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"BCOMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1091/94
of 29 April 1994
laying down certain detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86
on the protection of the Community’s forests against atmospheric pollution
(OJ L 125, 18.5.1994, p. 1)
Amended by:
Official Journal
No page date
"M1 Commission Regulation (EC) No 690/95 of 30 March 1995 L 71 25 31.3.1995
"M2 Commission Regulation (EC) No 1390/97 of 18 July 1997 L 190 3 19.7.1997
"M3 Commission Regulation (EC) No 1545/1999 of 14 July 1999 L 180 9 15.7.19991994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 1
COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1091/94
of 29 April 1994
laying down certain detailed rules for the implementation of Council
Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 on the protection of the Community’s
forests against atmospheric pollution
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 of 17 November
1986 on the protection of the Community’s forests against atmospheric
pollution (1), as last amended by Regulation (EEC) No 2157/92 (2), and
in particular Article 3 thereof,
Having regard to Resolution No 1 of the first ministerial conference on
the protection of forests in Europe (3) and its follow-up,
Whereas, pursuant to Article 2 (1) indent 3 and 4 of Regulation (EEC)
No 3528/86, the purpose of the Community scheme is to help the
Member States to:
— conduct intensive, continuous surveillance of forestry ecosystems,
— establish or extend, in a coordinated and harmonious way, a network
of permanent observation plots required for such intensive,
continuous surveillance;
Whereas, pursuant to Article 2 (2) of Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 the
Member States shall forward to the Commission the data gathered by the
network of observation plots for intensive, continuous suveillance;
Whereas this network of observation plots is installed in order to obtain
detailed data on the evolution of forest ecosystems in the Community;
whereas this approach allows correlations to be established between the
variation of environmental factors, especially atmospheric pollution and
the reaction of forest ecosystems; whereas the data it provides, allows a
better interpretation of the findings derived from the systematic network
of observation plots as specified in Commission Regulation (EEC) No
1696/87 (4), as last amended by Regulation (EEC) No 836/94 (5);
Whereas applications for aid submitted under Regulation (EEC) No
3528/86 for the purpose of carrying out an intensive, continuous
surveillance referred to in Article 2 (1) should contain all the information
needed for an examination of these measures in the light of the objectives
and criteria of that Regulation; whereas this information should be
presented in a standardized form to facilitate examination and a
comparison of applications;
Whereas the measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance
with the opinion of the Standing Forestry Committee,
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
Article 1
1. A network of permanent observation plots shall be installed by the
Member States. By 30 June 1994, the selection of the plots shall be
completed and over 50 % of the plots shall be installed, according to the
common methods for the establishment of a network of permanent
observation plots for intensive, continuous monitoring (see Annex I).
The last plots shall be installed before 30 June 1995. For all plots the
Member States shall forward to the Commission by 15 December 1994 a!B
(1) OJ No L 326, 21. 11. 1986, p. 2.
(2) OJ No L 217, 31. 7. 1992, p. 1.
(3) December 1990, Strasbourg.
(4) OJ No L 161, 10. 6. 1987, p. 1.
(5) OJ No L 97, 15. 4. 1994, p. 4.1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 2
review of the selection criteria and a complete list of the selected plots,
including basic information such as location (longitude, latitude,
altitude) and species, as well as the general plot information for each
installed observation plot in a standardized form as specified in Annex
VIIa.
"M22.3"M3On the permanent observation plots intensive and
continuous surveillance of the forest ecosystems shall be carried out.
This contains the continuous inventory on the crown condition, the
inventory of soil and foliar condition and measurements on increment
changes, deposition rates, meteorology, soil solution sampling and
analysis and ground vegetation assessment in accordance with objective
sampling methods and analysed in accordance with established methods
3.
3. Member States shall forward to the Commission in standardized
form before the end of every year at least all data measured during the
year before for each permanent observation plot as specified in Annex
VIIa together with a data accompanying report as specified in Annex
VIIb. In addition, an annual progress report on evaluations and
interpretations of results carried out on national level shall be forwarded
to the Commission before 31 December every year as specified in Annex
VIIb.
"M24.3"M3Technical details pertaining to the provisions of
this Article are set out in Annexes III to XI 3.
Article 2
1. Applications for aid from the Community:
— to establish or extend the network of permanent observation plots for
the intensive and continuous surveillance,
— to carry out the inventory of crown condition,
— to carry out the soil inventory,— to carry out the foliage inventory,
— to carry out the increment measurements,
— to carry out the deposition measurements,— to carry out the meteorological measurements,
— to carry out the sampling and analysis of soil solution,and
— to carry out the assessment of ground vegetation,
within the meaning of Article 2 (1) of Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86
shall contain the information and documents specified in Annex II to this
Regulation.
Applications shall be submitted in triplicate and in accordance with
Annex II.
Member States shall submit applications to the Commission before 1
November each year in respect for the following year.
2. Applications not meeting the requirements set out in paragraph 1 of
this Article shall not be considered.
Article 3
This Regulation shall enter into force on the third day following its
publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities .
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in
all Member States.!B
!M2
!B
!M2
!M3
!B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 3
!M3
ANNEX I
COMMON METHODS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NETWORK
OF PERMANENT OBSERV ATION PLOTS FOR INTENSIVE,
CONTINUOUS MONITORING
(Article 2(1) of Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 and its amendments)
I. General remarks
The purpose of the scheme mentioned in Article 2(1) to Regulation
3528/86 and its amendments is to establish a network of permanentobservation plots in the Member States of the Community and to collect
data by intensive and continuous surveillance.
The objectives of the scheme are:— to conduct an intensive and continuous monitoring of forest
ecosystems in relation to the damage caused by atmospheric pollution
and other factors influencing forest condition,
— to improve the understanding of the causal relationship between
changes in forest ecosystem and the factors influencing it especially
atmospheric pollution, by concentrating at a single location various
measurements and monitoring of forest ecosystems and its com-ponents,
— to obtain relevant information on the evolution of a number of forest
ecosystems in the Community.
II. Establishment of the network of permanent observation plots
II.1. Selection of plots
Member States selected by 30 June 1994 a sufficiently large number of
permanent observation plots in their country. Since then some Member
States have completed their national intensive monitoring programme by
additional plots. The maximum number of these plots should be inprinciple limited for each Member State up to 15 plots, but Member Statesare allowed to select a larger number of plots under the condition that the
number will not exceed 20 % of the number of national plots of the
Community’ s 16 x 16 km gridnet (Regulation (EEC) No 1696/87).
