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gehalten.
Purpose
To measure and classify the plant life present at
a Land Cover Sample Site to help determine the
MUC classification.
Overview
Students walk the half-diagonals of their
Land Cover Sample Site and take one or more
biometry measurements. These may include
canopy cover and ground cover, identifying
dominant and co-dominant vegetation species,
and measuring tree circumference and height,
and/or graminoid biomass.
Student Outcomes
Students will learn how to use biological
sampling techniques to quantify and describe a
Land Cover Sample Site.
Science Concepts
Physical Science
Objects have observable properties that can
be measured using tools.
Life Science
Earth has many different environments
that support many different kinds of
organisms.
Organisms change the environment in
which they live.
All populations living together and the
physical factors with which they interact
constitute an ecosystem.
Geography
The physical characteristics of place
The characteristics and spatial distribution
of ecosystems
Scientific Inquiry Abilities
Identify biometry measurements needed
for MUC.
Use vegetation field guides to identify
vegetation and species.
Interpret data to propose MUC
classification.
Identify answerable questions.
Design and conduct scientific
investigations.
Use appropriate mathematics to analyze
data.
Develop descriptions and predictions
using evidence.
Recognize and analyze alternative
explanations.
Communicate procedures, descriptions,
and predictions.
Level
All
Time
Variable, depending on type and number of
measurements taken
Frequency
As necessary to determine MUC at most sites,
or, frequently as an enrichment study
Materials and Tools
50 m tape measure
Compass
Species ID keys and/or other local species
guides
MUC Field Guide or MUC System Table
and MUC Glossary of Terms
Permanent tree markers (optional)
Pen or pencil
Calculator (optional)
Appropriate Biometry Data Sheets
Tubular densiometer (See Investigation
Instruments section)
Biometry Protocol –
Introduction
Biometry is the measuring of living things. Why
do scientists need measurements of living things?
What do they tell us about our environment?
The biometry measurements include tree height
and circumference, canopy cover, ground cover,
and graminoid biomass. Graminoids are grass and
grass-like plants. These all measure the size or
amount of trees and plants.
What do trees and plants store? What are they
made of? Can different types of land cover have
different size trees, shrubs or grasses? Can they
have different amounts of trees, shrubs or grasses?
Think about a desert. What is the most common
tree or shrub there? Is that a sign of what kind of
area it is? Compare that to the most common tree
in a forest.
Can the same types of land cover have different
size trees, shrubs or grasses? Can there be different
amounts of trees, shrubs or grasses? Think about
two wetlands. Are the trees, shrubs or grasses the
same type and size in both areas?
Measurements of living things are important to
scientists. They can show the amount of nutrients
and gases living things store. They also show the
amount of carbon and usable water stored in trees
and plants.
Choosing the right MUC class can be hard. How
do you know that you have a “deciduous forest”
and not an “evergreen forest”? How do you know
you are in a “shrubland” and not “woodland”?
How do you know a site is “tall graminoid” and
not “short graminoid”? Biometry measurements
answer these questions.
Biometry measurements help you choose the
right MUC class. What kinds of measurements
will you need to decide between an evergreen and
deciduous forest? What measurements will you
need to decide if something is a shrub or a tree?
What do you need to know to decide between a
tall and short graminoid site?
Biometry measurements make your data more
reliable. When scientists use your Land Cover
Sample Site data, biometry measurements assure
them that the data are of high quality. There
are two tests of good measurement technique.
Biometry measurements will help assess how close
to the bull’s-eye (the right answer) your data are.
This is called accuracy. Your data are precise when
you repeat measurements and get the same results
throughout a site. The goal of GLOBE students
should be to have their measurements look like
the bull’s eye in the center (see below), highly
accurate and precise! Biometry measurements can
help you do that.
Teacher Support
The Measurement
The Biometry Protocol is divided into four different
measurements: canopy and ground cover, tree,
shrub and/or graminoid height, tree circumference
and graminoid biomass. You may choose to take
biometry measurements only once in a site during
peak growth, or you can return to the same site year
after year and repeat the biometry measurements
to track changes in the site biomass over time. You
may also take biometry measurements twice a year
in a single site year after year, once during peak
foliage or growth and once during a time of low
growth (i.e. winter or drought). You should always
use the following two guidelines to determine what
measurements you should take:
First, take ANY measurements necessary to
determine the correct MUC class. Whenever a
decision must be made between MUC classes,
take the appropriate biometry measurement (i.e.
canopy and ground cover or height) to make that
decision. If the decision can be made without
biometry measurements, it is not necessary to
take any, but you may choose to do so to ensure
accuracy.
Second, scientists will be using an aerial view
when using the MUC and biometry data and
you should too. Therefore, measurements of the
dominant (covering the greatest area) land cover
of the highest canopy are the most important.
Canopy cover refers to layers of vegetation.
There can be several layers of each type (tree
and/or shrub). Multiple layers are present when
canopy heights are at different levels. When these
layers are not present, the ground cover forms the
dominant vegetation type. See Figure LAND-BI-
1. As a satellite passes over a site, it records the
amount and wavelength of light reflected by ALL
the vegetation that it can “see.” In closed forest
sites, where the trees cover the shrubs and ground,
the trees will reflect the highest percentage of
light. See Figure LAND-BI-2. In woodland sites,
where there is space between trees, there will be
a greater contribution of reflectance values from
the shrubs and ground below the tree canopy, but
again, the trees will reflect the greatest percentage
of light. See Figure LAND-BI-3. In shrubland sites,
where shrubs dominate, the reflectance values will
mostly represent the shrubs and not the scattered
trees or ground cover that may also be present at
the site. See Figure LAND-BI-4. Keeping this in
mind should help you determine what biometry
measurements to take. For instance, in a closed
forest site with tall trees covering the entire site,
shrubs scattered throughout the site below the
trees and some tall grasses on the forest floor,
the biometry measurements that would be most
important would be tree canopy, ground cover,
and tree height. You may choose to measure
shrub height or graminoid biomass but since
the tree canopy would dominate the reflectance
values, the shrub and graminoid data would be
less important. Another example would be in
herbaceous vegetation sites. See Figure LAND-
BI-5. If a site was primarily graminoid with two
trees and several shrubs, the most useful biometry
measurement would be graminoid biomass. You
can also measure the height of the shrubs and
trees, but since they are not the dominant land
cover, the graminoids would reflect the highest
percentage of light in that area. However, it would
still be useful to note that the site contained the
trees and shrubs. Any type of information of this
sort is important metadata since sites that are
purely herbaceous vegetation may reflect light
slightly differently than sites that have a few trees
or shrubs. (Note: If you use any canopy and
ground cover measurements to determine the
MUC class, report that measurement also.)
Student Preparation
Students should be able to define and identify a
homogeneous land cover site.
Students should understand and know how to
classify a site using the MUC System.
Students should make and know how to use the
densiometer and clinometer.
Students should know how to use a compass.
Students should practice pacing techniques. They
should know their pace and how many paces are
in 21.2 meters.
Helpful Hints
• Practice these measurements in a location
close to school to get some experience before
using them in a Land Cover Sample Site.
• You or your students may want to investigate
a potential site with a brief visit to make sure
that it is large enough and homogeneous
throughout before a longer data collection
visit.
• When distinguishing between trees and
shrubs, use the definition of a tree given
in the MUC Field Guide and MUC Glossary
of Terms: a tree is at least 5 meters tall. You
may want to practice estimating this height
with the clinometer near your school before
entering the field.
• If the shrub canopy is below the observer,
treat it as ground cover. Dwarf-shrubs are
always considered ground cover.
• There are two Canopy and Ground Cover
Data Sheets, one to use when the dominant
canopy cover is trees and one to use when
the dominant canopy cover is shrubs. Your
students need to decide which one to use.
In a forest or woodland, canopy cover refers
to the tree canopy. In a shrubland, canopy
refers to the shrub canopy. Always keep in
mind that these measurements are helpful to
scientists studying land cover from satellite
imagery. Therefore, the highest canopy is
what you should try to measure.
• If you have difficulty determining if a site is
a forest, woodland or shrubland, you may
need to walk the half-diagonals twice. Keep
in mind the “view from above” and look to
the highest canopy with your densiometer
for the correct measurement. The first time,
use the Tree Canopy and Ground Cover Data
Sheet recording a (+) where a tree is seen at
the densiometer crosshairs. Determine the
percentage of trees in the canopy (# of +’s /
total number of observations from the Tree
Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet). If
the trees are 40% or more of the canopy,
this is a forest or woodland and you should
use the Tree Canopy and Ground Cover Data
Sheet for the ground cover data collection
on the half-diagonals and report all of these
measurements. If trees are less than 40% of
the canopy, walk the half-diagonals again
using the Shrub Canopy and Ground Cover
Data Sheet. Record a (+) where a shrub
is seen at the densiometer crosshairs.
Determine the percentage of shrubs in
the canopy (# of +’s / total number of
observations from the Shrub Canopy and
Ground Cover Data Sheet). If the shrubs
are greater than 40% of the canopy, this
is a shrubland and you should use the
Shrub Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet
for the ground cover data collection on
the half-diagonals and report all of these
measurements.
