Standard Operating Procedures: Extensive Variables
Robel and Biomass Surveys SOP
The Robel visual obstruction method of cover estimation will be utilized along transect 1 at each wetland site. Readings will be recorded in the wet meadow zone of the wetland and mid-slope of the catchment. The Robel method consists of recording the lowest 0.5 dm mark visible on the Robel pole. Readings will be taken north, east, south, and west of the pole four meters out at an eye level of one meter (Robel et.al. 1970). A list of the cover species around the pole will then be listed. Biomass clippings will also be sampled at each Robel site, with the placement of the Robel pole being the center of a .25 m2.
| Equipment List: | |
| Robel rod | __________ |
| Compass | __________ |
| Field Form No. 7 | __________ |
| Sighting stick | __________ |
| Paper bags | __________ |
| Clip board | __________ |
| Paper bags | __________ |
9.2. Special linkage variables collected for ACOE
Robel readings
Biomass clippings
9.3. Robel Readings, Field Form No. 7 (Appendix A)
9.3.a. Card 1: Record wetland identification number (boxes 2-8), date (boxes 9-14), and observer (boxes 15-17).
9.3.b. Card 2: Collect a robel reading for the wet-meadow zone (boxes 18-19) along transect 1. Record the lowest 0.5 dm mark on the Robel pole as viewed from 4 m from the pole at an eye level of 1 m. Measurements for the north Robel reading will be recorded first (boxes 20-24), then in a clockwise fashion the east (boxes 25-29), south (boxes 30-34), and west (35-39). Place the 0.25 m2 quadrat frame over the location of the robel reading and record the plant species in order of dominance (40-45, a-e). For unknown taxa, collect voucher specimens and fill out the following label (pre-printed adhesive labels) information:
| Label Information | ||
| Field Form | ||
| Wetland Identification | ||
| Collector | ||
| Date (mo/da/yr) | ||
| Card No. | ||
| Transect No. | ||
| Quadrat No. | ||
| Plant acronym | (or other appropriate genus acronym) | |
| Column/row ID | (40-A refers to the column and row range where the acronym has been recorded) | |
Collect biomass clippings from the quadrat area and separate live biomass from litter and place into separate prelabeled paper bags. Place paper bags into a larger cotton bag labeled with information on the wetland collection site.
9.3.c. Card 3: Collect a robel reading at the mid-slope of the catchment (boxes 18-19) extending in a linear direction from transect 1. Record the lowest 0.5 dm mark on the Robel pole as viewed from 4 m from the pole at an eye level of 1 m. Measurements for the north Robel reading will be recorded first (boxes 20-24), then in a clockwise fashion, the east (boxes 25-29), south (boxes 30-34), and west (35-39). Place the 0.25 m2 quadrat frame over the location of the robel location and record the plant species in order of dominance (40-45, a-e). For unknown taxa, follow procedures described in Section 9.3.b. Collect biomass clippings for this robel point as described in section 9.3.b.
9.4.d. Biomass clipping bags are to be transported to NPWRC and stored in the walk-in freezer until processed.
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