The selection of these plots are in the responsibility of the Member States,
although the following criteria for the selection should be applied:
— the plots should be located in such a way that the more important
forest species and more widespread growing conditions in therespective country are represented,
— the minimum size of a plot shall be 0,25 hectares measured on a
horizontal plane,
— to minimise the effects from activities on surrounding areas the plot
shall be surrounded by a buffer zone. The actual width of the zone
depends on the type and age of the forest. If the area of the plot and its
surroundings is uniform with regard to height and age structure, thewidth of the buffer zone can be restricted to 5 or 10 m. If the forestarea in which the plot is located consists of mixed stands, different
species or age structure, the buffer zone shall be enlarged to up to five
times the potential maximum height of the forest in the plot,
— as the plot will have to be available for long duration monitoring, it is
necessary that the corners and/or boundaries are clearly marked and
that each sample tree in the plot is numbered in a permanent way,
— the plots should be easily accessible at all times and no restriction
with regard to the access and sampling should exist,
— there should be no differences in the management of the plot, its
buffer zone and the surrounding forest (e.g. management operationsshould be comparable), and disturbances caused by the monitoringshould be kept to a minimum),
— direct pollution from known local sources should be avoided. Plots
should not be located in the immediate vicinity of farms, very close tomain roads or in direct vicinity of polluting industries,1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 4
— a sufficient number of trees should be available for sampling in or
near the plot,
— the plots and the buffer zone should be as uniform as possible
regarding, e.g. species or species mixture, age, size, soil and slope,
— the plots should be located sufficiently far away from the forest edge.
It is recommended to select plots which have been monitored in recent
years within the framework of Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 or other
programmes. When additional plots have to be selected it is recommendedthat plots are identical to or located near one of the existing plots of theCommunity’ s 16 x 16 km network and that plots are located in such a way
that information from other sources (e.g. meteorological stations) can be
used.
II.2. Installation and documentation of the plot
Member States submitted to the Commission in 1994 the general data and
a detailed description of each plot.
The detailed description of the plot includes; the exact location of the plot,
a sketch map showing the permanent marking other plot corners and/or
boundaries, the number of trees in the plot and any other relevant
permanent elements in or near the plot (e.g. access road, rivers). In thefuture, the exact location of sample sites (e.g. soil pits) shall also berecorded on this map.
II.3. Definition of a subplot
In principle all trees in the total plot are to be included in the sample for
the tree assessment (e.g. crown inventory, increment assessment). Where
the plot has many trees (i.e. dense stands), a subplot may be defined to be
used for these surveys. The size of the subplot at the time of theinstallation of the plot should be large enough to give reliable estimates forthese surveys for a minimum of 20 years, preferably throughout the life of
the stand. A minimum of at least 20 trees in the subplot should be available
in this period.
II.4. General information on each plot
The following general information on each permanent observation plot for
intensive and continuous monitoring shall be collected during theinstallation and the first surveys:
Installation First surveys
— Descriptive code
Country
Observation plot numberActual latitude and longitude
— Site data
Altitude
Orientation
Total plot sizeNumber of trees in plotSubplot (if any)
availability of water to the principal species
humus typesoil unit (estimate)
— Stand data
Mean age of dominant storey,
Main tree species
Yield (estimate)!
M31994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 5
Installation First surveys
— Other observation
History of the plot
Other monitoring station situated nearby
Where additional plots are installed in order to complete the national
intensive monitoring programme the Member States shall forward to theCommission for each installed plot the information collected during theinstallation using a datafile (see Annex VIIa, Form la) and reports (see
Annex VIIa, Form 1b) by the end of the same year in which
(re-)installation took place. Important information obtained during theyears of monitoring shall be submitted yearly using Forms 1a and 1b(Annex VII). The other information shall be submitted immediately after
the first relevant survey has been carried out and will be updated when
necessary.
III. Replacement of destroyed plots
III.1. General remarks
The selection of the plots for intensive monitoring is the responsibility of
Member States. For this selection a number of criteria is laid down in thisAnnex. Most Member States have developed their own strategy formonitoring their national forest ecosystems, aiming at the observation of
the more important tree species and growing conditions.
Although the plots were to be selected to be available for long term
monitoring a premature destruction of the plot is always possible, due tofire etc. In some cases a number of final samplings can still be carried out
before all trees of the plot have disappeared. The next step would be to
review the strategy behind the selection criteria and to decide what criteriaare to be applied to the selection procedure of the new plot.
III.2. Closure of a plot
The opportunity should be taken to make some final measurements/
assessments. If still possible before the (final) destruction of the plot, a(destructive) sampling of the monitored trees in the plot can be made.
After felling the exact tree length can be measured, stemdisks can be taken
and precise foliar sampling can be carried out.
III.3. Strategy
The monitoring strategy in most Member States includes aspects on the
forest area, forest ecosystem, species and often aspects of soil, meteor-ology and deposition levels. When a plot needs to be replaced theopportunity should be taken to verify whether the original strategy is still
valid and how the gap can best be filled. In this context it should be
considered that besides the original surveys (crown condition, soil, foliarand increment) additional surveys have been added to the programme inrecent years (deposition, meteorology, soil solution, ground vegetation,
remote sensing (
1)). It is therefore recommended to take into account the
evolution of the intensive monitoring programme when planning thereplacement of plots.
In general, however, it might be advisable that the new plots are situated in
the same region and have the same soil type, deposition level and tree
species as the destroyed plots.
III.4. Reinstallation of the plot
For the selection of new plots the same criteria apply as for the destroyed
plots. After installation of new plots some surveys, which are not repeatedquickly should be carried out as soon as possible (i.e. soil and remote
sensing). As the crown condition and foliage surveys are done yearly or
two-yearly no additional survey of this kind directly after plot installationis necessary. Where the next regular increment survey is scheduled more!
M3
(1) The technical details for the optional application of aerial photography on intensive
monitoring plots are laid down in the Manual on remote sensing applications edited by
the European Commission.1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 6
than three years after plot installation increment measurements should be
carried out directly after plot installation.
III.5. Special attention points
The reinstalled plots will be given a new number. Member States will
submit to the Commission together with the next regular data submission
information on the reason for the plot replacement, the results of last
observations/measurements made and the criteria applied for the selectionof the new plots.!
