diff --git a/vocab_files/methods_by_module/basal-area/basal-wedge-protocol/basal-wedge-protocol.ttl b/vocab_files/methods_by_module/basal-area/basal-wedge-protocol/basal-wedge-protocol.ttl index 8c729a35e..4e1c456c1 100644 --- a/vocab_files/methods_by_module/basal-area/basal-wedge-protocol/basal-wedge-protocol.ttl +++ b/vocab_files/methods_by_module/basal-area/basal-wedge-protocol/basal-wedge-protocol.ttl @@ -12,33 +12,32 @@ PREFIX xsd: tern:Method ; dcterms:description """

Contents

    -
  1. Basal Wedge protocol
    2. +
  2. Basal Wedge Protocol
  3. Equipment
  4. - Instructions and procedures + Instructions and Procedures
    5. -
  5. Additional guidelines
    6. +
  6. Additional Guidelines
    7. +
  7. Appendices
-

Basal Wedge protocol

+

The Basal wedge protocol does not collect samples. There are no +curation requirements.

+

Basal wedge protocol

Field collection

Pre-requisites

Pre-requisites for completing this protocol:

Time requirements

-

Survey activity time will vary depending on the options chosen and -the density of vegetation to traverse. A tree survey is highly dependent -on the number of trees to be measured. As a general guide:

+

Survey activity time will vary depending on the options chosen, the +density of vegetation to traverse, the number of trees to measure and +the number and experience of personnel. As a general guide:

Personnel requirements

@@ -46,17 +45,17 @@ plot.

"""^^rdf:HTML ; rdfs:isDefinedBy ; skos:note """ -

Additional guidelines

+

Additional Guidelines

Rules to determine ‘in’ trees

-

Post-field survey tasks

-

Sample curation

-

The Basal wedge protocol does not collect samples. There are no -curation requirements.

-

Data submission

-

Data from the Basal Area Module is collected in the field using the -Monitor app. Data entry is completed in the app, photos are taken using -the app (or later linked if taken on other devices), and voucher -barcodes are scanned in the app to link voucher numbers to the unique -data. All data is checked for correctness and completeness in the app -before it is submitted.

-

Once all data is finalised, and marked as completed, the data is -submitted from the Monitor app to the staging server by an explicit user -action. If the device is offline at the time, the data will be pushed as -soon as it is reconnected to a network (i.e. either back in mobile phone -range or a wi-fi network). Once data reaches the staging server it is -prepared in an export interface for delivery to the Biodiversity Data -Repository. DCCEEW is then responsible for managing the data. In the -future, it is anticipated that data curation tools will be made -available to project personnel.

"""^^rdf:HTML ; - skos:prefLabel "Basal wedge protocol" ; +"""^^rdf:HTML ; + skos:prefLabel "Basal Wedge Protocol" ; schema:url "https://github.com/ternaustralia/dawe-rlp-vocabs/tree/main/vocab_files/methods_by_module/basal-area/basal-wedge-protocol/basal-wedge-protocol.ttl"^^xsd:anyURI ; - tern:appendix """

Appendices

-

Appendix 1. Basal wedge -– point sampling explanation

+ tern:appendix """

Appendices

+

Appendix 1. Basal +wedge – point sampling explanation

In point sampling, basal area is estimated based on the concept of -circles (trunks or stems) within circles (variable circular plots; see -Figure. a.). The area of one circle varies proportionally to a change in +circles (trunks or stems) within circles (variable circular plots). The area of one circle varies proportionally to a change in the area of the other circle (i.e. the area sampled is greater for larger than smaller trees) and trees are sampled with a probability proportional to their basal area. Therefore, large trees, which @@ -147,7 +125,7 @@ proportions than small trees (Hovind and Rieck 1970).

An observer rotates 360° at a sampling point and counts all the trunks or stems that form an angle greater than the chosen BAF. In effect, every tree counted is sampled in a variable circular plot with a -radius that is a function of the tree’s DBH (Figure. a). Because a +radius that is a function of the tree’s DBH (Figure 7a). Because a tree’s DBH determines its basal area, and the plot radius determines the sampling area for that tree, the contribution of each counted tree to total stand basal area can be determined. For such a sample of trees, @@ -160,43 +138,23 @@ angle gauge and the fixed distance that the angle gauge is held from the eye (Fastie 2010). Measurements of variable circular plot radii and DBHs are not required as these values are proportional to the aperture width used with an angle gauge and the fixed distance that the angle gauge is -held from the eye (Figure. b.).

- - - - - - -
- 360° point sampling sweep showing an ‘in’ (counted), ‘out’ (not counted) and ‘borderline’ tree (half counted). -
-

Figure a. 360° point sampling sweep showing an ‘in’ (counted), ‘out’ -(not counted) and ‘borderline’ tree (half counted). The dashed circles -represent the variable circular plot for each tree that is proportional -to its diameter at breast height (not to scale).

-

- - - 360° point sampling sweep showing an ‘in’ (counted), ‘out’ (not counted) and ‘borderline’ tree (half counted). - - - -

-

Figure. b. Principle of point sampling. The diameter at breast height +held from the eye (Figure 7b).

+
+Figure-7a +

Figure. 7a. 360° point sampling sweep showing an ‘in’ +(counted), ‘out’ (not counted) and ‘borderline’ tree (half counted). The +dashed circles represent the variable circular plot for each tree that +is proportional to its diameter at breast height (not to +scale).

+
+

Figure-7b

+

Figure. 7b. Principle of point sampling. The diameter at breast height (DBH) and variable circular plot radius (R) of a ‘borderline’ tree are proportional to the aperture (a) width of an angle gauge and the fixed -distance (d) that the angle gauge is held from the eye.

+distance (d) that the angle gauge is held from the eye.

The Basal wedge protocol measures basal area at nine sampling points -(Figure 1.) using a TERN Basal Wedge (Figure 2). The TERN Basal Wedge -is an angle gauge designed by TERN Ecosystem Surveillance for monitoring +(Figure 1) using a TERN Basal Wedge (Figure 2). The TERN Basal Wedge is +an angle gauge designed by TERN Ecosystem Surveillance for monitoring basal areas across Australia. The hexagonal basal wedge has six fixed angle gauges that represent six different BAFs. The wedge is held at the fixed distance of 50 cm from the observer’s eye using a taut string, as @@ -204,176 +162,174 @@ this produces a sighting ratio of 1:50. At this ratio, a 1 cm aperture corresponds to a BAF of 1 or a basal area of 1 m2/ha. To determine the aperture for the specific BAFs of the basal wedge, the following equation was used:

-

𝐴= - √(𝐵𝐴𝐹 ×𝐷^2 ÷0.25)  -

+

A = √(BAF * D²) ÷ 0.25) (2)

Where A is the aperture in centimetres and D is the fixed distance that the wedge is held from the eye in metres (i.e. 0.5 m; Muir et al. 2011)

-

TERN Basal Wedge basal area factors and corresponding wedge apertures -and angles formed.

+ - - - - + + + + - - - - + + + + - - - - + + + + - - - - + + + + - - - - + + + + - - - - + + + + - - - - + + + +

TERN Basal Wedge basal area factors and corresponding wedge +apertures and angles formed.
BAF (Basal area [m2/ha])Aperture (cm)Angle formed
BAF (Basal area [m2/ha])Aperture (cm)Angle formed
0.10.320.37°
0.10.320.37°
0.250.500.57°
0.250.500.57°
0.50.710.81°
0.50.710.81°
0.750.871.00°
0.750.871.00°
11.002.29°
11.002.29°
21.413.23°
21.413.23°
-

Appendix 2. Data +

Appendix 2. Data collection fields from the Basal Area Module

Complete lists are provided in the Monitor app, as well as the TERN Linked Data Services page.

-

DBH instrument

+ - + - + - + - +

DBH instrument
Code DBH instrument
DIA Diameter tape measure
TAP Tape measure
CAL Tree calliper
-

Basal sweep sampling point

+ - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - +

Basal sweep sampling point
Code Basal sweep sampling point
NW Northwest
N North
NE Northeast
E East
SE Southeast
S South
SW Southwest
W West
C Centre
-

Basal area factor

+ - + - + - + - + - + - + - + @@ -383,54 +339,37 @@ Linked Data Services page.

Equipment

"""^^rdf:HTML ; tern:instructions """

Instructions and procedures

  1. Ensure the Plot Selection and Layout Module has been completed to -mark out the plot grid (including the centre point and north, south, -east and west point sampling locations) and define the current plot and -visit in the Monitor app.

    2. -

  2. Open the app and navigate to the Basal Area Module and select -basal area - basal wedge.

    3. -

  3. Confirm the survey start date and time, and select -next.

    4. +mark out the plot (including the centre point and north, south, east and +west point sampling locations) and define the current plot and visit in +the Monitor app.