If both trees and shrubs are less than 40%,
choose the Data Sheet corresponding with
the highest percentage of canopy cover
to take the ground cover measurements.
Example: In a site with 15% tree canopy
and 35% shrub canopy, use the Shrub
Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet to
take your ground cover measurements and
report the tree and shrub canopy cover as
metadata. Since the tree and shrub canopy
make up less than 40% of the canopy, the
MUC class will not be a Closed Forest,
Woodland or Shrubland. In this case,
use the ground cover measurements to
determine the correct MUC class.
It is more efficient to have your students
work in pairs or trios for this protocol.
For more accurate readings, other pairs of
students should repeat the measurements.
If different teams of students repeat
observations, report the average of these
values if they generally agree.
Before going into the field, teach your
students how to use your local vegetation
field guides.
It is recommended that you consult local
experts (Forest Service, County Extension
Agent, etc.) to assist with species
identification.
If your site experiences seasonal variation
and you choose to track changes in
biomass over time, take biometry
measurements once during peak growing
•
•
•
•
•
•
season and once during the least active
season.
If it takes smaller students more than forty
paces to complete a diagonal, they may
take measurements at every other pace.
For younger students, if the angle on the
clinometer is 45 degrees, the distance
from the tree will equal the height of the
tree above the student’s eye level. See the
Alternative Technique to Measure Tree Height
on Level Ground: Simplified Clinometer
Technique Field Guide.
If you are going to revisit a forest or
woodland site, mark and number/label
the trees you use. Always measure the
same trees, and report their heights and
circumferences in the same order.
Examples of forbs include clover,
sunflowers, ferns, and milkweeds.
Do not use a conventional oven to dry the
graminoid vegetation. This is dangerous
because the oven may have to be left on
continuously for several days!
In warm, dry climates, graminoid biomass
samples can be dried in mesh bags
outside.
Make sure to use several small brown
drying bags for proper drying of
graminoid samples.
If you are performing the Canopy Cover
and Ground Cover measurements with
a class, break the class into groups and
have each group pace a different half-
diagonal. Each group will need its own
copy of the Field Guide, a Data Sheet, and
a densiometer. Ideally, one person should
serve as a ‘pacer’ and one should be the
‘recorder.’ The ‘pacer’ walks the distance
and makes the measurements. The
‘recorder’ records the readings onto the
Data Sheet and makes sure the ‘pacer’ is
walking straight in the assigned direction.
The ‘pacer’ should know how many of
his/her paces are in the 21.2 m length
of the half-diagonal. Have each student
write this number on his/her copy of the
Field Guide. This is the total number of
measurements/paces to take in walking a
half-diagonal from the center to the corner
of the central 30 m x 30 m area.
Questions for Further Investigation
What are the dominant and co-dominant species
in your Land Cover Sample Site? Do these species
always occur in sites that have the same MUC
class?
Are the dominant and co-dominant species
common in your area? Are these species native to
your area? Are the trees mature or juvenile?
Is there a relationship between the amount of
ground cover and canopy cover?
Are the percentages of the canopy and ground
cover consistent with your MUC class?
Which is greater, the amount of brown or green
ground cover? Do you think that these amounts
will change during the year?
If your MUC 4 site has trees as the co-dominant
species: Is the herbaceous vegetation around the
trees the same as that in open areas?
Canopy Cover and Ground Cover
Field Guide
Task
Take ground and canopy cover measurements while pacing half-diagonals to determine the MUC class
of your Land Cover Sample Sites.
What You Need
❏
Tubular densiometer
❏
Tree Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet
guides
❏
Shrub Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet
❏
Clipboard
In the Field
❏
❏
❏
Compass
Species ID keys and/or other local species
Pen or pencil
N
Center
of Site
Land Cover Sample Site with
the four 21.2 m half-diagonals
(in the NE, SE, SW and NW
directions) for sampling.
30 m
21
.2
m
30 m
• Locate the center of your homogeneous Land Cover Sample Site. This is your starting point.
Take the measurements described in Steps 2 and 3 from the center of the Sample Site by
walking the distance of a half-diagonal (21.2 m) in each of the following four directions: NE,
SE, SW and NW (using a compass for bearing). Stop after each pace (2 steps) to complete
Steps 2 and 3.
• There are two possible data sheets to use for measuring Canopy and Ground Cover, the Tree
Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet or the Shrub Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet. The
following step will help you decide which one to use. However, if you are still confused about
which sheet to use, you may want to choose a different site where the decision is clearer.
Canopy Cover and Ground Cover: Field Guide - Page 2
Steps:
1. Decide which Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet is appropriate, using the following procedure.
a. If the site is clearly dominated (greater than 40%) by trees (greater than 5 m tall), use the
Tree Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet. Go to Step 2.
b. If the site is clearly dominated by shrubs (between 50 cm and 5 m) and there is less than
40% tree canopy, use the Shrub Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet. Go to Step 2.
c. If you cannot decide the dominant canopy cover:
• Walk each half-diagonal (21.2 m) from the center of your site using your densiometer
and the Tree Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet. Follow Step 2, marking a (+) if
you see a tree at the crosshairs of your desiometer and a (-) if there is not. Record the
other canopy information for any trees you record a (+) for.
• Calculate the percent tree canopy cover (# of +’s/total number of observations from the
Tree Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet). If the percent tree cover is over 40%, use the
Tree Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet and walk the half-diagonals again following
Step 3 to collect the ground cover data.
• If the trees are less than 40%, walk the half-diagonals again using the Shrub Canopy and
Ground Cover Data Sheet. Follow Step 2, marking a (+) if you see a shrub at the
crosshairs even if there is a tree above it and a (-) if there is not a shrub at the crosshairs.
Record the other canopy information for any shrubs you record a (+) for.
• Calculate the percent shrub canopy cover (# of +’s / total number of observations from
the Shrub Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet). If the shrubs are dominant (40% or
more), use the Shrub Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet to record the ground cover
data by walking the half-diagonals again following Step 3.
• If both trees and shrubs are less than 40%, choose the Data Sheet corresponding with
the highest percentage of canopy cover and walk the half-diagonals again following Step
3. Report the percentage of tree and shrub canopy as metadata since they help scientists
understand the site. Note: Since neither the tree nor shrub canopy are dominant, the
MUC class of this site should not start with 0 (Closed Forest), 1 (Woodland), or 2
(Shrubland).
2. Look up through your densiometer at the canopy. Make sure the densiometer is vertical and the
metal nut/washer is directly below the intersection of the crosshairs at the top of the tube. Look
to the highest canopy. If you are using the Tree Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet, only record
data for TREES and ignore shrubs. If you are using the Shrub Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet,
only record data for SHRUBS and ignore trees.
a. If you see vegetation, twigs or branches at the crosshairs:
• Record a (+) on the Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet. Remember, if you are using the
Tree Canopy and Ground Cover Sheet, only record a (+) if the vegetation you see is from a tree.
If it is from a shrub, record a (-) instead and skip the next steps. The opposite will be true if
you are using the Shrub Canopy and Ground Cover Sheet.
• Identify the species name. If you do not know the genus and species but know the
common name, record the common name. If you do not know the common name,
collect a leaf or describe or sketch it for identification later in the classroom.
• Record the canopy type as Evergreen (E) or Deciduous (D).
b. If you do not see vegetation, twigs, or branches at the crosshairs:
• Record a (-) on the Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet.
3. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, look down and observe any vegetation that
is touching your foot or leg below the knee. Do not pick up your foot; only use vegetation
touching you without moving. Also, do not measure ground cover by looking down through the
densiometer!
a. If the vegetation is green (alive), record a (G) on the Canopy and Ground
Cover Data Sheet.
b. If the vegetation is green, record if it is graminoid (GD), forb (FB), other
green vegetation (OG), Shrub (SB) or Dwarf Shrub (DS).
c. If the vegetation is brown but still attached, record a (B).
d. If there is no vegetation, record a (-) on the Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet.
4. After you have completed your pacing and measurements, fill out the summary tables on the
bottom of the Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet using the formulas below for reference
in calculating percentages. Note: If other groups walked other half-diagonals, compare your
“% Canopy Cover” and “% Ground Cover” with the other group’s diagonal data. Average the
percentages from all the groups and use these averaged values to determine the dominant land
cover and for reporting to GLOBE.
5. If you have enough information to determine the MUC class of your site at this point, you
are done. If tree, shrub or graminoid height cannot be estimated, follow the Field Guide for
Graminoid, Tree and Shrub Height.
Determining the Percentage of Tree or Shrub Canopy Cover (Column 1):
Calculate the percent of tree or shrub canopy using the data collected. Use the following equation as
a model.
# of +’s (Tree or Shrub Canopy)
% Tree or Shrub Canopy Cover = _________________________________ X 100
# of Total Observations
Determining the Percentage of Evergreen or Deciduous Canopy Cover (Column 3):
Calculate the percent of tree or shrub canopy that is evergreen or deciduous using the data collected.
Use the following equation as a model.
# of E’s (Evergreen Observations)
% Evergreen = __________________________________________ X 100
# of E’s + # of D’s (Total Canopy Cover Observations)
Determining the Percentage of Ground Cover (Column 4):
Calculate the percent ground cover using the data collected. Use the following equation as a model.