M31994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 7
!M3
ANNEX II
APPLICATION FOR AID FROM THE COMMUNITY IN RESPECT OF
THE MEASURES TO BE CARRIED OUT PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 2 OF
REGULATION (EEC) No 3528/86 AND ITS AMENDMENTS
Applications for aid must be presented in accordance with Annex A to
Commission Regulation (EEC) No 526/87 (1) together with a summary of the
information listed below and the completed table as included in this Annex asform 2a.
For each of the measures to be carried out in accordance to Article 2, information
on the following items shall be given:
1. Brief description of the measures
2. Applicant
Links between the applicant and the measures
3. Agency responsible for carrying out the measures
Object and scope of the agency’ s main activities
4. Detailed description of the measures
where:
(a) the measures relate to establishing or extending the network of
permanent observation plots for the intensive and continuous surveil-lance:
1. description of existing situation
2. geographical location and area of the region(s) concerned (plus
cartographical document)
3. number of permanent observation plots;
(b) the measures relate to the establishment and execution of an inventory of
the crown condition on the permanent observation plots:
1. description of existing situation
2. number of observation plots, which are be included in the the crown
condition inventory (form 2a)
3. detailed description of the sampling procedure used at plot level
(number of trees, markings, etc.)
4. indication of timetable for the execution of the projected measures
(form 2b);
(c) the measures relate to the establishment and execution of an inventory of
the soil condition on the permanent observation plots:
1. description of the existing situation
2. Number of permanent observation plots, which are to be included in
the soil condition inventory (form 2a)
3. detailed description of the sampling procedures used at plot level
(number of single samples, soil profile description, etc.)
4. detailed description of parameters to be determined and the analysis
methods to be applied including a clear description of any
calibration, correction, and/or recalculation needed to make the
results compatible with the results analysed according to theapproved methods
5. indication of the timetable for the execution of the projected
measures (form 2b);
(d) the measures relate to the establishment and execution of an inventory of
the foliar condition on the permanent observation plots:
1. description of the existing situation
2. number of permanent observation plots, which are to be included in
the foliar condition inventory (form 2a)
3. detailed description of the sampling procedures used at plot level
(number of single samples, description, etc.)
(1) OJ L 53, 21.2.1987, p. 14.1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 8
4. detailed description of parameters to be determined and the analysis
methods to be applied including a clear description of any
calibration, correction, and/or recalculation needed to make the
results compatible
5. indication of the timetable for the execution of the projected
measures (form 2b);
(e) the mesures relate to the establishment and execution of the measure-
ments of increment changes on the permanent observation plots:
1. description of the existing situation2. number of permanent observation plots, which are to be included for
the increment measurements (form 2a)
3. detailed description of the measurement procedures used at plot
level (number of measurements, description, etc.)
4. detailed description of parameters to be determined and the analysis
methods to be applied including a clear description of any
calibration, correction, and/or recalculation needed to make the
results compatible with the results analysed according to theapproved methods
5. indication of the timetable for the execution of the projected
measures (form 2b);
(f) the measures relate to the establishment and execution of the
measurements of deposition rates on the permanent observation plots:
1. description of the existing situation2. number of permanent observation plots, which are to be included for
the deposition measurements (form 2a)
3. detailed description of the measurement procedures used at plot
level (number of measurements, description, etc.)
4. detailed description of parameters to be determined and the analysis
methods to be applied including a clear description of any
calibration, correction, and/or recalculation needed to make theresults compatible with the results analysed according to theapproved methods
5. indication of the timetable for the execution of the projected
measures (form 2b);
(g) the measures relate to the establishment and execution of the
meteorological measurements on the permanent observation plots:
1. description of the existing situation
2. number of permanent observation plots, which are to be included for
the meteorological measurements (form 2a)
3. detailed description of the measurement procedures used at plot
level (number of measurements, description, etc.)
4. detailed description of parameters to be determined and the analysis
methods to be applied including a clear description of anycalibration, correction, and/or recalculation needed to make theresults compatible with the results analysed according to the
approved methods
5. indication of the timetable for the execution of the projected
measures (form 2b);
(h) the measures relate to the establishment and execution of the
measurements of soil solution on the permanent observation plots:
1. description of the existing situation2. number of permanent observation plots, which are to be included for
the measurements of soil solution (form 2a)
3. detailed description of the measurement procedures used at plot
level (number of measurements, description, etc.)
4. detailed description of parameters to be determined and the analysis
methods to be applied including a clear description of any
calibration, correction, and/or recalculation needed to make the
results compatible with the results analysed according to theapproved methods!
M31994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 9
5. indication of the timetable for the execution of the projected
measures (form 2b);
(i) the measures relate to the establishment and execution of an assessment
of the ground vegetation on the permanent observation plots:
1. description of the existing situation2. number of permanent observation plots, which are to be included in
the ground vegetation assessment (form 2a)
3. detailed description of the sampling procedures used at plot level
(number of sub-samples, description, etc.)
4. detailed description of parameters to be determined and the analysis
methods to be applied including a clear description of anycalibration, correction, and/or recalculation needed to make the
results compatible
5. indication of the timetable for the execution of the projected
measures (form 2b).
5. Cost of measures under 4(a) to 4(i) (form 2a)
1. Costs for the establishment or extending the network (4a)
1.1. costs per plot1.2. total costs
1.3. aid applied for from the Community
2. Costs of establishment, observation or sampling for each survey 4(b) to
4(i)
2.1. costs per plot2.2. total costs2.3. aid applied for from the Community
3. Costs of analysis and evaluation for each survey 4(b) to 4(i)
3.1. costs per plot3.2. total costs3.3. aid applied for from the Community
4. Total project costs (sum of costs for 1.2 (establishment), 2.2
(observations and/or sampling), and 3.2 (analysis and evaluation))
5. Total aid applied for from the Community (sum of costs for 1.3
(establishment), 2.3 (observations and/or sampling), and 3.3 (analysis
and evaluation))
6. Complete forms 2a and 2b
Date and signature!
M31994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 10
!M31994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 11
!M31994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 12
ANNEX III
COMMON METHODS FOR THE INVENTORY OF THE CROWN
CONDITION ON THE PERMANENT OBSERV ATION PLOTS
I. General remarks
The inventory shall be carried out on all permanent observation plots in
1994 and shall be repeated annually.
II. Inventory methodology
II.1. Selection of sample trees
In principle all pre-dominant, dominant and co-dominant trees (Kraft:
class 1 to 3) in the total plot are to be monitored. In the case that the plothas many trees (e.g. dense stands), the number of sample trees for the
crown assessment could be reduced by using a sub-plot (see Annex I
(II.3)). In the case of a sub-plot all the pre-dominant, dominant andco-dominant trees (Kraft: class 1 to 3) in the sub-plot are to be monitored.In certain cases it could be allowed that a different, but objective and
unbiased system is used to reduce or to select the number of trees to be
sampled. The same methods shall be applied every year and a minimum of20 trees shall be assessed each survey.