    +

  4. Open the Monitor app and navigate to the Basal Area Module and +then the Basal wedge protocol.

  5. Stand at one of the nine basal wedge sampling locations (see -Figure 1.) and select the location from the drop-down list (Appendix 2). -It does not matter in which order the sampling locations are + Figure 2) and select the location from the drop-down list (Appendix 2). +It does not matter which order the sampling locations are surveyed.

    6. -

Basal area factor
Code Basal Area Factor
0.1 0.1
0.25 0.25
0.5 0.5
0.75 0.75
1 1
2 2
- - - - - -
- Figure 1. A 100 x 100 m core plot layout showing the 40 x 40 m central sub-plot and nine basal wedge sampling locations. -
-

Figure 1. A 100 x 100 m core plot layout showing the 40 x 40 m central sub-plot and nine basal wedge sampling locations.

  • Hold the end knot of the 50 cm length of string attached to the wedge on your cheek below one eye – close the other eye. Hold the wedge so that the string is taut (see Figure 5).

  • Determine if the use of the basal wedge is warranted at the plot (i.e. are there sufficient trunks or stems of trees, tall shrubs or -mallee that are large enough to count seven or more ‘in’ trees for any -species) If there are not sufficient trees to sample then the Enhanced -or Standard DBH protocols are recommended to complete basal area -measurements.

    • -

  • For each species, establish which Basal Area Factor (BAF) (0.1, +mallee that are large enough to obtain a score of seven or more from +‘in’ and ‘borderline’ trees for any species). If there are not +sufficient trees to sample then the Enhanced or Standard DBH protocols +are recommended to complete basal area measurements.

    • +

  • For each species, establish which Basal Area Factor (BAF; 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 2) to use. This is determined by selecting a BAF and undertaking a brief sweep around the point sampling location to determine if the selected BAF will sample seven or more ‘in’ trees (see -Additional guidelines below +Additional guidelines below for rules on counting ‘in’ and ‘borderline’ trees) for the sampling location. Ideally, aim to achieve the minimum seven ‘in’ trees with the largest aperture width.

    • @@ -440,24 +379,36 @@ string, count the number of stems or trunks of each species at breast height, that are wider than the aperture of the chosen BAF as ‘in’, and the exact width of the aperture as ‘borderline’ (i.e. half count).

    -

  • Record the species, and the BAF used (from the drop-down list -(see Appendix 1) the tally of ‘in’ and ‘borderline’ trees for the -sampling location and select the save species button.

    • -

  • Repeat steps 8–10 for the remaining species at the sampling +

  • Record the floristics voucher (i.e. the field name +recorded for the species in the Floristics Module). Species that cannot +be easily distinguished from one another may be combined for the basal +wedge count. In this case, check the group species box and +select all relevant floristics vouchers. This is only applicable if they +are of the same genus and growth form (e.g. mallee).

    • +

  • Record the BAF used (from the drop-down list; see Appendix 1), +and the tally of ‘in’ and ‘borderline’ trees for that particular +species.

    • +

  • Date and time will be automatically recorded. Update if required +and then save the observation.

    • +

  • Repeat steps 6–10 for the remaining species at the sampling location using the blue + button.

  • Select the finish sampling location button to return to the sampling location selection screen.

    • -

  • Repeat steps 4–11 at each remaining sampling location.

    • -

    Figure5

    Figure 5. Surveyor correctly -holding the end of the TERN Basal Wedge string on the cheekbone below -the eye and holding the wedge at full length with the string taut.

    -Figure6

    Figure 6. Examples of how to score trees using TERN Basal Wedge.

    -

  • When basal area has been -recorded for each species at each sampling location, select the -finish module button. The app will display a data summary (e.g. -mean basal area, total stem counts) on the sampling point selection -screen.

    • +

  • Repeat steps 3–12 at each remaining sampling location.

    • +

  • When basal area has been recorded for each species at each +sampling location, queue the collection for submission.

    • -"""^^rdf:HTML ; +

    + figure5

    +

    Figure 5. Surveyor correctly holding the end of the TERN Basal Wedge +string on the cheekbone below the eye and holding the wedge at full +length with the string taut.

    +

    + scoring trees +

    +Figure 6. +Examples of how to score trees using the TERN Basal +Wedge. From left - ‘in’ (+1); middle - ‘borderline’ (+0.5) ; right - ‘out’ (0)

    +
    """^^rdf:HTML ; . diff --git a/vocab_files/methods_by_module/basal-area/collection.ttl b/vocab_files/methods_by_module/basal-area/collection.ttl index 63d0d4653..12b86b0a2 100644 --- a/vocab_files/methods_by_module/basal-area/collection.ttl +++ b/vocab_files/methods_by_module/basal-area/collection.ttl @@ -16,225 +16,227 @@ PREFIX xsd:
    1. Module Overview
    2. Introduction and Background
    3. - Key definitions and terminology + Key Definitions and Terminology
    4. Rationale
      5. -
    5. Additional guidelines
      6. +
    6. Additional Guidelines
    7. References
      8. -
    8. Appendices
      9. +
    9. Appendices
    -

    Module Overview

    -

    - This module covers the procedures and guidelines of three protocols for recording basal area within plots where there is a dominant growth form of trees, shrubs and/or mallee greater than 2 m in height:  -

    -

    - 1. Enhanced DBH protocol – Diameter at breast height (DBH) measures for all trees (trees, tall shrubs and/or mallee greater than 2 m in height with a DBH ≥10 cm or 5 cm for mallee and mulga) within the plot (100 x 100 m). -

    -

    - 2. Standard DBH protocol – DBH measures for all trees (trees, tall shrubs and/or mallee greater than 2 m in height with a DBH ≥10 cm or 5 cm for mallee and mulga) within a 40 x 40 m central subplot. If the Condition Module is being undertaken, basal measures will be collected as part of the tree survey, and do not need to be repeated here. -

    -

    - 3. Basal Wedge protocol – TERN Basal Wedge measures of ‘in’ trees at nine-point sampling locations across the plot. -

    -

    - The Enhanced and Standard DBH protocols include the procedures and guidelines for the collection of DBH measures for all trees within the plot and subplot, respectively, including moving through the plots systematically, determining the Point of Measure (POM) using a measuring pole, measuring the DBH using a diameter tape or tree caliper, and recording the data into the app. The guidelines provide further information on addressing problem trees and dense plots. -The Basal wedge protocol includes the procedures and guidelines for the collection of TERN Basal Wedge measures, including the location of the nine sampling points (NW, N, NE, E, SE, S, SW and W points around the perimeter of the plot, as well as the centre of the plot; see Figure 1.., determining if the use of the basal wedge is warranted, using the basal wedge, establishing which basal area factor (BAF) is appropriate for each species (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 2; see Figure 2.) conducting a 360° basal sweep, and recording the data into the app. The guidelines provide further information on the rules to determine ‘in’, ‘out’ and ‘borderline’ trees and dealing with problem trees. -

    -


    -

    -

    Relationship to other modules

    -

    Mandatory related modules

    -Mandatory module to be completed prior to conducting the Basal Area Module:
      -
    • Plot Selection and Layout Module – will determine the boundaries of the survey plot, the location of the 40 x 40 m subplot for the Standard DBH protocol and basal wedge sample locations for the Basal wedge protocol.
      • -
    • Floristics Module – basal area data per species are recorded using naming consistent with the flora species identifications/assigned field names recorded in the Floristics Module. Therefore, the Basal Area Module must be undertaken after the Floristics Module.
    -

    Optional complementary related modules

    -Optional complimentary modules to gather additional information relating to the basal area:
      -
    • Condition Module – basal area data can also be collected as part of the tree survey in the Condition Module. The Condition Module includes the Standard DBH protocol.
      • -
    • Cover Module – the transects laid out in the Cover Module can be used to delineate the 40 x 40 m subplot, as well as divide the plot and subplot into smaller units, which can simplify sampling. It is recommended that the Basal Area Module be completed at any time while the transects for the Cover Module are laid out.
      • -
    • Photopoints Module – the three sets of overlapping panorama photographs collected in the Photopoints Module can be processed using suitable algorithms to create a three-dimensional plot reconstruction. When software is readily available to run these algorithms, the Photopoints Module will offer an additional method to extract data from the panoramas, including basal area and biomass.
      • -

      """^^rdf:HTML ; - dcterms:source """ -

      References

      -
        -

      • - Acker, S, Sabin, T, Ganio, L, McKee, W (1998) Development of old-growth - structure and timber volume growth trends in maturing Douglas-fir - stands. Forest Ecology and Management 104, 265–280.  -

        • -

      • - Balderas Torres, A, Lovett, JC (2013) Using basal area to estimate aboveground - carbon stocks in forests: La Primavera Biosphere's Reserve, - Mexico. Forestry 86, 267–281.  -

        • -

      • - Bonham, CD (2013) 'Measurements for terrestrial vegetation.' (John - Wiley & Sons: West Sussex, UK)  -

