Dataset: Microplot Sapling Data

Methods

The methods followed in the creation of the dataset, including description of field, laboratory and processing steps, and quality control procedures

Current Methods

• Plot establishment
  Started: 1200-08-29
  

  20 plots were established in different areas of the Green Mountain National Forest. Plot selection parameters included lack of disturbance, minimum 1/4 from roads, common ecological land and soil types, in uniform areas with less than 35% slope.

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  Plot design generally follows FIA procedures with exceptions made for soils and lichen sampling. A plot center and 3 subplots were established, with an area between them for soil sampling. Three trees near subplot centers were scribed; 2 at dbh and 1 at the base.

• Data collection
  
  

  Plots were sampled for vegetation, lichen, tree, down woody debris, and soil data.

• Soil sampling pits
  
  

  Three 2X3 soil sampling pits were dug/plot. One 4 ounce sample/soil layer was collected, and bulk samples were taken at the Oi and Oe, A and Oa horizons, and from the 1st 10 inches of the B horzin, and at 60-70 cm belwo the ground surface.

• Vegetation monitoring
  
  

  Vegetation was monitored in 24-foot diameter circular subplots surrounding each subplot center. All plant species within the circle were identified and each species’ abundance was estimated. Vegetation was divided into height classes and relative abundances of species were estimated. A small (1 m²) vegetation plot was placed along each of three transects radiating at set degrees from the subplot center. All vegetation growing within these 1 m² vegetation plots was inventoried.

• Subplot inventory
  
  

  Trees, saplings, and down woody material were inventoried in each subplot. Samplers measured diameters and estimated heights of each tree within the 24-foot radius subplots, measured diameters and heights of all saplings within a 6.8-foot radius microplot, and measured sizes and described decay classes of coarse woody material along a transect. Fine woody material was not measured.

• Lichen collection
  
  

  Lichen specimens were collected to determine species diversity. Lichens were collected throughout each 58.9-foot radius annular plot. Each specimen was placed in its own brown paper bag and labeled with plot number, collection number, date, abundance, and occasional microhabitat notes, for id in the laboratory. As specimens were collected in the field, the sampler estimated the abundance of each species in the plot.

• Soil sample processing
  
  

  Soil samples were dried at the Mount Tabor Work Station of the GMNF at the end of each field season. During the drying process, the soil samples were laid out to air dry on clean plastic tarps in the fall. Samples took 2-3 months to dry. Samples were then bagged and delivered to the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest for analysis of a full complement of chemical parameters. Archived soil samples will be stored at Hubbard Brook.

Dataset Fields

Detailed documentation of the fields comprising the dataset, including the type of measurement, units where applicable, and any controlled vocabularies or code lists present in the data

Sampling Equipment

Equipment and software used to collect data, including how that equipment was used.

Site Characteristics

The spatial extent of the dataset site coverage, and descriptions of the spatial extent and context for the data collection