II.2. Date of assessment
The inventory is to be undertaken between the end of the formation of new
needles and leaves and before the autumnal leaf discolouration.
II.3. General background information
The following plot and tree information shall be collected:
— plot number,
— exposure,
— tree number,
— information on removals and mortality,
— tree species,
— social class,
— crown shading,
— visibility,and the date of assessment.
II.4. Assessment of sample trees
1 . Visual assessment of defoliation
Defoliation shall be estimated in 5 % steps in relation to a tree with
full foliage in local condition. The classification of trees into degreesof defoliation shall be carried out during the observation and shall be
registered in 5 % steps.
A tree with between 95 % and 100 % defoliation, which is still alive,
is scored as 99. The score 100 is reserved for dead trees.
2 . Visual assessment of discolouration
The classification of trees into degrees of discolouration shall be
carried out after the observations have been made.
The degrees of discolouration are defined as follows:!
B
!M2
!B
!M2
!B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 13
Class DiscolourationIndicative percentage of leaves
discoloured
0 None or negligible 0—10
1 Slight discolouration 11—252 Moderate discolouration 26—603 Severe discolouration 460
4 Dead
3 . Additional parameters
The additional parameters are listed below:— damage due to easily identifiable causes (insect, fungi, abiotic
agents…),
— identification of damage type,— observations on the tree in the plot.
II.5. Methods
In the sub-manual on visual assessment of tree condition on intensive
monitoring plots (ICP Forests) additional details on the selection of treesand the execution of assessments are laid down. Moreover, the sub-manual
contains technical information on the additional parameters to be assessed
as well as on the submission of these parameters. It is advised to follow thetechnical details laid down in this sub-manual and to submit on optionalbasis the results of the assessments of the optional parameters to the
Commission by applying the relevant details of the sub-manual.
"
M2II.6.3"M1Data transfer
The Member States shall forward to the Commission for each plot this
information in standardized forms (see Annex VII, Form 3a and 3b). 3!B
!M2
!B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 14
ANNEX IV
COMMON METHODS FOR THE SOIL INVENTORY ON THE
PERMANENT OBSERV ATION PLOTS
I. General remarks
The inventory is to be carried out on all permanent observation plots in the
period between 1994 and 1996. Soil condition data, which were collected
and analysed before 1994, but after 1 January 1991 could also be used if
the methods as described below have been applied. The inventory will berepeated on each individual sample plot every 10 years. This Annex isbased on results of the soil expert panel of UN-ECE/ICP on assessment
and monitoring of air pollution effects on forests (ICP forests). Reference
is made to the manual (1992) prepared by this expert panel. After twosampling periods a review of the parameters to be analysed in future soilsamples shall be made.
II. Inventory methodology
II.1. Selection of sample location
Soil samples will be statistically representative for the situation of the plot.
The soil samples will be collected from a profile pit and/or taken frombores. Care should be taken to avoid any disturbance of roots belonging to
sample trees.
II.2. General background information
The following general information shall be collected:
— plot number,— date of sampling and analysis.
II.3. Pedological and physical characterization of the sample plots
A pedological characterization shall be made for each sample plot. It is
advised to make the profile description according to the FAO-guidelines
(F AO guidelines for soil description , third edition (revised), Rome 1990) in
the buffer zone. Care should be taken that the profile description(s) is/aremade on a location which is representative for the actual sampling area. It
is recommended that the dry bulk density is determined from undisturbed
soil to enable the calculation of the total nutrient contents. If the dry bulkdensity is not determined, a reasonable estimate of this parameter shouldbe made. The determination of the soil granulometry is mandatory. The
particle size fractions are: 52 µm, 2-63 µm, 63-2000 µm (FAO). If 50 µm
is used to separate silt and sand fractions, conversion to 63 µm limit has tobe done.
II.4. Method of sampling
The soil samples shall be collected by depth or by horizon. For every
sampled layer or horizon, at least one representative composite sample will
be collected or several samples; the number of subsamples collected for
the composite sample and the sampling date shall be reported.!
B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 15
The organic layers (O- and H-) (*) are sampled separately. In case the
sampling is done by fixed depth, the following layers are to be used:
— 0 — 10 cm (it is advised to sample 0 — 5 and 5 — 10 separately),
— 10 — 20 cm,— 20 — 40 cm,
— 40 — 80 cm.
II.5. Transport storage and preparation
The samples shall be transported and stored in such a way that chemical
changes are minimized. The procedures of this transport and storage
(including waiting periods) shall be reported. Where applicable the
problems and deviations of these procedures shall be reported in detail. Itis advised to store part of the sample in a soil bank for comparative usewith future sampling (e. g in 10 years). Before the samples are analysed
the samples have to be prepared. Large items ( 42 mm) have to be
removed, the samples have to be dried (at a maximum of 40 °C), andmilled or sieved.
II.6. Analysis methods
In the ‘Manual on methodologies of forest soil sampling and analysis’
prepared by the soil expert panel of the ICP forests, the approved methodsfor the analysis of the various soil parameters are described. It is advised to
use the approved methods. In case other (national) methods are applied, the
comparability of the analysis results shall be reported in detail togetherwith the presentation of the analysis results. The inventory of the forest soilcondition will distinguish between mandatory and optional parameters (see
list).
Mandatory and optional parameters and their respective approved method
for analysis:
Parameter Units H/O Min Approved methods Remarks
pH (CaCl 2) Mandatory Mandatory Labex 8703-01-1-1 and
ISO/TC190/SC3/GT8
Carbon organic (C-org) (g/kg) Mandatory Mandatory Dry combustion
Nitrogen (N) (g/kg) Mandatory Mandatory Dry combustion
Phosphorus (P) (mg/kg) Mandatory Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Potassium (K) (mg/kg) Mandatory Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Calcium (Ca) (mg/kg) Mandatory Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Magnesium (Mg) (mg/kg) Mandatory Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Organic layer (OrgLay) (kg/m2) Mandatory Volume (cylindric)-dry-
weight
Calcium carbonate
(CaCO 3)(g/kg) Optional Mandatory AFNOR X 31-105 if pH (CaCl 2)46
Exchangeable acidity
(Ac-Exc)(cmol+/kg) Optional Mandatory Titration!B
(*) The soil expert panel of the UN-ECE/ICP has agreed to use the definitions as given in the
FAO-guidelines for soil description (1990), and the definitions of the organic layers (O-and H-) are as follows:
H-horizons or layers: layers dominated by organic material, formed from accumulations
of undecomposed or partially decomposed organic material at the soil surface which maybe underwater. All H-horizons are saturated with water for prolonged periods or wereonce saturated but are now artificially drained. An H-horizon may be on the top of
mineral soils or at any depth beneath the surface if it is buried.