        • -

      • - Bradford, JB, Bell, DM (2017) A window of opportunity for climate‐change - adaptation: easing tree mortality by reducing forest basal - area. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 15, - 11–17.  -

        • -

      • - Burrows, W, Hoffmann, M, Compton, J, Back, P, Tait, L (2000) Allometric - relationships and community biomass estimates for some dominant eucalypts in - Central Queensland woodlands. Australian Journal of Botany 48, - 707–714.  -

        • -

      • - Chazdon, RL, Redondo Brenes, A, Vilchez Alvarado, B (2005) Effects of climate - and stand age on annual tree dynamics in tropical second‐growth rain - forests. Ecology 86, 1808–1815.  -

        • -

      • - Clewell, AF (1999) Restoration of riverine forest at Hall Branch on - phosphate‐mined land, Florida. Restoration Ecology 7, - 1–14.  -

        • -

      • - Department of Environment‚ Climate Change and Water (2010) Private - Native Forestry Code of Practice Guideline No. 5: Techniques for Measuring - Stand Basal Area. Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, - Sydney.  -

        • -

      • - Eamus, D, McGuinness, K, Burrows, W (2000) Review of Allometric Relationships - for Estimating Woody Biomass for Queensland, the Northern Territory and - Western Australia. In 'National Carbon Accounting System Technical - Reports.'  (The Australian Greenhouse Office: Canberra, ACT)  -

        • -

      • - Fastie, CL (2010) Estimating stand basal area from forest panoramas. In - 'Proceedings of the Fine International Conference on Gigapixel Imaging - for Science. Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania'. pp. - 1–7.  -

        • -

      • - Gibbons, P, Lindenmayer, D, Barry, S, Tanton, M (2000) Hollow formation in - eucalypts from temperate forests in southeastern Australia. Pacific - Conservation Biology 6, 218–228.  -

        • -

      • - Gilman, AC, Letcher, SG, Fincher, RM, Perez, AI, Madell, TW, Finkelstein, AL, - Corrales‐Araya, F (2016) Recovery of floristic diversity and basal area in - natural forest regeneration and planted plots in a Costa Rican wet - forest. Biotropica 48, 798–808.  -

        • -

      • - Giuggiola, A, Bugmann, H, Zingg, A, Dobbertin, M, Rigling, A (2013) Reduction - of stand density increases drought resistance in xeric Scots pine - forests. Forest Ecology and Management 310, 827–835.  -

        • -

      • - Hovind, H, Rieck, C (1970) Basal Area and Point-sampling: Interpretation and - Application. Technical Bulletin 23 (Revised Edition). Department of Natural - Resources, Madison, Wisconsin.  -

        • -

      • - Irwin, LL, Rock, DF, Rock, SC (2018) Barred owl habitat selection in west - coast forests. The Journal of Wildlife Management 82, - 202–216.  -

        • -

      • - Livingston, W, Pontius, J, Costanza, K, Trosper, S (2017) Using changes in - basal area increments to map relative risk of HWA impacts on hemlock growth - across the Northeastern USA. Biological Invasions 19, - 1577–1595.  -

        • -

      • - McGee, GG, Leopold, DJ, Nyland, RD (1999) Structural characteristics of - old‐growth, maturing, and partially cut northern hardwood - forests. Ecological Applications 9, 1316–1329.  -

        • -

      • - Muir, J, Armston, J, Ward, B, Sparrow, B, Phinn, S, Scarth, P (2015) - Comparison of a low-cost photogrammetric method (Photo-Panoramas) to - Terrestrial Laser Scanning for measurement of vegetation structure. In - 'SilviLaser 2015. La Grande Motte, France'. pp. 292–294.  -

        • -

      • - Muir, J, Schmidt, M, Tindall, D, Trevithick, R, Scarth, P, Stewart, J (2011) - Field measurement of fractional ground cover: a technical handbook supporting - ground cover monitoring for Australia. Australian Bureau of Agricultural and - Resource Economics and Sciences, Canberra.  -

        • -

      • - Parrotta, JA, Knowles, OH (1999) Restoration of tropical moist forests on - bauxite‐mined lands in the Brazilian Amazon. Restoration Ecology 7, - 103–116.  -

        • -

      • - Sarmiento, G, Pinillos, M, Garay, I (2005) Biomass variability in tropical - American lowland rainforests. Ecotropicos 18, 1–20.  -

        • -

      • - Saud, P, Lynch, TB, Cram, DS, Guldin, JM (2019) An Annual basal area growth - model with multiplicative climate modifier fitted to longitudinal data for - shortleaf pine. Forestry: An International Journal of Forest - Research 92, 538–553.  -

        • -

      • - Tokmakoff, A, Sparrow, B, Turner, D, Lowe, A (2016) AusPlots Rangelands field - data collection and publication: Infrastructure for ecological - monitoring. Future Generation Computer Systems 56, - 537–549.  -

        • -

      • - Tyrrell, LE, Crow, TR (1994) Structural characteristics of old‐growth - hemlock‐hardwood forests in relation to age. Ecology 75, - 370–386.  -

        • -

      • - Valenzuela-Sánchez, A, Schmidt, BR, Pérez, C, Altamirano, T, - Toledo, V, Pérez, Í, Teillier, S, Cunningham, AA, Soto-Azat, C - (2019) Assessing habitat quality when forest attributes have opposing effects - on abundance and detectability: A case study on Darwin’s - frogs. Forest Ecology and Management 432, 942–948.  -

        • -

      • - Van Breugel, M, Martínez-Ramos, M, Bongers, F (2006) Community dynamics - during early secondary succession in Mexican tropical rain - forests. Journal of Tropical Ecology 22, 663–674.  -

        • -

      • - Voelker, SL, Muzika, R-M, Guyette, RP (2008) Individual tree and stand level - influences on the growth, vigor, and decline of red oaks in the - Ozarks. Forest Science 54, 8–20.  -

        • -

      • - West, PW (2015) 'Tree and Forest Measurement.' (Springer - International Publishing: Switzerland)  -

        • -

      • - White, A, Sparrow, B, Leitch, E, Foulkes, J, Flitton, R, Lowe, AJ, - Caddy-Retalic, S (2012) 'AusPlots Rangelands Survey Protocols - Manual.' (The University of Adelaide Press: Adelaide)  -

        • -

      • - Wood, S, Stephens, H, Foulkes, J, Ebsworth, E, Bowman, D (2015) AusPlots - Forests Survey Protocols Manual. Version 1.6. University of Tasmania, - Hobart.  -

        • +

        Module Overview

        +

        Available Protocols

        +

        This module includes three protocols for recording basal area within +plots where there is a dominant growth form of trees, shrubs and/or +mallee greater than 2 m in height:

        +
          +

        1. Enhanced DBH Protocol – Diameter at +breast height (DBH) measures for all trees (trees, tall shrubs and/or +mallee greater than 2 m in height with a DBH ≥10 cm or 5 cm for mallee +and mulga) within the plot (100 x 100 m).

          2. +

        2. Standard DBH Protocol – +DBH measures for all trees (trees, tall shrubs and/or mallee greater +than 2 m in height with a DBH ≥10 cm or 5 cm for mallee and mulga) +within a 40 x 40 m central subplot. If the Condition Module is being +undertaken, basal measures will be collected as part of the tree survey, +and do not need to be repeated here.

          3. +

        3. Basal Wedge Protocol –TERN +Basal Wedge measures of ‘in’ trees at nine point-sampling locations +across the plot.

          4. +
        +

        The Enhanced and Standard DBH protocols include the procedures and +guidelines for the collection of DBH measures for all trees within the +plot and subplot, respectively, including moving through the plots +systematically, determining the Point of Measure (POM) using a measuring +pole, measuring the DBH using a diameter tape or tree caliper, and +recording the data into the app. The guidelines provide further +information on addressing problem trees and dense plots.

        +

        The Basal wedge protocol includes the procedures and guidelines for +the collection of TERN Basal Wedge measures, including the location of +the nine sampling points (NW, N, NE, E, SE, S, SW and W points around +the perimeter of the plot, as well as the centre of the plot; see Figure +1), determining if the use of the basal wedge is warranted, using the +basal wedge, establishing which basal area factor (BAF) is appropriate +for each species (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 2; see Figure 2), +conducting a 360° basal sweep, and recording the data into the app. The +guidelines provide further information on the rules to determine ‘in’, +‘out’ and ‘borderline’ trees and dealing with problem trees.

        +

        Relationship to other +modules

        + +

        Complete before the Basal +Area Module

        +
          +

        • Plot Selection and Layout Module – will determine the boundaries +of the survey plot, the location of the 40 x 40 m subplot for the +Standard DBH protocol and basal wedge sample locations for the Basal +wedge protocol.

          • +

        • Floristics Module – basal area data per species are recorded +using naming consistent with the flora species identifications/assigned +field names recorded in the Floristics Module. Therefore, the Basal Area +Module must be undertaken after the Floristics Module.

