Standard Operating Procedures: Extensive Variables
Summary of Special Linkage Variables to be Collected
12.1. Natural Resources Conservation Service (Mike Whited)
- Elevation and GPS coordinates of wetland boundaries as delineated by vegetation,
and NTCHS field indicators. Collection of these special linkage variables are
described in Sections 4, 5, and 6.
- Identification of soil types in conjunction with vegetative zones for correlation of
soil types with plant communities. Collection of these special linkage variables are
described in Section's 4 and 5.
- Thickness of A horizons in wet-meadow zone, observations of sediment
overburden (lighter colored material, calcareous overwash, etc. in wt-meadow
zone). These special linkage variables have been incorporated into Section 5.
- Presence of Ap horizons (in all zones). Collection of these special linkage
variables are described in Section 5.
- A soil condition index in the wet-meadow zone (roots, pores, structure,
consistence). This special linkage variable has been incorporated into Section 5.
- Litter thickness and a volume /weight sample of litter in conjunction with
vegetative plots. Collection of these special linkage variables are described in
Section 5.
Mini-soil profile description in conjunction with vegetative plots. Collection of this special linkage variable is described in Section 5.
14.2. Army Corps of Engineers (Mike Gilbert)
- Visual obstruction reading in the upland and wet-meadow zones. Robel method
preferred. Collection of this special linkage variable is described in Section 9.
- Measure of above ground biomass and litter volume at the locations proximal to
vegetation sampling plots and/or visual obstruction measurements as appropriate.
Collection of this special linkage variable is described in Section 9.
- For morphological surveys, an estimate of the correspondence between the
wetland boundary (as defined vegetationally as the break between low prairie and
wet-meadow) as compared to the outer hydric soils boundary. Collection of this
special linkage variable is described in Section's 4, 5, and 6.
- Catchment and landscape level metrics, indirect indicators of altered hydrology may be appropriate. Collection of this special linkage variable is described in Section 8.
14.3. Montana Department of Environmental Quality (Randy Apfelbeck)
- pH: Collection of this special linkage variable is described in Section 10
- EC: The collection of this special linkage variable is described in Section 10
14.4. Biological Resources Division.
- Bird Surveys: The collection of this special linkage variable is described in Section 11.
14.5. Agricultural Research Service and Biological Resources Division
- Composite soil samples: Collection of this special linkage variable is described in Section 5
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