O-horizons or layers: layers dominated by organic material, consisting of undecomposed
or partially decomposed litter, such as leaves, needles, twigs, moss and lichens, which hasaccumulated on the surface; they may be on top of either mineral or organic soils.
O-horizons are not saturated with water for prolonged periods. The mineral fraction of
such material is only a small percentage of the volume of the material and generally ismuch less than half of the weight. An O-layer may be at the surface of a soil or at anydepth beneath the surface if it is buried. An horizon formed by illuviation of organic
material into a mineral subsoil is not an O-horizon, though some horizons formed in this
matter contain much organic matter.1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 16
Parameter Units H/O Min Approved methods Remarks
Base cations exchange-
able (BCE)(cmol+/kg)) Optional Mandatory Extractant: BaCl 2
Acid cations exchange-
able (ACE)(cmol+/kg) Optional Mandatory Extractant: BaCl 2
Cation exchange capacity
(CEC)(cmol+/kg) Optional Mandatory Bascomb
Base saturation (BaseSat) (%) Optional Mandatory Labex L8703-26-1-1
Sodium (Na) (mg/kg) Optional Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Aluminium (Al) (mg/kg) Optional Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Iron (Fe) (mg/kg) Optional Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Chromium (Cr) (mg/kg) Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Nickel (Ni) (mg/kg) Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Manganese (Mn) (mg/kg) Optional Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Zinc (Zn) (mg/kg) Optional Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Copper (Cu) (mg/kg) Optional Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Lead (Pb) (mg/kg) Optional Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Cadmium (Cd) (mg/kg) Optional Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Mercurium (Hg) (mg/kg) Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Sulphur (S) (mg/kg) Optional Optional Extractant: aqua regia
pH (H 2O) Optional Optional pH-electrode
Electric conductivity
(EC)(mS/m) Optional Optional EC-metre
Member States are free to analyse more, all, or part of the optional
parameters.
II.7. Data transfer
The Member States shall forward to the Commission for each plot this
information in a standardized form (see Annex VII, Form 4a, 4b, and 4c).!B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 17
ANNEX V
COMMON METHODS FOR THE FOLIAGE INVENTORY ON THE
PERMANENT OBSERV ATION PLOTS
I. General remarks
The inventory is to be carried out on all permanent observation plots. The
first common inventory shall be completed before the summer of 1996.Although it is recommended to carry out the foliage inventory in the
indicated periods of summer 1995 and winter 1995/96, it could be allowed
that the inventory is split over two years. The inventory will be repeated oneach individual plot in a two year interval. The following technical detailsare based on the results of the expert panel for foliar analysis of ICP
forests. Reference is made to the manual (1993) prepared by this expert
panel.
II. Inventory methodology
II.1. Date of sampling
Deciduous species (including larch): sampling must be done when the new
leaves are fully developed, and before the very beginning of the autumnalyellowing and senescence. Evergreen species: sampling must be doneduring the dormancy period. Member States are requested to define for
each region, and inside each region for plains and mountains, the most
convenient period for the sampling and analysis of the various species, andto keep to this period.
II.2. Selection of trees
Every second year, at least five trees of each main species present in the
plot are sampled.
The number of trees needed for the sampling are selected in such a way
that:
— the trees are different from those used for the crown assessment, in
order to avoid that successive samplings introduce loss of foliage,
— in case the vitality assessment is restricted to the trees in the sub-plot,
the trees for the foliage sampling shall be selected from the remainingpart of the total plot. If no sub-plot is used the trees for sampling shall
be selected from the trees in the buffer zone. In this case the trees
selected for sampling in the buffer zone shall be given a specialnumber (see Annex VII),
— the trees belong to the predominant and dominant classes (forest with
closed canopy) or to the trees with average height ± 20 % (forest with
open canopy),
— the trees are in the vicinity of the locations where soil samples were
taken for anaylsis; however care must be taken that the main roots of
the sample trees have not been damaged by soil sampling,
— the trees are representative of the mean defoliation level of the plot
(± 5 % of the mean foliage loss),
— the trees are representative of the sanitary status of the plot.
The same sample trees shall be sampled over the years; the trees must be
numbered. For species with small crowns and too few needles (or leaves)per year, it is allowed (but not recommended) to alternate between two setsof five trees, when necessry to avoid damage to the sample trees. Each set
mut respond to the above conditions.
Only trees of the main species of the Community are to be sampled (see
Annex VII, item 15).
Trees which are used for the sampling of foliage, shall be assessed on
crown condition (see Annex III), using the existing or the specially
assigned numbers.
II.3. General background information
The following information shall be collected:
— plot number,
— data of sampling and analysis;!
B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 18
— tree species.
II.4. Selection and quantity of leaves and needles
The trees in the plot cannot be felled, which may influence the sampling
method of leaves or needles. It is important that sampled leaves or needleshave developed in full light. Generally speaking the current year needles or
leaves of evergreen species are most convenient for judging the nutrition
level but, for a number of elements, comparing element concentration inolder needles with that in current year needles may be interesting.
The sampled leaves or needles must be taken from the upper third of
crown, but not from the very first whorls in the conifers; in stands where
the different whorls can be clearly identified, it is advisable to samplebetween the seventh and the 15th whorl.
For deciduous species, sampling is done on current year leaves or needles.
For evergreen species, sampling of both the current year needles or leaves
and the second year needles or leaves (current + 1) is recommended.
For all species it is necessary to take care that leaves or needles which are
sampled are mature ones, especially for species which have several flushes
per year (e.g. Pinus Halepensis, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Eucalyptus sp.
Quercus sp. ,F o r Larix sp. andCedrus sp. samples are taken of the short
twigs of the previous year.
In general sampling must be carried out in such a way that all the
orientations are represented in the set of sample trees. If necessary it is
allowed to sample different orientations on each tree of the sample set. Inspecial sites with evident influence of one orientation (e.g. steep slopes orstrong dominant wind) only one orientation is sampled, which always has
to be the same. In such cases, it is necessary to document the orientation.