          • +
        + +
          +

        • Condition Module – basal area data can also be collected as part +of the tree survey in the Condition Module. The Condition Module +includes the Standard DBH protocol.

          • +

        • Cover Module – transects laid out in the Cover Module can be used +to delineate the 40 x 40 m subplot, as well as divide the plot and +subplot into smaller units, which can simplify sampling. It is +recommended that the Basal Area Module be completed at any time while +the transects for the Cover Module are laid out.

          • +

        • Photopoints Module – three sets of overlapping panorama +photographs collected in the Photopoints Module can be processed using +suitable algorithms to create a three-dimensional plot reconstruction. +When software is readily available to run these algorithms, the +Photopoints Module will offer an additional method to extract data from +the panoramas, including basal area and biomass.

        """^^rdf:HTML ; + dcterms:source """ +

        References

        +

        Acker, SA, Sabin, TE, Ganio, LM, McKee, WA (1998) Development of +old-growth structure and timber volume growth trends in maturing +Douglas-fir stands. Forest Ecology and Management +104, 265–280.

        +

        Balderas Torres, A, Lovett, JC (2013) Using basal area to estimate +aboveground carbon stocks in forests: La Primavera Biosphere's Reserve, +Mexico. Forestry 86, 267–281.

        +

        Bonham, CD (2013) 'Measurements for terrestrial vegetation.' (John +Wiley & Sons: West Sussex, UK)

        +

        Bradford, JB, Bell, DM (2017) A window of opportunity for +climate‐change adaptation: easing tree mortality by reducing forest +basal area. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment +15, 11–17.

        +

        Burrows, WH, Hoffmann, MB, Compton, JF, Back, PV, Tait, LJ (2000) +Allometric relationships and community biomass estimates for some +dominant eucalypts in Central Queensland woodlands. Australian +Journal of Botany 48, 707–714.

        +

        Chazdon, RL, Redondo Brenes, A, Vilchez Alvarado, B (2005) Effects of +climate and stand age on annual tree dynamics in tropical second‐growth +rain forests. Ecology 86, 1808–1815.

        +

        Clewell, AF (1999) Restoration of riverine forest at Hall Branch on +phosphate‐mined land, Florida. Restoration Ecology +7, 1–14.

        +

        DECCW (2010) Private Native Forestry Code of Practice Guideline No. +5: Techniques for Measuring Stand Basal Area. Department of Environment, +Climate Change and Water, Sydney, NSW.

        +

        Eamus, D, McGuinness, K, Burrows, W (2000) Review of Allometric +Relationships for Estimating Woody Biomass for Queensland, the Northern +Territory and Western Australia. In 'National Carbon Accounting System +Technical Reports.' (The Australian Greenhouse Office: Canberra, +ACT)

        +

        Fastie, CL (2010) Estimating stand basal area from forest panoramas. +In 'Proceedings of the Fine International Conference on Gigapixel +Imaging for Science. Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, +Pennsylvania'. pp. 1–7.

        +

        Gibbons, P, Lindenmayer, D, Barry, S, Tanton, M (2000) Hollow +formation in eucalypts from temperate forests in southeastern Australia. +Pacific Conservation Biology 6, 218–228.

        +

        Gilman, AC, Letcher, SG, Fincher, RM, Perez, AI, Madell, TW, +Finkelstein, AL, Corrales‐Araya, F (2016) Recovery of floristic +diversity and basal area in natural forest regeneration and planted +plots in a Costa Rican wet forest. Biotropica +48, 798–808.

        +

        Giuggiola, A, Bugmann, H, Zingg, A, Dobbertin, M, Rigling, A (2013) +Reduction of stand density increases drought resistance in xeric Scots +pine forests. Forest Ecology and Management +310, 827–835.

        +

        Good, M, Fraser, H, Gould, E, Vesk, P, Rumpff, L (2021) A general +ecosystem model to guide conservation planning for diverse woodlands of +southern Australia. Threatened Species Recovery Hub, Brisbane.

        +

        Hovind, H, Rieck, C (1970) Basal Area and Point-sampling: +Interpretation and Application. Technical Bulletin 23 (Revised Edition). +Department of Natural Resources, Madison, Wisconsin.

        +

        Irwin, LL, Rock, DF, Rock, SC (2018) Barred owl habitat selection in +west coast forests. The Journal of Wildlife Management +82, 202–216.

        +

        Livingston, W, Pontius, J, Costanza, K, Trosper, S (2017) Using +changes in basal area increments to map relative risk of HWA impacts on +hemlock growth across the Northeastern USA. Biological +Invasions 19, 1577–1595.

        +

        McGee, GG, Leopold, DJ, Nyland, RD (1999) Structural characteristics +of old‐growth, maturing, and partially cut northern hardwood forests. +Ecological applications 9, 1316–1329.

        +

        Muir, J, Armston, J, Ward, B, Sparrow, B, Phinn, S, Scarth, P (2015) +Comparison of a low-cost photogrammetric method (Photo-Panoramas) to +Terrestrial Laser Scanning for measurement of vegetation structure. In +'SilviLaser 2015. La Grande Motte, France'. pp. 292–294.

        +

        Muir, J, Schmidt, M, Tindall, D, Trevithick, R, Scarth, P, Stewart, J +(2011) Field measurement of fractional ground cover: a technical +handbook supporting ground cover monitoring for Australia. Australian +Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences, +Canberra.

        +

        Parrotta, JA, Knowles, OH (1999) Restoration of tropical moist +forests on bauxite‐mined lands in the Brazilian Amazon. Restoration +Ecology 7, 103–116.

        +

        Paul, KI, Roxburgh, SH, Chave, J, England, JR, Zerihun, A, Specht, A, +Lewis, T, Bennett, LT, Baker, TG, Adams, MA, Huxtable, D, Montagu, KD, +Falster, DS, Feller, M, Sochacki, S, Ritson, P, Bastin, G, Bartle, J, +Wildy, D, Hobbs, T, Larmour, J, Waterworth, R, Stewart, HTL, Jonson, J, +Forrester, DI, Applegate, G, Mendham, D, Bradford, M, O'Grady, A, Green, +D, Sudmeyer, R, Rance, SJ, Turner, J, Barton, C, Wenk, EH, Grove, T, +Attiwill, PM, Pinkard, E, Butler, D, Brooksbank, K, Spencer, B, Snowdon, +P, O'Brien, N, Battaglia, M, Cameron, DM, Hamilton, S, McAuthur, G, +Sinclair, J (2016) Testing the generality of above-ground biomass +allometry across plant functional types at the continent scale. +Global change biology 22, 2106-2124.

        +

        Sarmiento, G, Pinillos, M, Garay, I (2005) Biomass variability in +tropical American lowland rainforests. Ecotropicos +18, 1–20.

        +

        Saud, P, Lynch, TB, Cram, DS, Guldin, JM (2019) An Annual basal area +growth model with multiplicative climate modifier fitted to longitudinal +data for shortleaf pine. Forestry: An International Journal of +Forest Research 92, 538–553.

        +

        TERN (2015) SuperSites Vegetation Monitoring Protocols. TERN +Australian SuperSite Network.

        +

        Tyrrell, LE, Crow, TR (1994) Structural characteristics of old‐growth +hemlock‐hardwood forests in relation to age. Ecology +75, 370–386.

        +

        Valenzuela-Sánchez, A, Schmidt, BR, Pérez, C, Altamirano, T, Toledo, +V, Pérez, Í, Teillier, S, Cunningham, AA, Soto-Azat, C (2019) Assessing +habitat quality when forest attributes have opposing effects on +abundance and detectability: A case study on Darwin’s frogs. Forest +Ecology and Management 432, 942–948.

        +

        Van Breugel, M, Martínez-Ramos, M, Bongers, F (2006) Community +dynamics during early secondary succession in Mexican tropical rain +forests. Journal of Tropical Ecology 22, +663–674.

        +

        Voelker, SL, Muzika, R-M, Guyette, RP (2008) Individual tree and +stand level influences on the growth, vigor, and decline of red oaks in +the Ozarks. Forest Science 54, 8–20.

        +

        West, PW (2015) 'Tree and Forest Measurement.' (Springer +International Publishing: Switzerland)

        +

        White, A, Sparrow, B, Leitch, E, Foulkes, J, Flitton, R, Lowe, AJ, +Caddy-Retalic, S (2012) 'AusPlots Rangelands Survey Protocols Manual.' +(The University of Adelaide Press: Adelaide)

        +

        Williams, RJ, Zerihun, A, Montagu, KD, Hoffman, M, Hutley, LB, Chen, +X (2005) Allometry for estimating aboveground tree biomass in tropical +and subtropical eucalypt woodlands: towards general predictive +equations. Australian Journal of Botany 53, +607-619.

        +

        Wood, S, Stephens, H, Foulkes, J, Ebsworth, E, Bowman, D (2015) +AusPlots Forests Survey Protocols Manual. Version 1.6. University of +Tasmania, Hobart.