# of G’s (Green) + # of B’s (Brown)
% Ground Cover = __________________________________ X 100
# of Total Observations
Determining the Composition of Herbaceous Coverage (Column 5):
Calculate the percent of the ground that is graminoid, forb or other green vegetation using the data
and the following equation as a model.
# of GD’s (Graminoid Observations)
% Graminoid = ____________________________________________ X 100
# of GD’s + # of FB’s + # of OG’s + # of SB’s + # of DS’s
(Total Herbaceous Ground Observations)
Determining Total Shrubs (Column 6):
# of +’s (Shrubs Present)
% Total Shrubs = ___________________________________ X 100
# of Total Observations
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 11
Land Cover/Biology
Field Guide
Task
Measure the height of graminoid vegetation, shrubs and/or trees to help determine the MUC class of
your Land Cover Sample Site.
What You Need
❏
❏
❏
❏
50 m measuring tape
Flexible measuring tape
Small bean bag
Graminoid, Tree, and Shrub
Height Data Sheet
❏
❏
❏
❏
Pen or pencil
Permanent tree markers (optional)
Clinometer
Species ID keys and/or other local
species guides
❏
Blindfold
In the Field
1. Measuring Graminoid Vegetation Height (Graminoids are grass-like species.)
a. Stand in the center of your Land Cover Sample Site and blindfold your partner. Have him or
her throw a beanbag somewhere in the site.
b. Using the flexible measuring tape, measure the height of the herbaceous vegetation where
the beanbag landed. Measure from the ground to the top of the graminoids.
c. Record the height on the Graminoid, Tree, and Shrub Height Data Sheet.
d. Repeat this process two more times and average the results.
e. Use this average to determine your MUC class.
2. Measuring Shrub Height (Shrubs are 0.5 m to 5.0 m tall.)
a. Stand in the center of your Land Cover Sample Site and blindfold
your partner. Have him or her throw a beanbag somewhere in the
site.
b. Locate the closest shrub to the beanbag. Measure the height of
the shrub from the ground to the tallest branch. Do this with a tape
measure if possible. If the shrub is too tall, measure it with your
clinometer using the directions for Measuring Tree Height in the next section.
c. Record the height on the Graminoid, Tree, and Shrub Height Data Sheet.
d. Repeat this process two more times and average the results.
e. Use this average to determine your MUC class.
3. Measuring Tree Height (Hint: Trees are greater than 5.0 m tall.)
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 12
Land Cover/Biology
Graminoid, Tree and Shrub Height: Field Guide – Page 2
a. Determine your dominant (most common) and co-dominant (second-most common) tree
species by counting the number of times each tree species was recorded on the Canopy and
Ground Cover Data Sheet. Record the names of the species on your Graminoid, Tree and
Shrub Height Data Sheet.
b. Choose:
• the tallest tree of the dominant species
• the shortest tree of the dominant species that still reaches the canopy
• three trees that have heights in between the tallest and shortest of the dominant species
c. Permanently mark and number/label the trees if your teacher has instructed you to do so or
if you will be returning to this site to take measurements over time.
d. Measure the height of the tree using the clinometer. If you are on ground with a slope, or
using the simplified clinometer technique, then use the appropriate Alternative Technique to
Measure Tree Height Field Guide to substitute for the steps below. Otherwise,
• Move away from the base of the tree until you can see the top of the tree through the
drinking straw of the clinometer.
• For the best results, adjust your distance from the base of the tree so that the clinometer
reads as close to 30˚ as possible and you are at least as far from the tree as it is tall.
• Be sure to be on level ground so that your feet are at the same elevation as the base of the
tree. Remember, if you are not on the same level with the tree, you need to use an
Alternative Technique to Measure Tree Height Field Guide.
• Have your partner read and record the number of degrees (˚) of the angle.
• Using the Table of Tangents, record the TAN of the angle on the Data Sheet.
• Measure the distance between you and the tree. Have your partner help you using the
50 m tape. Record this in the table on your Data Sheet.
• Measure the height from the ground to your eye level. (You only need to do this step
once!) Record this in the table.
• Calculate the tree height using the following formula:
Height of Tree = TAN (angle of clinometer) x (distance to tree) + eye height
and record on your Data Sheet.
• Measure the height of each tree three times and calculate the average of the three heights.
If they are within one meter, record the average on your Data Sheet. If not, repeat the
measurements until they are within one meter.
e. Repeat the step above for the other four trees.
f. If your co-dominant species is a tree, repeat steps b-e for the co-dominant tree species. If you
do not have five co-dominant species trees on your site, include other tree species to make a
total of five. Note that you are using other species in the Metadata.
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 13
Land Cover/Biology
Tree Circumference
Field Guide
Task
Make circumference measurements for your selected dominant and co-dominant trees. Use the same
trees you measured for tree height (in the same order).
What You Need
❏
Flexible measuring tape
❏
Tree Circumference Data Sheet
❏
Pen or pencil
❏
Species ID keys and/or other local
species guides
In the Field
1. With the flexible tape measure, measure from the ground at the base of
the tree to a height of 1.35 m up on the tree (called Breast Height).
2. Measure the circumference in centimeters at Breast Height.
3. Record this on the Tree Circumference Data Sheet.
4. Repeat this for each of the trees you measured for height.
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 14
Land Cover/Biology
Graminoid Biomass
Field and Lab Guide
Measure Graminoid Biomass in Land Cover Sample Sites. Note: Graminoid refers to grass-like
vegetation only.
What You Need
Small bean bag
Graminoid Biomass Data Sheet
Pen or pencil
guides
Blindfold
In the Field
1. Blindfold your partner and have him or her throw a beanbag somewhere in the site.
a. Mark a one-meter square around the beanbag to take a random
sample.
b. Using the garden clippers, clip all the vegetation close to the ground
within the square. Do not collect any unattached leaves or litter.
c. Sort the clippings into green and brown portions. Any clipping with
even a little green is considered green.
d. Place the green and brown portions into separate brown paper bags.
Label the bags as your teacher directs you.
2. Repeat step 1 two more times.
In the Classroom
3. Calculating Graminoid Biomass:
a. Check the temperature of the drying oven, it should read between 50 and 70 degrees
Celsius.
b. Put the labeled bags in the drying oven.
c. Use a balance to measure the mass (g) of each bag once a day.
d. When the mass is the same two days in a row, the samples are completely dry.
e. Record the mass of each bag and its contents on the Graminoid Biomass Data Sheet.
f. Shake out the contents of one bag and weigh the empty bag. Record this mass. Repeat this
step for each bag.
g. Calculate the mass of the graminoid vegetation (graminoid biomass) using the following
formula:
Graminoid Biomass = Mass of Sample and Bag – Mass of Empty Bag
h. Record the graminoid biomass of each sample on the Graminoid Biomass Data Sheet.
GLOBE® 2005
❏
❏
❏
Grass clippers or strong scissors
Small brown paper bags
Species ID keys and/or other local species
❏
Balance
Biometry Protocol - 15
Land Cover/Biology
Measure Tree Height on Level
Ground: Simplified Clinometer
Technique
Field Guide
Task
Measure heights of shrubs and/or trees to help determine the MUC class of your Land Cover Sample
Sites.
What You Need
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❏
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50 m measuring tape
Flexible measuring tape
Small bean bag
Measure Tree Height on Level Ground:
Simplified Clinometer Technique Data Sheet
In the Field
1. Work in a team of two or three. Move away from the base of the tree until the clinometer reads
45 degrees when you see the top of the tree through the straw.
2. Have your partner stretch the 50 m measuring tape from the base of the tree to your toes. Your
partner should then step on the tape at the ground and then run it up to your eye level.
3. This is the height of the tree. Record this on the Measure Tree Height on Level Ground: Simplified
Clinometer Technique Data Sheet.
Figure LAND-AP-1: Simplified Technique Figure
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Pen or pencil
Permanent tree markers (optional)
Clinometer
Species ID keys and/or other local
species guides
❏
Blindfold
45˚
Tape
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 16
Land Cover/Biology
Measure Tree Height on a Slope:
Stand by Tree Technique
Field Guide
Measure heights of shrubs and/or trees to help determine the MUC class of your Land Cover Sample
Sites.
What You Need
50 m measuring tape
Flexible measuring tape
Small bean bag
Measure Tree Height: Stand by
Tree Technique Data Sheet
❏
❏
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Pen or pencil
Permanent tree markers (optional)
Clinometer
Species ID keys and/or other local
species guides
❏
Blindfold
In the Field
1. Work in a team of three. One person stays by the tree. You and another partner move away
from the base of the tree until you can see the top of the tree through the drinking straw of the
clinometer. Note: For the best results, adjust your distance so that the clinometer is as close to
30 degrees as possible and you are further from the tree than it is tall.
2. Site the top of the tree using the clinometer. Have your partner read and record the clinometer
angle.
3. Using the Table of Tangents, record the TAN of the angle on the Measure Tree Height: Stand by
Tree Technique Data Sheet.
4. Keeping the clinometer at 0 degrees, look through the straw and have your partner by the tree
locate the position on the tree that you see.
5. Measure the height from the base of the tree to the position on the tree that you see when the
clinometer reads 0 degrees.