For the analysis of major elements and Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, the recommended
quantity is 30 grams of fresh needles or leaves for each sampled age class.
Each country may decide to sample a larger quantity of leaf material,
according to the need of its own analytical methods, or in order to
conserve samples for the future.
II.5. Means of sampling
As trees cannot be felled, any convenient way of sampling, taking into
consideration kind and size of stands etc., is acceptable, provided that itdoes not lead to contamination of the sample, to heavy tree damage, or torisks for the sampling team.
II.6. Pretreatment before sending the samples to the laboratories for analysis
At least five trees of each main species present in the plot are sampled; the
five samples are individually preserved in bags; for analysis, a composite
sample is made by mixing equal quantities of each of the five samples (in
case the five trees are analysed individually, the mean value is calculatedfor each element).
For broadleaves, it may be advisable to detach the leaves from the twigs
(and even, in certain species, the small leaves from the axis) bus this is not
necessary for the conifer needles. The shoots of the current year and thoseof the second year are separated and preserved in separate bags. The useofpierced high density polyethylene bags is recommended. If possible,
samples are dried in a clean room and stored in a cool place in pierced
polyethylene bags.
Great care must be taken to clearly mark each sample (forest, number of
plot, species, age of needles, etc.) before sending it to the laboratory for
analysis. These identifications must be given outside the bag (directly on
the bag by indelible ink, or by clasping a label on the bag). It isrecommended to repeat these identifications inside the bag on a paperlabel written with indelible ink. The label should be folded in order to
avoid leaves or needle contamination by contact with ink.
II.7. Treatment before analysis
The determination of the mass of 100 leaves or 1 000 needles, as well as
the shoot mass, are recommended for the intensive and continuous
surveillance on the permanent observation plots and the current year shoot.
It is not necessary to cut the petioles of the leaves but in case of compound
leaves it may be advisable to detach the small leaves from the axis if this
has not been done in the forest. To avoid contamination, no powdered
plastic gloves shall be used.!
B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 19
It is not necessry to systematically wash the samples, but it may be
advisable in regions with a high level of air pollution or near the sea. The
samples shall be washed with water without any additions.
Oven drying must be done at no more than 80 °C for at least 24 hours. The
needles shall be removed from the twigs with the same precautions as fordetaching the small leaves from their axis.
Dry samples shall be ground in order to obtain a fine powder, as
homogeneous as possible. There will always remain some fibres,depending on the tree species; this is not a major inconvenience if theyare small and if the powder is mixed carefully before taking samples for
analysis. For Mn, Fe, Cu, Cd, Al and Pb determination, it has to be assured
that the grinder does not contaminate the samples. The grinder may betested by grinding dried fibrous cellulose and analysing it for theseelements before and after the grinding.
II.8. Chemical analyses
Only the total element concentration is determined.
In the ‘Manual on methodologies for leaf and needle sampling and
analyses’ prepared by the foliar expert panel of the ICP forests, the
indicative methods for the analysis of the various foliar parameters aredescribed.
Each country is allowed to use its national methods. But is is necessary to
compare the total element concentrations obtained by national methods
with those certified on the reference standard samples. The foliageinventory will distinguish between mandatory and optional parameters (seelist below).
Parameters
Mandatory parameters Optional parameters
Nitrogen (N)
Sulphur (S)
Phosphorus (P)
Calcium (Ca)
Magnesium (Mg)
Potassium (K)Sodium (Na)
Zinc (Zn)
Manganese (Mn)
Iron (Fe)
Copper (Cu)
Lead (Pb)
Aluminium (Al)
Borium (B)
Member States are free to analyse more, all, or part of the optional
parameters.
II.9. Data transfer
The Member States shall forward to the Commission for each plot this
information in a standardized form (see Annex VII, Form 5a, 5b, and 5c).!B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 20
ANNEX VI
COMMON METHODS FOR INCREMENT CHANGE MEASUREMENTS
ON THE PERMANENT OBSERV ATION PLOTS
I. General remarks
The first measurement is to be carried out on all permanent observation
plots in the period 1994 until 1996.
The measurement of the growth is divided into two parts:— periodic measurements on tree parameters,
— tree ring analysis by means of increment cores and stem discs
(optional).
The periodic measurements will be repeated on each individual plot in the
dormancy period 1999 to 2000 and will then be repeated in a five yearinterval. The sampling and analysis of increment cores and stem discs
could be carried out once preferably during the installation or soon after.
The following technical details are based on the results of the expert panel
on increment of ICP forests. Reference is made to the manual prepared bythis expert panel.
The methodologies described here are inappropriate for maquis and similar
vegetation types.
II. Inventory methodology
II.1. Date of measurements
Measurements should be done during the dormancy period.
II.2. Selection of sample trees
In principle all trees in the total plot are to be monitored. In the case that
the plot has many trees (e.g. dense stands), a sub-plot may have beendefined to be used for the tree assessment (e.g. crown assessment andincrement). In this case the trees in the sub-plot are to be monitored. The
size of the sub-plot at the time of the inventory should be large enough to
give reliable estimates for stand increment over the entire measurementperiod. The exact size of this sub-plot shall be determined and reported.
II.3. Methods
Periodic measurements
Every five years, all trees in the (sub-)plot are measured.Tree ring analysis (increment cores and stem disc)
As the sampling of increment cores could influence other measurements
these samples are taken from trees outside the plot. As trees for stem discsampling have to be felled, the trees selected have to be so far away fromthe plot that no effects of this removal can affect the monitored trees in the
plot. At the same time the sample trees shall be representative to the trees
in the plot. Whenever possible, maximum use shall be made of trees felledduring normal management operations.
II.4. General background information
The following information shall be collected:
— plot number,— data of sampling and analysis,— tree number.!
B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 21
II.5. Parameters to be measured
Mandatory parameters Optional parameters
Periodic measurements Tree species
Diameter at breast
height (DBH)
Information on man-
agement operationsBark
Tree height
Crown height
Crown width
V olume estimates
Tree ring analysis Ring width
History of the tree di-
ameter under bark in
five years intervals
Basal area and volume
estimates
Member States are free to analyse more, or part of the optional parameters.
Member States are allowed to use their own national system and methods.
Suggested methods and details on measurements procedures are described
in the ‘Submanual on increment’ prepared by the increment panel of theICP forests.
II.6. Data transfer
The Member States shall forward to the Commission for each plot this
information in a standardized form (see Annex VII, Forms 6a, 6b, 6c and6d).!
