In addition a total cover value will be estimated for each group. IE. For all mosses, for all lichens, for all herbs and for all low shrubs.