6. Measure the distance between you and the tree. Have your partner help you using the 50 m
tape. Record this in the Measure Tree Height: Stand by Tree Technique Data Sheet.
7. Calculate the tree height using the following formula:
[TAN (Angle of the Clinometer) x (Distance to Tree)] + (Height to 0 Degrees on Tree)
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 17
Land Cover/Biology
Measure Tree Height on a Slope: Stand by Tree Technique Field Guide - Page 2
Figure LAND-AP-2: Stand by Tree Technique
Clinometer angle
Height at 0˚
8. Record the tree height in the Measure Tree Height: Stand by Tree Technique Data Sheet.
9. Repeat steps 1-8 two more times for each tree and report the average value
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 18
Land Cover/Biology
Measure Tree Height on a Slope:
Two-Triangle with Eyes Lower
than Tree Base Technique
Field Guide
Measure heights of shrubs and/or trees to help determine the MUC class of your Land Cover Sample
Sites.
What You Need
50 m measuring tape
Flexible measuring tape
Small bean bag
Measure Tree Height on a Slope:
Two-Triangle with Eyes Higher than Tree
Base Technique Data Sheet
Table of Cosines
❏
❏
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Pen or pencil
Permanent tree markers (optional)
Clinometer
Species ID keys and/or other local
species guides
❏
Blindfold
In the Field
1. Work in a team of two. You and your partner move away from the base of the tree until you
can see the top of the tree through the drinking straw of the clinometer. Note: For the best
results, adjust your distance so that the clinometer is as close to 30 degrees as possible and you
are further from the tree than it is tall.
2. Site the top of the tree using the clinometer. Have your partner read and record the clinometer
angle. This is the 1st Clinometer Reading.
3. Using the Table of Tangents, record the TAN of the angle on the Measure Tree Height on a Slope:
Two-Triangle with Eyes Higher than Tree Base Technique Data Sheet.
4. Turn the clinometer around and look through the straw through the opposite end. Site the base
of the tree. Have your partner read and record this clinometer angle. This is the 2nd Clinometer
Reading.
5. Using the Table of Tangents, record the TAN of the angle on the Measure Tree Height on a Slope:
Two-Triangle with Eyes Higher than Tree Base Technique Data Sheet.
6. Using the Table of Cosines, record the COS of the 2nd Clinometer Reading on the Measure Tree
Height on a Slope: Two-Triangle with Eyes Higher than Tree Base Technique Data Sheet.
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 19
Land Cover/Biology
Measure Tree Height on a Slope: Two-Triangle with Eyes Higher than Tree Base Technique Field Guide - Page 2
Figure LAND-AP-3: Two-Triangle Technique: Eyes Higher
1
2
7. Measure the horizontal distance from your eyes to the base of the tree. Have your partner help you
using the 50 m tape. Record this in the Measure Tree Height on a Slope: Two-Triangle with Eyes Higher
than Tree Base Technique Data Sheet.
8. Calculate the Baseline using the following formula:
(Distance to the Tree) x COS (2nd Clinometer reading)
9. Calculate the tree height using the following formula:
TAN (1st Angle of the Clinometer) x (Baseline) + TAN (2nd Angle of the Clinometer) x (Baseline)
10. Record the tree height in the Measure Tree Height on a Slope: Two-Triangle with Eyes Higher than Tree
Base Technique Data Sheet.
12. Repeat steps 1-11 two more times for each tree and report the average value.
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 20
Land Cover/Biology
Measure Tree Height on a Slope:
Two-Triangle with Eyes Lower
than Tree Base
Field Guide
Measure heights of shrubs and/or trees to help determine the MUC class of your Land Cover Sample
Sites.
What You Need
50 m measuring tape
Flexible measuring tape
Small bean bag
Measure Tree Height on a Slope:
Two-Triangle with Eyes Lower than
Tree Base Data Sheet
Table of Cosines
❏
❏
❏
❏
Pen or pencil
Permanent tree markers (optional)
Clinometer
Species ID keys and/or other local
species guides
❏
Blindfold
In the Field
1. Work in a team of two. You and your partner move away from the base of the tree until you
can see the top of the tree through the drinking straw of the clinometer. Note: For the best
results, adjust your distance so that the clinometer is as close to 30 degrees as possible and
you are further from the tree than it is tall.
2. Site the top of the tree using the clinometer. Have your partner read and record the clinometer
angle. This is the 1st Clinometer Reading.
3. Using the Table of Tangents, record the TAN of the angle on the Measure Tree Height on a Slope:
Two-Triangle with Eyes Lower than Tree Base Data Sheet.
4. Site the base of the tree using the clinometer. Have your partner read and record this
clinometer angle. This is the 2nd Clinometer Reading.
5. Using the Table of Tangents, record the TAN of the angle on the Measure Tree Height on a Slope:
Two-Triangle with Eyes Lower than Tree Base Data Sheet.
6. Using the Table of Cosines, record the COS of the 2nd Clinometer Reading on the Measure Tree
Height on a Slope: Two-Triangle with Eyes Lower than Tree Base Data Sheet.
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 21
Land Cover/Biology
Measure Tree Height on a Slope: Two-Triangle with Eyes Lower than Tree Base Field Guide - Page 2
1
2
7. Measure the horizontal distance from your eyes to the base of the tree. Have your partner help you
using the 50 m tape. Record this in the Measure Tree Height on a Slope: Two-Triangle with Eyes Lower
than Tree Base Data Sheet.
8. Calculate the Baseline using the following formula:
(Distance to the Tree) x COS (2nd Clinometer Reading)
9. Calculate the tree height using the following formula:
TAN (1st Angle of the Clinometer) x (Baseline) – TAN (2nd Angle of the Clinometer) x (Baseline)
10. Record the tree height in the Measure Tree Height on a Slope: Two-Triangle with Eyes Lower than Tree
Base Data Sheet.
11. Repeat steps 1-11 two more times for each tree and report the average value.
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 22
Land Cover/Biology
Frequently Asked Questions
1.We have a MUC 0; however, no particular
species is dominant. What should we do?
In your metadata, record that you have a mix of
species for the dominant species and what those
species are in the metadata. If you take tree height
and circumference measurements, use the same
criteria for selecting the trees but report the canopy
as “mixed.”
2. What should we do if there is a multi-
storied canopy?
If there is a multi-story canopy, try to identify the
highest level of the canopy without changing your
position. If the vegetation touches the intersection
of the crosshairs, mark a (+).
3. What if the entire circle I see through the
densiometer is full of vegetation, but there is
no vegetation at the crosshairs?
This is a sampling question. The Land Cover/
Biology Team has chosen the intersection of the
crosshairs as the sample. Therefore, this would
be a (–).
4. What if we can’t get to our site during
peak vegetation (full leaf-on) conditions?
If you cannot get to your site during peak growth
(leaf-on), measure your site during the leaf-off
period and try your best to get the peak growth
(leaf-on) data, when you can.
5. What if my students are too young to
understand the math used to determine tree
height?
Use the Simplified Technique for Measuring Tree
Height on Level Ground.
6. What if I want to measure the heights of
trees on a slope?
There are additional guides for these situations that
provide different methods to measure the heights
of trees on slopes. The one you choose depends
on the topography of your site.
7. What if the tree is leaning?
If the tree is leaning, just measure to the top of
the tree as usual. Measure the baseline distance
to a point directly below the highest point of the
canopy, which may not be where the trunk of the
tree meets the ground.
8. What if the canopy cover is
thick and I cannot clearly see the
top of individual trees?
A very thick canopy often occurs in areas where
many of the trees are very close in height. You
may have to move around your area to find a good
sight-line to the tops of your trees.
9. How accurate is measuring tree heights?
Like any other measurement, accuracy and
precision increase with practice and the use of care
in the measurement. Three groups measuring the
same tree should get results within +/- 1 meter of
each other.
10. What do I do if I do not have a single co-
dominant tree or shrub species?
If the co-dominant species is mixed at your site,
measure the heights and circumferences for 5 trees
or shrubs of different species. Note the species you
are using in the Metadata.
11. What do I do if there are not 5 trees or
shrubs of the dominant species at my site?
Should I measure any heights and
circumferences?
If there are less than five, measure all the trees
or shrubs at your site and make a note in the
Metadata.
12. My school does not have a drying oven.
Can we dry the grass another way?
First, check to see if you can use a drying oven at a
community college, university, government agency
or some other business or organization in your
community. In warm, dry climates, graminoid
biomass samples can be dried in mesh bags
outside. Do not use a conventional oven to dry the
graminoid vegetation. This is dangerous!
13. When I am measuring grass biomass,
what do I do with mosses or lichens?
Moss and lichens are considered “Other Green”
and have their own designation on the Canopy and
Ground Cover Data Sheet. Do not include mosses or
lichens in your dried samples. Record in metadata
if these species comprise a large part of your green
ground cover.
Welcome
Introduction
Protocols
Learning Activities
Appendix
ICH WERDE HEIRATEN!!! Mein Freund und ich haben lange genug in wilder
Ehe zusammengelebt. Die Trauringe und das Hochzeitkleid bezahlen meine
Stiefeltern. Die haben dann die gleichen Eheringe wie wir. Geheiratet wird in
einem alten Schloß. Die Gästeliste wird aber aus Kostengründen eher knapp
gehalten.