B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 22
ANNEX VII
COMMON GUIDELINES FOR THE REPORTING OF THE RESULTS OF
THE SURVEILLANCE ON THE PERMANENT OBSERV ATION PLOTS
AND THEIR INTERPRETATION
I. General remarks
The purpose of the network of permanent observation plots is to obtain
detailed data on the evolution of forest ecosystems in the Community and
to try to correlate the variation of environmental factors, especiallyatmospheric pollution, and the reaction of the forest ecosystems.
This purpose can only be reached by evaluating the results on the plot
level. Comparison between the results of different permanent plots on
regional or Community level will have to be done with great care. It isrecommended that the validated data of each survey (or completed part) issubmitted to the Commission as soon as the data become available, using
the standardized forms in this Annex.
Member States shall forward to the Commission the data collected from
the different inventories carried out between 1991 and 1996 for eachpermanent plot together with an interpretation of the results per plot. By 31
December 1996, all data and the national interpretation shall be available
at the Commission in a standardized form for further evaluation.
The validated data from the inventories after 1996 will be forwarded to the
Commission upon completion of the surveys, with new deadlines every
five years (e.g. 31 December 2001, 2006, etc.).
In this Annex the detail on the submission of the inventory results and their
interpretation are presented.
II. General technical information for the submission of data
II.1. Hardware requirements
As medium for the data submission, the 3,5 @floppy disk (DSDD or HD)
has been selected. This floppy has become a worldwide standard and is
cheap and durable. Diskettes of good quality are to be used.
II.2. Software requirements
The diskettes are to be formatted on the appropriate density (DSDD = low
density and HD = high density), using DOS 2.1 or higher, and should be100 % IBM compatible. All information on the diskette shall be in ASCIIcharacters.
II.3. Data files
Each diskette (or set of diskettes) shall contain the plot and data files; the
file with the summarized information of the plots (plot file), and file(s)
with the inventoried results per survey (data files). Details on the names
and the contents of these files are presented in Annex VIIa.
II.4. Example on diskette
On request a diskette with an example of the structure and contents of the
files can be supplied.!
B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 23
ANNEX VIIa
SUBMISSION OF DATA PER PERMANENT PLOT IN A DIGITAL
FORMAT
Review of file names per survey
In the Annexes before, the details have been desribed of the inventory methods.
After assessment, sampling/analysis, validation and evaluation, the data are to be
submitted to the Commission in a standardized form. In this Annex the
standardized form for each assessment is defined.
For each assessment the validated data are to be presented in one or more files
with a standard format.
Assessment Annex Frequency File name(s)
Installation I Once XXGENER.PLT
Crown assessment III Y early XX1995.PLT,XX1995.TRE
Soil inventory IV Fiv e o r 1 0
yearlyXX1995.PLS,XX1995.SOM,XX1995.SOO
Foliage inventory V Two yearly XX1995.PLF ,XX1995.FOM,XX1995.FOO
Increment VI Five yearly XX1995.PLI,XX1995.IPM,XX1995.IRA,XX1995.IEV
Deposition VIII Continuous XX1995.PLD, XX1995.DEM, XX1995.DEO, XX1995.DEA
Meteorology IX Continuous XX1995.PLM, XX1995.MEM, XX1995.MEC, Form 8d,
XX1995.MEO et XX1995.MED
Soil solution X Continuous XX1996.PSS, XX1996.SSM, XX1996.SSO
Ground vegetation XI Five yearly XX1996.PL V , XX1996.VEM
Each file name consists of a two-letter country code (represented by XX in the list
of names), followed by the year of assessment (in the example 1996) or GENER
when the information is given once, a dot (.) and in the extension a three-letter
code. This three letter code for the plot files consists of the letters PL and the firstletter(s) of the assessment soil, foliage increment, deposition, meteorology, soilsolution and ground vegetation. The three-letter code for the datafiles consists of
two (or one) letters) for soil, foliage, increment, deposition, meteorology, soil
solution or ground vegetation and one (or two) letters) to indicate mandatory,optional or the different parts of the increment assessment (evaluation), depositionassessment (air).!
B
!M1
!M2
!M31994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 24
Form 1a
XXGENER.PLT
Contents of file with the information on plot level to be completed during installation (See Annex I)
!B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 25
Form 1b
!B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 26
!M2
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 27
!M2
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 28
Form 4a
XX1993.PLS
Contents of reduced plot file to be used in combination with the forest soil inventory (see Annex IV)
!B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 29
Form 4b
XX1993.SOM
Contents of file with soil analysis information (mandatory)
!B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 30
!B
Form 4c
XX1993.SOO
Contents of file with soil analysis information (optional)
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 31
!B
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 32
Form 5a
XX1993.PLF
Contents of reduced plot file to be used in combination with the survey of chemical content of needles and leaves (see
Annex V)
!B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 33
!M3
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 34
Form 5c
XX1993.FOO
Contents of file with foliar analysis information (optional)
!B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 35
Form 6a
XX1993.PLI
Contents of reduced plot file to be used for increment (see Annex VI)
!B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 36
Form 6b
XX1993.IPM
Contents of file with increment information — periodic measurements
!B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 37
!B
Form 6c
XX1993.IRA
Contents of file of increment information — ring analysis and stem disc analysis (optional)
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 38
!B
Form 6d
XX1993.IEV
Contents of evaluated data on increment (optional)
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 39
!M1
Form 7a
XX1995.PLD
Contents of reduced plot file to be used in combination with the deposition measurements
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 40
!M1
Form 7b
XX1995.DEM
Contents of datafile with deposition measurements (mandatory parameters)
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 41
!M1
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 42
!M1
Form 7c
XX1995.DEO
Contents of datafile with deposition measurements (Optional)
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 43
!M1
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 44
!M1
Form 7d
XX1995.DEA
Contents of datafile with air concentration measurements (Optional)
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 45
!M3
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 46
!M3
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 47
!M3
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 48
!M3
!M21994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 49
!M2
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 50
!M2
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 51
!M31994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 52
!M3
1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 53
CODE LISTS FOR THE SURVEY DATA OF THE PERMANENT
OBSERV ATION PLOTS TO BE FORW ARDED TO THE COMMISSION
The following instructions and codes are to be adopted by the Member States to
complete the common observation
Information on plot level
(1) Country
01 : France
02 : België — Belgique
03 : Nederland
04 : Deutschland
05 : Italia
06 : United Kingdom07 : Ireland08 : Danmark
09 : Ellas
10 : Portugal11 : España12 : Luxembourg
13 : Sverige
14 : Österreich
15 : Suomi-Finland
(2) Observation plot number
The observation plot number corresponds to a unique number given to the
permanent plot during the selection or installation.