        """^^rdf:HTML ; rdfs:isDefinedBy ; skos:definition """ -

        Key definitions and terminology

        -

        Table 1. Key definitions and terms used in the Basal Area module. 

        -
        - +

        Key Definitions and +Terminology

        +
        + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + +Factors’ (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 2; see Figure 2). - + -

        Table 1. Key +definitions and terms used in the Basal Area Module.
        Term Definition
        Allometric equations Allometry studies the morphological, physiological and ecological characteristics of organisms’ scale in relation to their size. In @@ -244,13 +246,13 @@ height. The equations follow a variety of mathematical specifications (e.g. log-linear, non-linear) and are derived based on measured values of tree weight related to its DBH and height from sample trees.
        BAF Basal Area Factor – the mathematical relationship between the angle formed by the aperture of the sights on the TERN Basal Wedge and the distance it is held from the observer’s eye.
        Basal area The average amount of area occupied by tree stems within a defined locale. It is quantified by measuring the cross-sectional area of all @@ -258,63 +260,63 @@ trees (>2m tall), over the bark, at breast height (1.3 m above ground level) and values are expressed per hectare (m2/ha). Convertible to standing biomass using allometric equations.
        Biomass The total quantity of matter (at any given time) of living organisms. Biomass can be expressed as all the species in a biotic community (community biomass) or by one or more species per unit of species (species biomass).
        ‘Borderline’ trees Trees where the trunk or stem at breast height (1.3 m above ground level) is the exact width of the aperture of the BAF used on a TERN Basal Wedge.
        Buttressed trees Trees with buttressed roots – roots that grow laterally out from the trunk that help to support the tree (e.g. Moreton Bay Fig).
        Circumference at breast height The distance of the perimeter of a standing tree trunk or stem in centimetres when measured at 1.3 m above the ground.
        DBH Diameter at breast height - the straight-line distance in centimetres across the centre of a standing tree trunk or stem measured at 1.3 m above the ground.
        Deformed trees Trees with a distortion that prevents DBH from being measured at the standard 1.3 m breast height.
        Ellipse trees Trees with an elliptical rather than circular shaped trunk or stem.
        GPS/GNSS enabled device A device that is capable of logging the accurate coordinates of a location using the Global Positioning System (GPS) or the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
        Hidden trees Trees obscured by a tree or trees in the foreground when undertaking a 360° sweep during point sampling.
        ‘In’ trees Trees where the trunk or stem at breast height (1.3 m above ground level) is wider than the aperture of the BAF used on a TERN Basal Wedge.
        Monitor Field data collection app for Ecological Monitoring System Australia. Collects data using the Australian Biodiversity Information @@ -322,52 +324,52 @@ Standard for delivery to the Australian Biodiversity Data Repository managed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
        Multi-stemmed trees Trees with two or more main stems that arise between near ground level and below breast height (1.3 m above ground level) but grow from one root system.
        ‘Out’ trees Trees where the trunk or stem at breast height (1.3 m above ground level) is narrower than the aperture of the BAF used on a TERN Basal Wedge.
        Plot sampling The measurement of the basal area of all trees in a set area. Basal area is calculated from DBH measures and the formula for the area of a circle.
        Point sampling The estimation of basal area from a count of ‘in’ trees throughout a 360° sweep made at a sampling point. Basal area is calculated by multiplying the count of ‘in’ trees by the Basal Area Factor used on a TERN Basal Wedge.
        POM Point of measurement - the point at which the DBH of a tree is measured. As a standard, the POM is 1.3 m above ground level but may vary for problem trees. For repeatability, POM should be recorded every time DBH is measured.
        Problem trees Buttressed, multi-stemmed, leaning, deformed, dead and hidden trees, trees on a slope and tree ferns. Solutions to measuring DBH for problem -trees are provided in the Additional +trees are provided in the Additional guidelines.
        TERN Basal Wedge Angle gauge instrument used to provide a rapid and simple determination of basal area across Australia. Comprises six ‘Basal Area -Factors’ (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 2; see Figure 2.
        Tree Woody plants greater than 2 m in height usually with a single stem, or branches well above the base. Includes trees, tall shrubs, or palms @@ -375,8 +377,7 @@ with DBH ≥10 cm (global forest ecology standard; Wood et al. 2015), and mallee and mulga with a DBH ≥5 cm (TERN 2015).
        -
        """^^rdf:HTML ; +"""^^rdf:HTML ; skos:memberList ( @@ -483,12 +484,11 @@ determine if a tree is in or out of the plot (adapted from Wood et al. (2015).

        """^^rdf:HTML ; skos:prefLabel "Basal Area Module" ; schema:url "https://github.com/ternaustralia/dawe-rlp-vocabs/tree/main/vocab_files/methods_by_module/basal-area/collection.ttl"^^xsd:anyURI ; - tern:appendix """

        Appendices

        -

        Appendix 1. Basal wedge -– point sampling explanation

        + tern:appendix """

        Appendices

        +

        Appendix 1. Basal +wedge – point sampling explanation

        In point sampling, basal area is estimated based on the concept of -circles (trunks or stems) within circles (variable circular plots; see -Figure. a.). The area of one circle varies proportionally to a change in +circles (trunks or stems) within circles (variable circular plots). The area of one circle varies proportionally to a change in the area of the other circle (i.e. the area sampled is greater for larger than smaller trees) and trees are sampled with a probability proportional to their basal area. Therefore, large trees, which @@ -497,7 +497,7 @@ proportions than small trees (Hovind and Rieck 1970).

        An observer rotates 360° at a sampling point and counts all the trunks or stems that form an angle greater than the chosen BAF. In effect, every tree counted is sampled in a variable circular plot with a -radius that is a function of the tree’s DBH (Figure. a). Because a +radius that is a function of the tree’s DBH (Figure 7a). Because a tree’s DBH determines its basal area, and the plot radius determines the sampling area for that tree, the contribution of each counted tree to total stand basal area can be determined. For such a sample of trees, @@ -510,43 +510,23 @@ angle gauge and the fixed distance that the angle gauge is held from the eye (Fastie 2010). Measurements of variable circular plot radii and DBHs are not required as these values are proportional to the aperture width used with an angle gauge and the fixed distance that the angle gauge is -held from the eye (Figure. b.).

        - - - - - - -
        - 360° point sampling sweep showing an ‘in’ (counted), ‘out’ (not counted) and ‘borderline’ tree (half counted). -
        -

        Figure a. 360° point sampling sweep showing an ‘in’ (counted), ‘out’ -(not counted) and ‘borderline’ tree (half counted). The dashed circles -represent the variable circular plot for each tree that is proportional -to its diameter at breast height (not to scale).

        -

        - - - 360° point sampling sweep showing an ‘in’ (counted), ‘out’ (not counted) and ‘borderline’ tree (half counted). - - - -

        -

        Figure. b. Principle of point sampling. The diameter at breast height +held from the eye (Figure 7b).

        +
        +Figure-7a +

        Figure. 7a. 360° point sampling sweep showing an ‘in’ +(counted), ‘out’ (not counted) and ‘borderline’ tree (half counted). The +dashed circles represent the variable circular plot for each tree that +is proportional to its diameter at breast height (not to +scale).

        +
        +

        Figure-7b

        +

        Figure. 7b. Principle of point sampling. The diameter at breast height (DBH) and variable circular plot radius (R) of a ‘borderline’ tree are proportional to the aperture (a) width of an angle gauge and the fixed -distance (d) that the angle gauge is held from the eye.

        +distance (d) that the angle gauge is held from the eye.

        The Basal wedge protocol measures basal area at nine sampling points -(Figure 1.) using a TERN Basal Wedge (Figure 2). The TERN Basal Wedge -is an angle gauge designed by TERN Ecosystem Surveillance for monitoring +(Figure 1) using a TERN Basal Wedge (Figure 2). The TERN Basal Wedge is +an angle gauge designed by TERN Ecosystem Surveillance for monitoring basal areas across Australia. The hexagonal basal wedge has six fixed angle gauges that represent six different BAFs. The wedge is held at the fixed distance of 50 cm from the observer’s eye using a taut string, as @@ -554,203 +534,179 @@ this produces a sighting ratio of 1:50. At this ratio, a 1 cm aperture corresponds to a BAF of 1 or a basal area of 1 m2/ha. To determine the aperture for the specific BAFs of the basal wedge, the following equation was used:

        -

        𝐴= - √(𝐵𝐴𝐹 ×𝐷^2 ÷0.25)  -

        +

        A = √(BAF * D²) ÷ 0.25) (2)

        Where A is the aperture in centimetres and D is the fixed distance that the wedge is held from the eye in metres (i.e. 0.5 m; Muir et al. 2011)

        -

        TERN Basal Wedge basal area factors and corresponding wedge apertures -and angles formed.

        + - - - - + + + + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

        TERN Basal Wedge basal area factors and corresponding wedge +apertures and angles formed.
        BAF (Basal area [m2/ha])Aperture (cm)Angle formed
        BAF (Basal area [m2/ha])Aperture (cm)Angle formed
        0.10.320.37°
        0.250.500.57°
        0.50.710.81°
        0.750.871.00°
        11.002.29°
        21.413.23°
        0.10.320.37°
        0.250.500.57°
        0.50.710.81°
        0.750.871.00°
        11.002.29°
        21.413.23°
        -

        Appendix 2. Data +

        Appendix 2. Data collection fields from the Basal Area Module

        Complete lists are provided in the Monitor app, as well as the TERN Linked Data Services page.

        -

        DBH instrument

        + - + - + - + - +

        DBH instrument
        Code DBH instrument
        DIA Diameter tape measure
        TAP Tape measure
        CAL Tree calliper
        -

        Basal sweep sampling point

        + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - +

        Basal sweep sampling point
        Code Basal sweep sampling point
        NW Northwest
        N North
        NE Northeast
        E East
        SE Southeast
        S South
        SW Southwest
        W West
        C Centre
        -

        Basal area factor

        + - + - + - + - + - + - + - +

        Basal area factor
        Code Basal Area Factor
        0.1 0.1
        0.25 0.25
        0.5 0.5
        0.75 0.75
        1 1
        2 2
        """^^rdf:HTML ; - tern:equipment """

        Equipment

        -

        General:

        -
          -

        • mobile device (tablet/phone) with the Monitor app -pre-loaded

          • -

        • GNSS, such as a Trimble® R1 or a DA2 receiver a hand-held GPS, or -device built-in GPS (least preferred), capable of achieving <30 cm -accuracy

          • -

        • diameter tape, measuring tape or tree calipers

          • -

        • measuring pole with 1.3 m clearly marked or 5 - 10 m tape -measure

          • -

        • chalk

          • -

        • step ladder (for measuring buttressed trees)

          • -
        -

        Additional equipment required for the Enhanced protocol:

        -
          -

        • 4 x 100 m tape measures or pegs/flagging tape to mark the plot -boundary (when completing the Standard protocol)

          • -

        • 10 x 100 m tape measures (or ca. 40 coloured survey pins) to -divide the plot into smaller units for ease of sampling (when completing -the Enhanced protocol)

          • -
        """^^rdf:HTML ; tern:purpose """

        Rationale

        All biological processes of plants and animals are dependent on the energy of primary production (i.e. the energy fixed and incorporated @@ -796,48 +752,78 @@ Since individual tree data are not collected, downstream analysis is limited to basal area data only. An explanation of point sampling is provided for reference in Appendix 1.

        """^^rdf:HTML ; tern:scope """ -

        Introduction and Background

        -

        Basal area is the average amount of area occupied by tree stems within a defined locale. It is quantified by measuring the cross-sectional area of all trees, over the bark, at breast height (1.3 m above ground level) and values are expressed per hectare (m2/ha). Basal area provides information on stand density and is useful for monitoring tree growth, and for calculating biomass and carbon sequestration of trees using allometric equations (Eamus et al. 2000). The Basal Area Module is only required in plots where there is a dominant growth form of trees, shrubs and/or mallee greater than 2 m in height, but can also be undertaken as part of condition assessments.

        -

        Basal area can be measured using ‘plot sampling’ (i.e. the measurement of the basal area of all trees in a set area) or ‘point sampling’ (i.e. the estimation of basal area from a count of ‘in’ trees throughout a 360° sweep at a sampling point). For plot sampling, the basal area of a tree is calculated from its diameter at breast height (DBH), being the diameter of the trunk in metres as measured 1.3 m above the ground. DBH is converted to basal area based on the formula for the area of a circle: - 

        -

        𝐵𝑎𝑠𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 𝜋 ×(𝐷𝐵𝐻 ÷ 2)2

        -

        Basal area per hectare is calculated by adding the basal areas (as calculated above) of all the trees in a defined locale and dividing by the area of land in which the trees were measured. Basal area is generally measured for a plot and then scaled to m2/ha to compare forest/woodland productivity and growth rate among multiple sites. 

        -

        Basal area can be rapidly estimated at a sampling point using a hand-held angle gauge. A mathematical correlation exists between the distance from the observer’s eye and the aperture of the device. This is referred to as the basal area factor (BAF). Basal area can be estimated in m2/ha by multiplying the count of ‘in’ trees across a 360° sweep with the selected BAF. When using an angle gauge, a tree is ‘in’ if its trunk or stem at breast height is wider than the aperture of the selected BAF. Trees where the trunk or stem is the exact width of the aperture, are ‘borderline’ trees, for which a half count is tallied. 

        -

        The Basal Area Module includes three protocols: (1)Enhanced DBH protocol that measures the DBH of all trees with a DBH ≥10 cm (or DBH ≥5 cm for mulga and mallee systems) within the core plot (100 x 100 m) Figure 1.); (2) Standard DBH protocol that measures the DBH of all trees with a DBH ≥10 cm (or DBH ≥5 cm for mulga and mallee systems) in a 40 x 40 m sub-plot situated in the centre of the core plot (Figure 1); and (3) Basal Wedge protocol where a 360° sweep is made at nine sampling points across the core plot (Figure 1.) using a TERN basal wedge (Figure 2). 

        -

        The Enhanced DBH protocol, although time-consuming, particularly in dense stands, is best practice and recommended for projects where accurate and repeatable measures of basal area are critical (e.g. forestry and forest ecology projects). The Standard DBH protocol offers a pragmatic approach to obtain accurate and repeatable measures of basal area based on DBH measures within a sub-sample of the plot. The Standard DBH protocol is recommended for time-limited projects where DBH measures are required and can be undertaken concurrently as part of other modules (e.g. Recruitment Module and Condition Module). 

        -

        The Basal Wedge protocol provides a simple and rapid method to estimate basal area across the plot. This approach extends the area sampled beyond the actual plot to provide a reliable estimate of basal area in a m2/ha basis for each species and total basal area of the vegetation association being sampled. The basal wedge protocol is recommended for projects that require rapid but reliable measures of basal area. The protocol is suitable for studies and analysis across broad scales and the TERN Basal Wedge comprises six BAFs, ranging from 0.1 to 2 (Figure 2), that are suitable for use across Australia.

        - - - - - - -
        - Figure 1. A 100 x 100 m core plot layout showing the 40 x 40 m central sub-plot and nine basal wedge sampling locations. -
        -

        Figure 1. A 100 x 100 m core plot layout showing the 40 x 40 m central sub-plot and nine basal wedge sampling locations.

        -

        -

        - - - - - - -
        - TERN Basal Wedge showing the six wedge apertures or basal area factors -
        -

        Figure 2. TERN Basal Wedge showing the six wedge apertures or basal area factors.

        +

        Introduction and background

        +

        Basal area is the average amount of area occupied by tree stems +within a defined locale. It is quantified by measuring the +cross-sectional area of all trees, over the bark, at breast height (1.3 +m above ground level) and values are expressed per hectare +(m2/ha). Basal area provides information on stand density, is +useful for monitoring tree growth, and can be used to calculating tree +biomass and carbon sequestration using allometric equations (Eamus +et al. 2000). The Basal Area Module is only required in plots +where there is a dominant growth form of trees, shrubs and/or mallee +greater than 2 m in height, but can also be undertaken as part of +condition assessments.

        +

        Basal area can be measured using ‘plot sampling’ (i.e. the +measurement of the basal area of all trees in a set area) or ‘point +sampling’ (i.e. the estimation of basal area from a count of ‘in’ trees +throughout a 360° sweep at a sampling point). For plot sampling, the +basal area of a tree is calculated from its diameter at breast height +(DBH), being the diameter of the trunk in metres as measured 1.3 m above +the ground. DBH is converted to basal area based on the formula for the +area of a circle:

        +

        Basal area = π  × (DBH ÷ 2)2 +(1)

        +

        Basal area per hectare is calculated by adding the basal areas (as +calculated above) of all the trees in a defined locale and dividing by +the area of land in which the trees were measured. Basal area is +generally measured for a plot and then scaled to m2/ha to +compare forest/woodland productivity and growth rate among multiple +sites.

        +

        Basal area can be rapidly estimated at a sampling point using a +hand-held angle gauge. A mathematical correlation exists between the +distance from the observer’s eye and the aperture of the device. This is +referred to as the basal area factor (BAF). Basal area can be estimated +in m2/ha by multiplying the count of ‘in’ trees across a 360° +sweep with the selected BAF. When using an angle gauge, a tree is ‘in’ +if its trunk or stem at breast height is wider than the aperture of the +selected BAF. Trees where the trunk or stem is the exact width of the +aperture, are ‘borderline’ trees, for which a half count is tallied.