Purpose
To measure and classify the plant life present at
a Land Cover Sample Site to help determine the
MUC classification.
Overview
Students walk the half-diagonals of their
Land Cover Sample Site and take one or more
biometry measurements. These may include
canopy cover and ground cover, identifying
dominant and co-dominant vegetation species,
and measuring tree circumference and height,
and/or graminoid biomass.
Student Outcomes
Students will learn how to use biological
sampling techniques to quantify and describe a
Land Cover Sample Site.
Science Concepts
Physical Science
Objects have observable properties that can
be measured using tools.
Life Science
Earth has many different environments
that support many different kinds of
organisms.
Organisms change the environment in
which they live.
All populations living together and the
physical factors with which they interact
constitute an ecosystem.
Geography
The physical characteristics of place
The characteristics and spatial distribution
of ecosystems
Scientific Inquiry Abilities
Identify biometry measurements needed
for MUC.
Use vegetation field guides to identify
vegetation and species.
Interpret data to propose MUC
classification.
Identify answerable questions.
Design and conduct scientific
investigations.
Use appropriate mathematics to analyze
data.
Develop descriptions and predictions
using evidence.
Recognize and analyze alternative
explanations.
Communicate procedures, descriptions,
and predictions.
Level
All
Time
Variable, depending on type and number of
measurements taken
Frequency
As necessary to determine MUC at most sites,
or, frequently as an enrichment study
Materials and Tools
50 m tape measure
Compass
Species ID keys and/or other local species
guides
MUC Field Guide or MUC System Table
and MUC Glossary of Terms
Permanent tree markers (optional)
Pen or pencil
Calculator (optional)
Appropriate Biometry Data Sheets
Tubular densiometer (See Investigation
Instruments section)
Biometry Protocol –
Introduction
Biometry is the measuring of living things. Why
do scientists need measurements of living things?
What do they tell us about our environment?
The biometry measurements include tree height
and circumference, canopy cover, ground cover,
and graminoid biomass. Graminoids are grass and
grass-like plants. These all measure the size or
amount of trees and plants.
What do trees and plants store? What are they
made of? Can different types of land cover have
different size trees, shrubs or grasses? Can they
have different amounts of trees, shrubs or grasses?
Think about a desert. What is the most common
tree or shrub there? Is that a sign of what kind of
area it is? Compare that to the most common tree
in a forest.
Can the same types of land cover have different
size trees, shrubs or grasses? Can there be different
amounts of trees, shrubs or grasses? Think about
two wetlands. Are the trees, shrubs or grasses the
same type and size in both areas?
Measurements of living things are important to
scientists. They can show the amount of nutrients
and gases living things store. They also show the
amount of carbon and usable water stored in trees
and plants.
Choosing the right MUC class can be hard. How
do you know that you have a “deciduous forest”
and not an “evergreen forest”? How do you know
you are in a “shrubland” and not “woodland”?
How do you know a site is “tall graminoid” and
not “short graminoid”? Biometry measurements
answer these questions.
Biometry measurements help you choose the
right MUC class. What kinds of measurements
will you need to decide between an evergreen and
deciduous forest? What measurements will you
need to decide if something is a shrub or a tree?
What do you need to know to decide between a
tall and short graminoid site?
Biometry measurements make your data more
reliable. When scientists use your Land Cover
Sample Site data, biometry measurements assure
them that the data are of high quality. There
are two tests of good measurement technique.
Biometry measurements will help assess how close
to the bull’s-eye (the right answer) your data are.
This is called accuracy. Your data are precise when
you repeat measurements and get the same results
throughout a site. The goal of GLOBE students
should be to have their measurements look like
the bull’s eye in the center (see below), highly
accurate and precise! Biometry measurements can
help you do that.
Teacher Support
The Measurement
The Biometry Protocol is divided into four different
measurements: canopy and ground cover, tree,
shrub and/or graminoid height, tree circumference
and graminoid biomass. You may choose to take
biometry measurements only once in a site during
peak growth, or you can return to the same site year
after year and repeat the biometry measurements
to track changes in the site biomass over time. You
may also take biometry measurements twice a year
in a single site year after year, once during peak
foliage or growth and once during a time of low
growth (i.e. winter or drought). You should always
use the following two guidelines to determine what
measurements you should take:
First, take ANY measurements necessary to
determine the correct MUC class. Whenever a
decision must be made between MUC classes,
take the appropriate biometry measurement (i.e.
canopy and ground cover or height) to make that
decision. If the decision can be made without
biometry measurements, it is not necessary to
take any, but you may choose to do so to ensure
accuracy.
Second, scientists will be using an aerial view
when using the MUC and biometry data and
you should too. Therefore, measurements of the
dominant (covering the greatest area) land cover
of the highest canopy are the most important.
Canopy cover refers to layers of vegetation.
There can be several layers of each type (tree
and/or shrub). Multiple layers are present when
canopy heights are at different levels. When these
layers are not present, the ground cover forms the
dominant vegetation type. See Figure LAND-BI-
1. As a satellite passes over a site, it records the
amount and wavelength of light reflected by ALL
the vegetation that it can “see.” In closed forest
sites, where the trees cover the shrubs and ground,
the trees will reflect the highest percentage of
light. See Figure LAND-BI-2. In woodland sites,
where there is space between trees, there will be
a greater contribution of reflectance values from
the shrubs and ground below the tree canopy, but
again, the trees will reflect the greatest percentage
of light. See Figure LAND-BI-3. In shrubland sites,
where shrubs dominate, the reflectance values will
mostly represent the shrubs and not the scattered
trees or ground cover that may also be present at
the site. See Figure LAND-BI-4. Keeping this in
mind should help you determine what biometry
measurements to take. For instance, in a closed
forest site with tall trees covering the entire site,
shrubs scattered throughout the site below the
trees and some tall grasses on the forest floor,
the biometry measurements that would be most
important would be tree canopy, ground cover,
and tree height. You may choose to measure
shrub height or graminoid biomass but since
the tree canopy would dominate the reflectance
values, the shrub and graminoid data would be
less important. Another example would be in
herbaceous vegetation sites. See Figure LAND-
BI-5. If a site was primarily graminoid with two
trees and several shrubs, the most useful biometry
measurement would be graminoid biomass. You
can also measure the height of the shrubs and
trees, but since they are not the dominant land
cover, the graminoids would reflect the highest
percentage of light in that area. However, it would
still be useful to note that the site contained the
trees and shrubs. Any type of information of this
sort is important metadata since sites that are
purely herbaceous vegetation may reflect light
slightly differently than sites that have a few trees
or shrubs. (Note: If you use any canopy and
ground cover measurements to determine the
MUC class, report that measurement also.)
Student Preparation
Students should be able to define and identify a
homogeneous land cover site.
Students should understand and know how to
classify a site using the MUC System.
Students should make and know how to use the
densiometer and clinometer.
Students should know how to use a compass.
Students should practice pacing techniques. They
should know their pace and how many paces are
in 21.2 meters.
Helpful Hints
• Practice these measurements in a location
close to school to get some experience before
using them in a Land Cover Sample Site.
• You or your students may want to investigate
a potential site with a brief visit to make sure
that it is large enough and homogeneous
throughout before a longer data collection
visit.
• When distinguishing between trees and
shrubs, use the definition of a tree given
in the MUC Field Guide and MUC Glossary
of Terms: a tree is at least 5 meters tall. You
may want to practice estimating this height
with the clinometer near your school before
entering the field.
• If the shrub canopy is below the observer,
treat it as ground cover. Dwarf-shrubs are
always considered ground cover.
• There are two Canopy and Ground Cover
Data Sheets, one to use when the dominant
canopy cover is trees and one to use when
the dominant canopy cover is shrubs. Your
students need to decide which one to use.
In a forest or woodland, canopy cover refers
to the tree canopy. In a shrubland, canopy
refers to the shrub canopy. Always keep in
mind that these measurements are helpful to
scientists studying land cover from satellite
imagery. Therefore, the highest canopy is
what you should try to measure.
• If you have difficulty determining if a site is
a forest, woodland or shrubland, you may
need to walk the half-diagonals twice. Keep
in mind the “view from above” and look to
the highest canopy with your densiometer
for the correct measurement. The first time,
use the Tree Canopy and Ground Cover Data
Sheet recording a (+) where a tree is seen at
the densiometer crosshairs. Determine the
percentage of trees in the canopy (# of +’s /
total number of observations from the Tree
Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet). If
the trees are 40% or more of the canopy,
this is a forest or woodland and you should
use the Tree Canopy and Ground Cover Data
Sheet for the ground cover data collection
on the half-diagonals and report all of these
measurements. If trees are less than 40% of
the canopy, walk the half-diagonals again
using the Shrub Canopy and Ground Cover
Data Sheet. Record a (+) where a shrub
is seen at the densiometer crosshairs.
Determine the percentage of shrubs in
the canopy (# of +’s / total number of
observations from the Shrub Canopy and
Ground Cover Data Sheet). If the shrubs
are greater than 40% of the canopy, this
is a shrubland and you should use the
Shrub Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet
for the ground cover data collection on
the half-diagonals and report all of these
measurements.
If both trees and shrubs are less than 40%,
choose the Data Sheet corresponding with
the highest percentage of canopy cover
to take the ground cover measurements.
Example: In a site with 15% tree canopy
and 35% shrub canopy, use the Shrub
Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet to
take your ground cover measurements and
report the tree and shrub canopy cover as
metadata. Since the tree and shrub canopy
make up less than 40% of the canopy, the
MUC class will not be a Closed Forest,
Woodland or Shrubland. In this case,
use the ground cover measurements to
determine the correct MUC class.
It is more efficient to have your students
work in pairs or trios for this protocol.
For more accurate readings, other pairs of
students should repeat the measurements.
If different teams of students repeat
observations, report the average of these
values if they generally agree.
Before going into the field, teach your
students how to use your local vegetation
field guides.
It is recommended that you consult local
experts (Forest Service, County Extension
Agent, etc.) to assist with species
identification.
If your site experiences seasonal variation
and you choose to track changes in
biomass over time, take biometry
measurements once during peak growing
•
•
•
•
•
•
season and once during the least active
season.
If it takes smaller students more than forty
paces to complete a diagonal, they may
take measurements at every other pace.
For younger students, if the angle on the
clinometer is 45 degrees, the distance
from the tree will equal the height of the
tree above the student’s eye level. See the
Alternative Technique to Measure Tree Height
on Level Ground: Simplified Clinometer
Technique Field Guide.
If you are going to revisit a forest or
woodland site, mark and number/label
the trees you use. Always measure the
same trees, and report their heights and
circumferences in the same order.
Examples of forbs include clover,
sunflowers, ferns, and milkweeds.
Do not use a conventional oven to dry the
graminoid vegetation. This is dangerous
because the oven may have to be left on
continuously for several days!
In warm, dry climates, graminoid biomass
samples can be dried in mesh bags
outside.
Make sure to use several small brown
drying bags for proper drying of
graminoid samples.
If you are performing the Canopy Cover
and Ground Cover measurements with
a class, break the class into groups and
have each group pace a different half-
diagonal. Each group will need its own
copy of the Field Guide, a Data Sheet, and
a densiometer. Ideally, one person should
serve as a ‘pacer’ and one should be the
‘recorder.’ The ‘pacer’ walks the distance
and makes the measurements. The
‘recorder’ records the readings onto the
Data Sheet and makes sure the ‘pacer’ is
walking straight in the assigned direction.
The ‘pacer’ should know how many of
his/her paces are in the 21.2 m length
of the half-diagonal. Have each student
write this number on his/her copy of the
Field Guide. This is the total number of
measurements/paces to take in walking a
half-diagonal from the center to the corner
of the central 30 m x 30 m area.
Questions for Further Investigation
What are the dominant and co-dominant species
in your Land Cover Sample Site? Do these species
always occur in sites that have the same MUC
class?
Are the dominant and co-dominant species
common in your area? Are these species native to
your area? Are the trees mature or juvenile?
Is there a relationship between the amount of
ground cover and canopy cover?
Are the percentages of the canopy and ground
cover consistent with your MUC class?
Which is greater, the amount of brown or green
ground cover? Do you think that these amounts
will change during the year?
If your MUC 4 site has trees as the co-dominant
species: Is the herbaceous vegetation around the
trees the same as that in open areas?
Canopy Cover and Ground Cover
Field Guide
Task
Take ground and canopy cover measurements while pacing half-diagonals to determine the MUC class
of your Land Cover Sample Sites.
What You Need
❏
Tubular densiometer
❏
Tree Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet
guides
❏
Shrub Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet
❏
Clipboard
In the Field
❏
❏
❏
Compass
Species ID keys and/or other local species
Pen or pencil
N
Center
of Site
Land Cover Sample Site with
the four 21.2 m half-diagonals
(in the NE, SE, SW and NW
directions) for sampling.
30 m
21
.2
m
30 m
• Locate the center of your homogeneous Land Cover Sample Site. This is your starting point.
Take the measurements described in Steps 2 and 3 from the center of the Sample Site by
walking the distance of a half-diagonal (21.2 m) in each of the following four directions: NE,
SE, SW and NW (using a compass for bearing). Stop after each pace (2 steps) to complete
Steps 2 and 3.
• There are two possible data sheets to use for measuring Canopy and Ground Cover, the Tree
Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet or the Shrub Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet. The
following step will help you decide which one to use. However, if you are still confused about
which sheet to use, you may want to choose a different site where the decision is clearer.
Canopy Cover and Ground Cover: Field Guide - Page 2
Steps:
1. Decide which Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet is appropriate, using the following procedure.
a. If the site is clearly dominated (greater than 40%) by trees (greater than 5 m tall), use the
Tree Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet. Go to Step 2.
b. If the site is clearly dominated by shrubs (between 50 cm and 5 m) and there is less than
40% tree canopy, use the Shrub Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet. Go to Step 2.
c. If you cannot decide the dominant canopy cover:
• Walk each half-diagonal (21.2 m) from the center of your site using your densiometer
and the Tree Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet. Follow Step 2, marking a (+) if
you see a tree at the crosshairs of your desiometer and a (-) if there is not. Record the
other canopy information for any trees you record a (+) for.
• Calculate the percent tree canopy cover (# of +’s/total number of observations from the
Tree Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet). If the percent tree cover is over 40%, use the
Tree Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet and walk the half-diagonals again following
Step 3 to collect the ground cover data.
• If the trees are less than 40%, walk the half-diagonals again using the Shrub Canopy and
Ground Cover Data Sheet. Follow Step 2, marking a (+) if you see a shrub at the
crosshairs even if there is a tree above it and a (-) if there is not a shrub at the crosshairs.
Record the other canopy information for any shrubs you record a (+) for.
• Calculate the percent shrub canopy cover (# of +’s / total number of observations from
the Shrub Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet). If the shrubs are dominant (40% or
more), use the Shrub Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet to record the ground cover
data by walking the half-diagonals again following Step 3.
• If both trees and shrubs are less than 40%, choose the Data Sheet corresponding with
the highest percentage of canopy cover and walk the half-diagonals again following Step
3. Report the percentage of tree and shrub canopy as metadata since they help scientists
understand the site. Note: Since neither the tree nor shrub canopy are dominant, the
MUC class of this site should not start with 0 (Closed Forest), 1 (Woodland), or 2
(Shrubland).
2. Look up through your densiometer at the canopy. Make sure the densiometer is vertical and the
metal nut/washer is directly below the intersection of the crosshairs at the top of the tube. Look
to the highest canopy. If you are using the Tree Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet, only record
data for TREES and ignore shrubs. If you are using the Shrub Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet,
only record data for SHRUBS and ignore trees.
a. If you see vegetation, twigs or branches at the crosshairs:
• Record a (+) on the Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet. Remember, if you are using the
Tree Canopy and Ground Cover Sheet, only record a (+) if the vegetation you see is from a tree.
If it is from a shrub, record a (-) instead and skip the next steps. The opposite will be true if
you are using the Shrub Canopy and Ground Cover Sheet.
• Identify the species name. If you do not know the genus and species but know the
common name, record the common name. If you do not know the common name,
collect a leaf or describe or sketch it for identification later in the classroom.
• Record the canopy type as Evergreen (E) or Deciduous (D).
b. If you do not see vegetation, twigs, or branches at the crosshairs:
• Record a (-) on the Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet.
3. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, look down and observe any vegetation that
is touching your foot or leg below the knee. Do not pick up your foot; only use vegetation
touching you without moving. Also, do not measure ground cover by looking down through the
densiometer!
a. If the vegetation is green (alive), record a (G) on the Canopy and Ground
Cover Data Sheet.
b. If the vegetation is green, record if it is graminoid (GD), forb (FB), other
green vegetation (OG), Shrub (SB) or Dwarf Shrub (DS).
c. If the vegetation is brown but still attached, record a (B).
d. If there is no vegetation, record a (-) on the Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet.
4. After you have completed your pacing and measurements, fill out the summary tables on the
bottom of the Canopy and Ground Cover Data Sheet using the formulas below for reference
in calculating percentages. Note: If other groups walked other half-diagonals, compare your
“% Canopy Cover” and “% Ground Cover” with the other group’s diagonal data. Average the
percentages from all the groups and use these averaged values to determine the dominant land
cover and for reporting to GLOBE.
5. If you have enough information to determine the MUC class of your site at this point, you
are done. If tree, shrub or graminoid height cannot be estimated, follow the Field Guide for
Graminoid, Tree and Shrub Height.
Determining the Percentage of Tree or Shrub Canopy Cover (Column 1):
Calculate the percent of tree or shrub canopy using the data collected. Use the following equation as
a model.
# of +’s (Tree or Shrub Canopy)
% Tree or Shrub Canopy Cover = _________________________________ X 100
# of Total Observations
Determining the Percentage of Evergreen or Deciduous Canopy Cover (Column 3):
Calculate the percent of tree or shrub canopy that is evergreen or deciduous using the data collected.
Use the following equation as a model.