        +

        The Basal Area Module includes three protocols: (1) Enhanced DBH +protocol that measures the DBH of all trees with a DBH ≥10 cm (or DBH ≥5 +cm for mulga and mallee systems) within the core plot (100 x 100 m; +Figure 1); (2) Standard DBH protocol that measures the DBH of all trees +with a DBH ≥10 cm (or DBH ≥5 cm for mulga and mallee systems) in a 40 x +40 m sub-plot situated in the centre of the core plot (Figure 1); and +(3) Basal wedge protocol where a 360° sweep is made at nine sampling +points across the core plot (Figure 1) using a TERN basal wedge (Figure +2).

        +

        The Enhanced DBH protocol, although time-consuming, particularly in +dense stands, is best practice and recommended for projects where +accurate and repeatable measures of basal area are critical (e.g. +forestry and forest ecology projects). The Standard DBH protocol offers +a pragmatic approach to obtain accurate and repeatable measures of basal +area based on DBH measures within a sub-sample of the plot. The Standard +DBH protocol is recommended for time-limited projects where DBH measures +are required and can be undertaken concurrently as part of other modules +(e.g. Recruitment Module and Condition Module).

        +

        The Basal wedge protocol provides a simple and rapid method to +estimate basal area across the plot. This approach extends the area +sampled beyond the plot to provide a reliable estimate of basal area on +a m2/ha basis for each species and the total basal area of the sampled +vegetation association. The Basal wedge protocol is recommended for +projects that require rapid but reliable measures of basal area. The +TERN basal wedge comprises six Basal Area Factors (BAFs), ranging from +0.1 to 2 (Figure 2) that are suitable for use across Australia.

        +
        +Figure-1 +

        Figure 1. +A 100 x 100 m core plot layout showing the 40 x 40 m central sub-plot +and nine basal wedge sampling locations.

        +
        +

        Figure-2

        +

        Figure 2. TERN Basal +Wedge showing the six wedge apertures or basal area factors.

        """^^rdf:HTML ; tern:undertakenBefore , diff --git a/vocab_files/methods_by_module/basal-area/dbh-protocol/dbh-protocol.ttl b/vocab_files/methods_by_module/basal-area/dbh-protocol/dbh-protocol.ttl index 980e48aee..130670b2f 100644 --- a/vocab_files/methods_by_module/basal-area/dbh-protocol/dbh-protocol.ttl +++ b/vocab_files/methods_by_module/basal-area/dbh-protocol/dbh-protocol.ttl @@ -11,59 +11,52 @@ PREFIX xsd: skos:Concept , tern:Method ; dcterms:description """ -

        - DBH measures for all trees (trees, tall shrubs and/or mallee greater than 2 m in height with a DBH ≥10 cm) within the plot. - This module serves as a sub-protocol of the Basal Area module. - Prior to implementing this protocol, it is essential to thoroughly review the Introduction, Key Definitions and Terminology, - Rationale, and Module Overview provided in the "Basal Area" module. - These sections will provide you with important contextual information and a comprehensive understanding of the protocol. -

        Contents

          -
        1. DBH protocol overview
          2. +
        2. DBH Protocol Overview
        3. Equipment
        4. - Instructions and procedures + Instructions and Procedures
          5. -
        5. Additional guidelines
          6. +
        6. Additional Guidelines
        -

        DBH protocol overview

        -

        Field collection

        +

        DBH Protocol

        +

        Field Collection

        Pre-requisites

        Pre-requisites for completing this protocol:

        • The plot must be established using the Plot Layout and Selection Module prior to conducting the DBH protocol.

          • -

        • The Plot Description Module must be completed prior to or during -the reconnaissance survey using the active search protocol.

          • +

        • Undertake the Floristics Module to ensure consistency with flora +species identifications/assigned field names.

        Time requirements

        -

        Survey activity time will vary depending on the options chosen and -the density of vegetation to traverse. A tree survey highly depends on -the number of trees to measure. As a general guide:

        +

        Survey activity time will vary depending on the options chosen, the +density of vegetation to traverse, the number of trees to measure and +the number and experience of personnel. As a general guide:

          -

        • Allow 1 - 2 hours for survey planning

          • -

        • Allow 20 - 40 minutes for plot set-up and laying tape measures +

        • Allow 1–2 hours for survey planning.

          • +

        • Allow 20–40 minutes for plot set-up and laying tape measures (assuming the plot has been previously set-up using the Plot Selection and Layout Module).

          • -

        • Allow 1 – 4 hours to complete the Enhanced protocol

          • -

        • Allow 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete the Standard protocol for -each subplot.

          • +

        • Allow 1–4 hours to complete the Enhanced protocol.

          • +

        • Allow 0.5–2 hours to complete the Standard protocol.

        Personnel requirements

        Number of personnel and skills:

        • Basal area DBH measurements are best conducted with two -personnel, one taking measurements and one recording the data directly -into the Monitor app.

          • -

        • The surveyor making observations should be familiar with and -experienced in identifying traits specific to tree species and how to -distinguish different species from one another.

          • +personnel, one taking measurements and one recording data directly into +the Monitor app.

          +

        • The surveyor making observations should be familiar with, and +experienced in, species identification and differentiating between +species.

        • Basal area DBH measurements do not involve interference with -wildlife. Therefore, scientific permits and wildlife ethics approvals -are unlikely to be required but remember to always check with the local -authority. Access permissions are required.

          • -
        """^^rdf:HTML ; +vegetation or wildlife. Therefore, scientific permits and wildlife +ethics approvals are unlikely to be required but always check with the +local authority. Access permissions are required.

        +
      +"""^^rdf:HTML ; rdfs:isDefinedBy ; skos:note """

      Additional guidelines

      @@ -71,13 +64,13 @@ authority. Access permissions are required.

      • It may be beneficial to undertake this module while the transects for the point-intercept measures in the Cover Module (5 N/S and 5 E/W; -see Figure 1.) are laid out. The transects can help to partition the -plot into more manageable units that can be surveyed systematically. +see Figure 1) are laid out. The transects can help to partition the plot +into more manageable units that can be surveyed systematically. Alternatively, use coloured survey pins to divide the plot. This will be particularly helpful in dense plots.

      • When recording a new tree using the add tree button, ensure that the app operator is standing as near to the tree as possible -as the tree as the location is recorded with this action.

        • +as the tree location is recorded with this action.

      • Chalk that is light coloured such as pink and purple show up best when marking trees.

      • Clearly mark the measuring pole at 1.3 m to easily locate the @@ -89,7 +82,7 @@ easily locate the POM.

      • Loose litter and debris at the base of the tree should be brushed aside before determining the POM.

      • The rule set to determine if a tree is in or out of the plot is -illustrated in Figure 4. A tree is in the plot if more than 50% of the +illustrated in Figure 4. A tree is in the plot if more than 50% of the base of the trunk is within the plot.

      • A rigid tape measure is accurate for measuring the circumference of smaller trees (~50 cm DBH) and where there is loose bark.

        • @@ -101,23 +94,23 @@ such.

        Solutions to problem trees

        The solutions to measuring DBH for problem trees are illustrated in -Figure 3.

        + Figure 3.

          -

        • Trees on a slope (Figure 3.a), 1.3 m should be measured on the +

        • Trees on a slope (Figure 3a), 1.3 m should be measured on the uphill side of the tree.

          • -

        • Leaning trees (Figure 3.c) should be measured on the inside of -the lean, starting at the ground next to the base of the tree.

          • -

        • Multi-stemmed trees (Figure 3.d and e) are treated as single -trees with multiple stems (Stem A, B, C, etc.). A single DBH is recorded -if the tree branches above 1.3 m (d), otherwise, each individual stem is +

        • Leaning trees (Figure 3b) should be measured on the inside of the +lean, starting at the ground next to the base of the tree.

          • +

        • Multi-stemmed trees (Figure 3d and Figure 3e) are treated as single trees +with multiple stems (Stem 1, 2, 3, etc.). A single DBH is recorded if +the tree branches above 1.3 m (d), otherwise, each individual stem is measured (e).

          • -

        • Mallee or Mulga (Figure 3.f) that branch very close to the ground +

        • Mallee or mulga (Figure 3f) that branch very close to the ground should be measured at 30 cm or if branching lower than this, 10 cm and POM recorded accordingly.

          • -

        • Deformed trees (Figure 3.g and h) should be measured either above +

        • Deformed trees (Figure 3g and Figure 3h) should be measured either above or below 1.3 m and the POM recorded.

          • -

        • Buttressed trees (Figure 3.i) are a significant source of error -in repeat tree measurements and require careful attention in the field. +

        • Buttressed trees (Figure 3i) are a significant source of error in +repeat tree measurements and require careful attention in the field. Buttressed trees are measured at 1.3 m, at the highest point you can reach (e.g. approximately 2.2 m) and 50 cm above the top of the buttress. Every effort must be made for both the 1.3 m and the highest @@ -126,90 +119,55 @@ point you can reach during initial surveys.