# of E’s (Evergreen Observations)
% Evergreen = __________________________________________ X 100
# of E’s + # of D’s (Total Canopy Cover Observations)
Determining the Percentage of Ground Cover (Column 4):
Calculate the percent ground cover using the data collected. Use the following equation as a model.
# of G’s (Green) + # of B’s (Brown)
% Ground Cover = __________________________________ X 100
# of Total Observations
Determining the Composition of Herbaceous Coverage (Column 5):
Calculate the percent of the ground that is graminoid, forb or other green vegetation using the data
and the following equation as a model.
# of GD’s (Graminoid Observations)
% Graminoid = ____________________________________________ X 100
# of GD’s + # of FB’s + # of OG’s + # of SB’s + # of DS’s
(Total Herbaceous Ground Observations)
Determining Total Shrubs (Column 6):
# of +’s (Shrubs Present)
% Total Shrubs = ___________________________________ X 100
# of Total Observations
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 11
Land Cover/Biology
Field Guide
Task
Measure the height of graminoid vegetation, shrubs and/or trees to help determine the MUC class of
your Land Cover Sample Site.
What You Need
❏
❏
❏
❏
50 m measuring tape
Flexible measuring tape
Small bean bag
Graminoid, Tree, and Shrub
Height Data Sheet
❏
❏
❏
❏
Pen or pencil
Permanent tree markers (optional)
Clinometer
Species ID keys and/or other local
species guides
❏
Blindfold
In the Field
1. Measuring Graminoid Vegetation Height (Graminoids are grass-like species.)
a. Stand in the center of your Land Cover Sample Site and blindfold your partner. Have him or
her throw a beanbag somewhere in the site.
b. Using the flexible measuring tape, measure the height of the herbaceous vegetation where
the beanbag landed. Measure from the ground to the top of the graminoids.
c. Record the height on the Graminoid, Tree, and Shrub Height Data Sheet.
d. Repeat this process two more times and average the results.
e. Use this average to determine your MUC class.
2. Measuring Shrub Height (Shrubs are 0.5 m to 5.0 m tall.)
a. Stand in the center of your Land Cover Sample Site and blindfold
your partner. Have him or her throw a beanbag somewhere in the
site.
b. Locate the closest shrub to the beanbag. Measure the height of
the shrub from the ground to the tallest branch. Do this with a tape
measure if possible. If the shrub is too tall, measure it with your
clinometer using the directions for Measuring Tree Height in the next section.
c. Record the height on the Graminoid, Tree, and Shrub Height Data Sheet.
d. Repeat this process two more times and average the results.
e. Use this average to determine your MUC class.
3. Measuring Tree Height (Hint: Trees are greater than 5.0 m tall.)
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 12
Land Cover/Biology
Graminoid, Tree and Shrub Height: Field Guide – Page 2
a. Determine your dominant (most common) and co-dominant (second-most common) tree
species by counting the number of times each tree species was recorded on the Canopy and
Ground Cover Data Sheet. Record the names of the species on your Graminoid, Tree and
Shrub Height Data Sheet.
b. Choose:
• the tallest tree of the dominant species
• the shortest tree of the dominant species that still reaches the canopy
• three trees that have heights in between the tallest and shortest of the dominant species
c. Permanently mark and number/label the trees if your teacher has instructed you to do so or
if you will be returning to this site to take measurements over time.
d. Measure the height of the tree using the clinometer. If you are on ground with a slope, or
using the simplified clinometer technique, then use the appropriate Alternative Technique to
Measure Tree Height Field Guide to substitute for the steps below. Otherwise,
• Move away from the base of the tree until you can see the top of the tree through the
drinking straw of the clinometer.
• For the best results, adjust your distance from the base of the tree so that the clinometer
reads as close to 30˚ as possible and you are at least as far from the tree as it is tall.
• Be sure to be on level ground so that your feet are at the same elevation as the base of the
tree. Remember, if you are not on the same level with the tree, you need to use an
Alternative Technique to Measure Tree Height Field Guide.
• Have your partner read and record the number of degrees (˚) of the angle.
• Using the Table of Tangents, record the TAN of the angle on the Data Sheet.
• Measure the distance between you and the tree. Have your partner help you using the
50 m tape. Record this in the table on your Data Sheet.
• Measure the height from the ground to your eye level. (You only need to do this step
once!) Record this in the table.
• Calculate the tree height using the following formula:
Height of Tree = TAN (angle of clinometer) x (distance to tree) + eye height
and record on your Data Sheet.
• Measure the height of each tree three times and calculate the average of the three heights.
If they are within one meter, record the average on your Data Sheet. If not, repeat the
measurements until they are within one meter.
e. Repeat the step above for the other four trees.
f. If your co-dominant species is a tree, repeat steps b-e for the co-dominant tree species. If you
do not have five co-dominant species trees on your site, include other tree species to make a
total of five. Note that you are using other species in the Metadata.
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 13
Land Cover/Biology
Tree Circumference
Field Guide
Task
Make circumference measurements for your selected dominant and co-dominant trees. Use the same
trees you measured for tree height (in the same order).
What You Need
❏
Flexible measuring tape
❏
Tree Circumference Data Sheet
❏
Pen or pencil
❏
Species ID keys and/or other local
species guides
In the Field
1. With the flexible tape measure, measure from the ground at the base of
the tree to a height of 1.35 m up on the tree (called Breast Height).
2. Measure the circumference in centimeters at Breast Height.
3. Record this on the Tree Circumference Data Sheet.
4. Repeat this for each of the trees you measured for height.
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 14
Land Cover/Biology
Graminoid Biomass
Field and Lab Guide
Measure Graminoid Biomass in Land Cover Sample Sites. Note: Graminoid refers to grass-like
vegetation only.
What You Need
Small bean bag
Graminoid Biomass Data Sheet
Pen or pencil
guides
Blindfold
In the Field
1. Blindfold your partner and have him or her throw a beanbag somewhere in the site.
a. Mark a one-meter square around the beanbag to take a random
sample.
b. Using the garden clippers, clip all the vegetation close to the ground
within the square. Do not collect any unattached leaves or litter.
c. Sort the clippings into green and brown portions. Any clipping with
even a little green is considered green.
d. Place the green and brown portions into separate brown paper bags.
Label the bags as your teacher directs you.
2. Repeat step 1 two more times.
In the Classroom
3. Calculating Graminoid Biomass:
a. Check the temperature of the drying oven, it should read between 50 and 70 degrees
Celsius.
b. Put the labeled bags in the drying oven.
c. Use a balance to measure the mass (g) of each bag once a day.
d. When the mass is the same two days in a row, the samples are completely dry.
e. Record the mass of each bag and its contents on the Graminoid Biomass Data Sheet.
f. Shake out the contents of one bag and weigh the empty bag. Record this mass. Repeat this
step for each bag.
g. Calculate the mass of the graminoid vegetation (graminoid biomass) using the following
formula:
Graminoid Biomass = Mass of Sample and Bag – Mass of Empty Bag
h. Record the graminoid biomass of each sample on the Graminoid Biomass Data Sheet.
GLOBE® 2005
❏
❏
❏
Grass clippers or strong scissors
Small brown paper bags
Species ID keys and/or other local species
❏
Balance
Biometry Protocol - 15
Land Cover/Biology
Measure Tree Height on Level
Ground: Simplified Clinometer
Technique
Field Guide
Task
Measure heights of shrubs and/or trees to help determine the MUC class of your Land Cover Sample
Sites.
What You Need
❏
❏
❏
❏
50 m measuring tape
Flexible measuring tape
Small bean bag
Measure Tree Height on Level Ground:
Simplified Clinometer Technique Data Sheet
In the Field
1. Work in a team of two or three. Move away from the base of the tree until the clinometer reads
45 degrees when you see the top of the tree through the straw.
2. Have your partner stretch the 50 m measuring tape from the base of the tree to your toes. Your
partner should then step on the tape at the ground and then run it up to your eye level.
3. This is the height of the tree. Record this on the Measure Tree Height on Level Ground: Simplified
Clinometer Technique Data Sheet.
Figure LAND-AP-1: Simplified Technique Figure
❏
❏
❏
❏
Pen or pencil
Permanent tree markers (optional)
Clinometer
Species ID keys and/or other local
species guides
❏
Blindfold
45˚
Tape
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 16
Land Cover/Biology
Measure Tree Height on a Slope:
Stand by Tree Technique
Field Guide
Measure heights of shrubs and/or trees to help determine the MUC class of your Land Cover Sample
Sites.
What You Need
50 m measuring tape
Flexible measuring tape
Small bean bag
Measure Tree Height: Stand by
Tree Technique Data Sheet
❏
❏
❏
❏
Pen or pencil
Permanent tree markers (optional)
Clinometer
Species ID keys and/or other local
species guides
❏
Blindfold
In the Field
1. Work in a team of three. One person stays by the tree. You and another partner move away
from the base of the tree until you can see the top of the tree through the drinking straw of the
clinometer. Note: For the best results, adjust your distance so that the clinometer is as close to
30 degrees as possible and you are further from the tree than it is tall.
2. Site the top of the tree using the clinometer. Have your partner read and record the clinometer
angle.
3. Using the Table of Tangents, record the TAN of the angle on the Measure Tree Height: Stand by
Tree Technique Data Sheet.