          • all other attributes are measured as normal.

        • The soft texture of tree fern trunks is not conducive to DBH measurements and therefore, tree ferns -are not measured for diameter.
          • -
        -

        - - - - - -
        - TERN Basal Wedge showing the six wedge apertures or basal area factors -
        -

        -

        Figure 3. Solutions to measuring DBH for problem trees. Adapted from: Wood et al. (2015): a) -trees on a slope, b) straightforward tree, c) leaning tree, d) and e) -multi-stemmed trees, f) mallee/mulga, g) and h) deformed trees and i) -buttressed trees.

        -

        - - - - - - -
        - TERN Basal Wedge showing the six wedge apertures or basal area factors -

        -

        Figure 4. Rule set to +are not measured for diameter.

        +

      Fig-3

      +

      Figure 3. Solutions to measuring DBH for problem trees. Adapted from: +Wood et al. (2015): a) trees on a slope, b) straightforward tree, c) +leaning tree, d) and e) multi-stemmed trees, f) mallee/mulga, g) and h) +deformed trees and i) buttressed trees.

      +

      Fig-4

      +

      Figure 4. Rule set to determine if a tree is in or out of the plot (adapted from Wood et -al. (2015).

      -

      Post-field survey tasks

      -

      Sample curation

      -

      The Basal wedge protocol does not collect samples. There are no -curation requirements.

      """^^rdf:HTML ; - skos:prefLabel "DBH protocol" ; +al. (2015).

      """^^rdf:HTML ; + skos:prefLabel "DBH Protocol" ; schema:url "https://github.com/ternaustralia/dawe-rlp-vocabs/tree/main/vocab_files/methods_by_module/basal-area/dbh-protocol/dbh-protocol.ttl"^^xsd:anyURI ; tern:equipment """ -

      Equipment

      +

      Equipment

      General:

        -

      • mobile device (tablet/phone) with the Monitor app +

      • Mobile device (tablet/phone) with the Monitor app pre-loaded

        • -

      • GNSS, such as a Trimble® R1 or a DA2 receiver a hand-held GPS, or -device built-in GPS (least preferred), capable of achieving <30 cm -accuracy

        • -

      • diameter tape, measuring tape or tree calipers

        • -

      • measuring pole with 1.3 m clearly marked or 5 - 10 m tape +

      • GNSS receiver capable of achieving <30 cm accuracy (e.g. +Trimble® R1 or DA2), hand-held GPS, or device built-in GPS (least +preferred)

        • +

      • Diameter tape, measuring tape or tree calipers

        • +

      • Measuring pole with 1.3 m clearly marked or 5−10 m tape measure

        • -

      • chalk

        • -

      • step ladder (for measuring buttressed trees)

        • +

      • Chalk

        • +

      • Step ladder (for measuring buttressed trees).

      -

      Additional equipment required for the Enhanced protocol:

      +

      Additional equipment required:

        -

      • 4 x 100 m tape measures or pegs/flagging tape to mark the plot -boundary (when completing the Standard protocol)

        • +

      • 4 x 100 m tape measures or pegs/flagging tape to mark the +sub-plot boundary (when completing the Standard protocol)

      • 10 x 100 m tape measures (or ca. 40 coloured survey pins) to divide the plot into smaller units for ease of sampling (when completing -the Enhanced protocol)

        • +the Enhanced protocol).

      """^^rdf:HTML ; tern:instructions """ -

      Instructions and procedures

      -

      Plot layout

      +

      Instructions and Procedures

      1. Ensure the Plot Selection and Layout Module has been completed to -mark out the plot grid and define the current plot and visit in the +mark out the plot boundary and define the current plot and visit in the Monitor App.

      2. Survey area is determined by the protocol being undertaken:

      • If completing the Standard DBH protocol use the transects laid -out for the Cover or Condition Modules to delineate the 40 x 40 m -sub-plot, between the N/S2 and N/S4, and E/W2 and E/W4 point-intercept -transects, see Figure 1. This 40 x 40 m subplot will be the survey -area.

        • +out for the Cover Module to delineate the 40 x 40 m sub-plot, between +the N/S2 and N/S4, and E/W2 and E/W4 point-intercept transects (see +Figure 1). This 40 x 40 m sub-plot will be the survey area.

      • If completing the Enhanced DBH protocol and the plot contains @@ -218,52 +176,37 @@ the Cover Module to partition the plot into smaller units. Alternatively, use coloured survey pins. The 100 x 100 m plot will be the survey area.

      - - - - - - -
      - Figure 1. A 100 x 100 m core plot layout showing the 40 x 40 m central sub-plot and nine basal wedge sampling locations. -
      -

      Figure 1. A 100 x 100 m core plot layout showing the 40 x 40 m central sub-plot and nine basal wedge sampling locations.

        -

      1. Open the app and navigate to the Basal Area Module and select the -relevant plot size for the project.

        2. -

      2. Steps 5-13 are the same whether completing the Enhanced or -Standard DBH protocol.

        3. -

      3. Select the instrument you are using to measure DBH, either a -diameter tape, regular measuring tape or tree caliper.

        4. -

      4. Confirm the start date and time and select -next.

        5. +

      5. Open the Monitor app and navigate to the Basal Area Module and +then the DBH protocol.

        6. +

      6. Select the relevant plot size for the project. Steps +5–13 are the same whether completing the Enhanced or Standard DBH +protocol.

        7. +

      7. Select the DBH instrument you are using to +measure DBH, either a diameter tape, tape measure or tree +caliper.

      8. Move through the plot section by section, systematically -searching for trees, tall shrubs and mallee greater than 2 m in height +searching for trees, tall shrubs and mallee greater than 2 m in height and with a DBH ≥10 cm (or 5 cm for mallee and mulga dominated sites).

      9. For each tree encountered, select add tree and record:

        -

      • The species name or assigned field name if the species name is -unknown (see Floristics Module). If the tree is dead, record the species -name as ‘dead tree’.

        • -

      • If the tree is multi-stemmed

        • +

      • The floristics voucher (i.e. the field name recorded for +the species in the Floristics Module). If the tree is dead, leave the +floristics voucher field blank and flag the tree as +‘dead’.

        • +

      • If the tree is multi-stemmed, check the box:

        -

      • The app will display stem labels (Stem 1, Stem 2, Stem 3 +

      • The app will display stem labels (Stem 1, Stem 2, Stem 3, etc.).

        • -

      • Add additional stems by selecting the + button and -complete step 9 for each individual stem before proceeding to step -10.

        • +

      • Add additional stems by selecting the add button and complete +step 8 for each individual stem.

        -

      • If the tree is buttressed

        +

      • If the tree is buttressed, check the box:

        • The app will require the input of the diameter and POM of the tree at its reach point (the highest point you can reach - approximately @@ -272,9 +215,9 @@ If you cannot measure 50 cm above the buttress record ‘not collected’ in the diameter field.

      -
        -

      1. For each tree, then locate the 1.3 m point of measurement (POM) -(see note below) and:

        2. +
          +

        1. For each tree/stem, then locate the 1.3 m point of measurement +(POM) (see note below) and:

        • Clear any moss, loose bark or other material that may distort the @@ -283,10 +226,10 @@ measurement and measure the diameter of the tree at the POM.

        • If using a diameter tape, measure the diameter of the tree (in centimetres) by pulling the diameter tape around the trunk or stem at the POM perpendicular to the main axis of the trunk or stem.

          • -

        • If using a 5-10 m measuring tape, record the circumference of the +

        • If using a 5–10 m measuring tape, record the circumference of the trunk or stem (in centimetres) at the POM. The app will automatically -calculate and display the diameter measurement in the field -below.

          • +calculate and display the diameter measurement in the DBH +field.

        • If using a tree caliper, close the caliper around the trunk or stem at the POM so that it is perpendicular to the main axis of the trunk or stem, rather than parallel to the ground (this provides an @@ -298,22 +241,22 @@ second diameter measurement at a 90° angle to the first diameter measurement to account for the ellipse. The app will automatically calculate the square root of the product of the two diameters to determine the measure of trunk or stem diameter and display the diameter -measurement in the calculated DBH field below.

          • +measurement in the calculated DBH field.

    • Note: use the 1.3 m POM, or suitable POM for problem trees (see -Figure 3.)

      • +Figure 3).

    -
      -

    1. Select the save tree button.

      2. +
        +

      1. Date and time will be automatically recorded. Update if required +and save the observation.

      2. Once measured, mark the tree or stem with chalk to avoid remeasuring.

        3. -

      3. Repeat steps 8-11 for every tree within the plot.

        4. -

      4. When all trees within the plot have been measured, select the -finish module button to return to the module selection -screen.

        5. -
      -"""^^rdf:HTML ; +

    2. Repeat steps 7–10 for every tree within the plot or +sub-plot.

      3. +

    3. When all trees have been measured, queue the collection for +submission.

      4. +
    """^^rdf:HTML ; .