4. Keeping the clinometer at 0 degrees, look through the straw and have your partner by the tree
locate the position on the tree that you see.
5. Measure the height from the base of the tree to the position on the tree that you see when the
clinometer reads 0 degrees.
6. Measure the distance between you and the tree. Have your partner help you using the 50 m
tape. Record this in the Measure Tree Height: Stand by Tree Technique Data Sheet.
7. Calculate the tree height using the following formula:
[TAN (Angle of the Clinometer) x (Distance to Tree)] + (Height to 0 Degrees on Tree)
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 17
Land Cover/Biology
Measure Tree Height on a Slope: Stand by Tree Technique Field Guide - Page 2
Figure LAND-AP-2: Stand by Tree Technique
Clinometer angle
Height at 0˚
8. Record the tree height in the Measure Tree Height: Stand by Tree Technique Data Sheet.
9. Repeat steps 1-8 two more times for each tree and report the average value
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 18
Land Cover/Biology
Measure Tree Height on a Slope:
Two-Triangle with Eyes Lower
than Tree Base Technique
Field Guide
Measure heights of shrubs and/or trees to help determine the MUC class of your Land Cover Sample
Sites.
What You Need
50 m measuring tape
Flexible measuring tape
Small bean bag
Measure Tree Height on a Slope:
Two-Triangle with Eyes Higher than Tree
Base Technique Data Sheet
Table of Cosines
❏
❏
❏
❏
Pen or pencil
Permanent tree markers (optional)
Clinometer
Species ID keys and/or other local
species guides
❏
Blindfold
In the Field
1. Work in a team of two. You and your partner move away from the base of the tree until you
can see the top of the tree through the drinking straw of the clinometer. Note: For the best
results, adjust your distance so that the clinometer is as close to 30 degrees as possible and you
are further from the tree than it is tall.
2. Site the top of the tree using the clinometer. Have your partner read and record the clinometer
angle. This is the 1st Clinometer Reading.
3. Using the Table of Tangents, record the TAN of the angle on the Measure Tree Height on a Slope:
Two-Triangle with Eyes Higher than Tree Base Technique Data Sheet.
4. Turn the clinometer around and look through the straw through the opposite end. Site the base
of the tree. Have your partner read and record this clinometer angle. This is the 2nd Clinometer
Reading.
5. Using the Table of Tangents, record the TAN of the angle on the Measure Tree Height on a Slope:
Two-Triangle with Eyes Higher than Tree Base Technique Data Sheet.
6. Using the Table of Cosines, record the COS of the 2nd Clinometer Reading on the Measure Tree
Height on a Slope: Two-Triangle with Eyes Higher than Tree Base Technique Data Sheet.
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 19
Land Cover/Biology
Measure Tree Height on a Slope: Two-Triangle with Eyes Higher than Tree Base Technique Field Guide - Page 2
Figure LAND-AP-3: Two-Triangle Technique: Eyes Higher
1
2
7. Measure the horizontal distance from your eyes to the base of the tree. Have your partner help you
using the 50 m tape. Record this in the Measure Tree Height on a Slope: Two-Triangle with Eyes Higher
than Tree Base Technique Data Sheet.
8. Calculate the Baseline using the following formula:
(Distance to the Tree) x COS (2nd Clinometer reading)
9. Calculate the tree height using the following formula:
TAN (1st Angle of the Clinometer) x (Baseline) + TAN (2nd Angle of the Clinometer) x (Baseline)
10. Record the tree height in the Measure Tree Height on a Slope: Two-Triangle with Eyes Higher than Tree
Base Technique Data Sheet.
12. Repeat steps 1-11 two more times for each tree and report the average value.
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 20
Land Cover/Biology
Measure Tree Height on a Slope:
Two-Triangle with Eyes Lower
than Tree Base
Field Guide
Measure heights of shrubs and/or trees to help determine the MUC class of your Land Cover Sample
Sites.
What You Need
50 m measuring tape
Flexible measuring tape
Small bean bag
Measure Tree Height on a Slope:
Two-Triangle with Eyes Lower than
Tree Base Data Sheet
Table of Cosines
❏
❏
❏
❏
Pen or pencil
Permanent tree markers (optional)
Clinometer
Species ID keys and/or other local
species guides
❏
Blindfold
In the Field
1. Work in a team of two. You and your partner move away from the base of the tree until you
can see the top of the tree through the drinking straw of the clinometer. Note: For the best
results, adjust your distance so that the clinometer is as close to 30 degrees as possible and
you are further from the tree than it is tall.
2. Site the top of the tree using the clinometer. Have your partner read and record the clinometer
angle. This is the 1st Clinometer Reading.
3. Using the Table of Tangents, record the TAN of the angle on the Measure Tree Height on a Slope:
Two-Triangle with Eyes Lower than Tree Base Data Sheet.
4. Site the base of the tree using the clinometer. Have your partner read and record this
clinometer angle. This is the 2nd Clinometer Reading.
5. Using the Table of Tangents, record the TAN of the angle on the Measure Tree Height on a Slope:
Two-Triangle with Eyes Lower than Tree Base Data Sheet.
6. Using the Table of Cosines, record the COS of the 2nd Clinometer Reading on the Measure Tree
Height on a Slope: Two-Triangle with Eyes Lower than Tree Base Data Sheet.
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 21
Land Cover/Biology
Measure Tree Height on a Slope: Two-Triangle with Eyes Lower than Tree Base Field Guide - Page 2
1
2
7. Measure the horizontal distance from your eyes to the base of the tree. Have your partner help you
using the 50 m tape. Record this in the Measure Tree Height on a Slope: Two-Triangle with Eyes Lower
than Tree Base Data Sheet.
8. Calculate the Baseline using the following formula:
(Distance to the Tree) x COS (2nd Clinometer Reading)
9. Calculate the tree height using the following formula:
TAN (1st Angle of the Clinometer) x (Baseline) – TAN (2nd Angle of the Clinometer) x (Baseline)
10. Record the tree height in the Measure Tree Height on a Slope: Two-Triangle with Eyes Lower than Tree
Base Data Sheet.
11. Repeat steps 1-11 two more times for each tree and report the average value.
GLOBE® 2005
Biometry Protocol - 22
Land Cover/Biology
Frequently Asked Questions
1.We have a MUC 0; however, no particular
species is dominant. What should we do?
In your metadata, record that you have a mix of
species for the dominant species and what those
species are in the metadata. If you take tree height
and circumference measurements, use the same
criteria for selecting the trees but report the canopy
as “mixed.”
2. What should we do if there is a multi-
storied canopy?
If there is a multi-story canopy, try to identify the
highest level of the canopy without changing your
position. If the vegetation touches the intersection
of the crosshairs, mark a (+).
3. What if the entire circle I see through the
densiometer is full of vegetation, but there is
no vegetation at the crosshairs?
This is a sampling question. The Land Cover/
Biology Team has chosen the intersection of the
crosshairs as the sample. Therefore, this would
be a (–).
4. What if we can’t get to our site during
peak vegetation (full leaf-on) conditions?
If you cannot get to your site during peak growth
(leaf-on), measure your site during the leaf-off
period and try your best to get the peak growth
(leaf-on) data, when you can.
5. What if my students are too young to
understand the math used to determine tree
height?
Use the Simplified Technique for Measuring Tree
Height on Level Ground.
6. What if I want to measure the heights of
trees on a slope?
There are additional guides for these situations that
provide different methods to measure the heights
of trees on slopes. The one you choose depends
on the topography of your site.
7. What if the tree is leaning?
If the tree is leaning, just measure to the top of
the tree as usual. Measure the baseline distance
to a point directly below the highest point of the
canopy, which may not be where the trunk of the
tree meets the ground.
8. What if the canopy cover is
thick and I cannot clearly see the
top of individual trees?
A very thick canopy often occurs in areas where
many of the trees are very close in height. You
may have to move around your area to find a good
sight-line to the tops of your trees.
9. How accurate is measuring tree heights?
Like any other measurement, accuracy and
precision increase with practice and the use of care
in the measurement. Three groups measuring the
same tree should get results within +/- 1 meter of
each other.
10. What do I do if I do not have a single co-
dominant tree or shrub species?
If the co-dominant species is mixed at your site,
measure the heights and circumferences for 5 trees
or shrubs of different species. Note the species you
are using in the Metadata.
11. What do I do if there are not 5 trees or
shrubs of the dominant species at my site?
Should I measure any heights and
circumferences?
If there are less than five, measure all the trees
or shrubs at your site and make a note in the
Metadata.
12. My school does not have a drying oven.
Can we dry the grass another way?
First, check to see if you can use a drying oven at a
community college, university, government agency
or some other business or organization in your
community. In warm, dry climates, graminoid
biomass samples can be dried in mesh bags
outside. Do not use a conventional oven to dry the
graminoid vegetation. This is dangerous!
13. When I am measuring grass biomass,
what do I do with mosses or lichens?
Moss and lichens are considered “Other Green”
and have their own designation on the Canopy and
Ground Cover Data Sheet. Do not include mosses or
lichens in your dried samples. Record in metadata
if these species comprise a large part of your green
ground cover.
Welcome
Introduction
Protocols
Learning Activities
Appendix