(3) Date of observation, date of assessment, date of analysis
Dates shall be completed in the following order day, month and year:
Day Month Y ear
08 09 94
(4) Latitude-/ longitude coordinates
Fill in the full six figure latitude and longitude coordinates of the centre of
the observation plot.
e.g.
+/− Degrees Minutes Seconds
— latitude +501027
— longitude −011532
the first box is used to indicate a + or − coordinate
(5) Availability of water to principal species (estimate)
1 : Insufficient
2 : Sufficient!B
!M2
!B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 54
3 : Excessive
(6) Humus type
1 : Mull
2 : Moder3: M o r
4 : Anmor
5 : Peat6 : Other7 : Raw (Roh)
(7) Altitude
1: 450 m
2 : 51— 100 m
3 : 101— 150 m4 : 151— 200 m5 : 201— 250 m
6 : 251— 300 m
7 : 301— 350 m8 : 351— 400 m9 : 401— 450 m
10 : 451— 500 m
11 : 501— 550 m12 : 551— 600 m13 : 601— 650 m
14 : 651— 700 m
15 : 701— 750 m16 : 751— 800 m17 : 801— 850 m
18 : 851— 900 m
19 : 901— 950 m20 : 951—1 000 m21 : 1 001—1 050 m
22 : 1 051—1 100 m
23 : 1 101—1 150 m24 : 1 151—1 200 m25 : 1 201—1 250 m
26 : 1 251—1 300 m
27 : 1 301—1 350 m28 : 1 351—1 400 m29 : 1 401—1 450 m
30 : 1 451—1 500 m
31 : 1 501—1 550 m32 : 1 551—1 600 m33 : 1 601—1 650 m
34 : 1 651—1 700 m
35 : 1 701—1 750 m36 : 1 751—1 800 m37 : 1 801—1 850 m
38 : 1 851—1 900 m
39 : 1 901—1 950 m40 : 1 951—2 000 m!
B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 55
41 : 2 001—2 050 m
42 : 2 051—2 100 m
43 : 2 101—2 150 m
44 : 2 151—2 200 m45 : 2 201—2 250 m46 : 2 251—2 300 m
47 : 2 301—2 350 m
48 : 2 351—2 400 m49 : 2 401—2 450 m50 : 2 451—2 500 m
51 : 42 500 m
(8) Orientation
1: N
2: N E3: E
4: S E
5: S6: S W7: W
8: N W
9 : flat
(9) Mean age of dominant storey (years)
1: 420
2 : 21— 40
3 : 41— 60
4 : 61— 805 : 81—1006 : 101—120
7: 420
8 : Irregular stands
(10) Soil unit
Fluvisols
101 Eutric Fluvisols
102 Calcaric Fluvisols
103 Dystric Fluvisols104 Mollic Fluvisols105 Umbric Fluvisols
106 Thionic Fluvisols
107 Salic Fluvisols
Gleysols
108 Eutric Gleysols
109 Calcic Gleysols110 Dystric Gleysols111 Andic Gleysols
112 Mollic Gleysols
113 Umbric Gleysols114 Thionic Gleysols!
B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 56
115 Gelic Gleysols
Regosols
116 Eutric Regosols
117 Calcaric Regosols118 Gypsic Regosols
119 Dystric Regosols
120 Umbric Regosols121 Gelic Regosols
Leptosols
122 Eutric Leptosols
123 Dystric Leptosols124 Rendzic Leptosols
125 Mollic Leptosols
126 Umbric Leptosols127 Lithic Leptosols128 Gelic Leptosols
Arenosols
129 Haplic Arenosols
130 Cambic Arenosols
131 Luvic Arenosols
132 Ferralic Arenosols133 Albic Arenosols134 Calcaric Arenosols
135 Gleyic Arenosols
Andosols
136 Haplic Andosols
137 Mollic Andosols
138 Umbric Andosols139 Vitric Andosols140 Gleyic Andosols
141 Gelic Andosols
Vertisols
142 Eutric Vertisols
143 Dystric Vertisols
144 Calcic Vertisols145 Gypsic Vertisols
Cambisols
146 Eutric Cambisols
147 Dystric Cambisols148 Humic Cambisols
149 Calcaric Cambisols
150 Chromic Cambisols151 Vertic Cambisols152 Ferralic Cambisols
153 Gleyic Cambisols
154 Gelic Cambisols!
B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 57
Calcisols
155 Haplic Calcisols
156 Luvic Calcisols157 Petric Calcisols
Gypsisols
158 Haplic Gypsisols
159 Calcic Gypsisols160 Luvic Gypsisols
161 Petric Gypsisols
Solonetz
162 Haplic Solonetz
163 Mollic Solonetz
164 Calcic Solonetz165 Gypsic Solonetz166 Stagnic Solonetz
167 Gleyic Solonetz
Solonchaks
168 Haplic Solonchaks
169 Mollic Solonchaks
170 Calcic Solonchaks171 Gypsic Solonchaks172 Sodic Solonchaks
173 Gleyic Solonchaks
174 Gelic Solonchaks
Kastanozems
175 Haplic Kastanozems
176 Luvic Kastanozems177 Calcic Kastanozems178 Gypsic Kastanozems
Chernozems
179 Haplic Chernozems
180 Calcic Chernozems
181 Luvic Chernozems
182 Glossic Chernozems183 Gleyic Chernozems
Phaeozems
184 Haplic Phaeozems
185 Calcaric Phaeozems186 Luvic Phaeozems
187 Stagnic Phaeozems
188 Gleyic Phaeozems
Greyzems
189 Haplic Greyzems
190 Gleyic Greyzems!
B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 58
Luvisols
191 Haplic Luvisols
192 Ferric Luvisols193 Chromic Luvisols194 Calcic Luvisols
195 Vertic Luvisols
196 Albic Luvisols197 Stagnic Luvisols198 Gleyic Luvisols
Lixisols
199 Haplic Lixisols
200 Ferric Lixisols
201 Plinthic Lixisols
202 Albic Lixisols203 Stagnic Lixisols204 Gleyic Lixisols
Planosols
205 Eutric Planosols
206 Dystric Planosols
207 Mollic Planosols
208 Umbric Planosols209 Gelic Planosols
Podzoluvisols
210 Eutric Podzoluvisols
211 Dystric Podzoluvisols212 Stagnic Podzoluvisols
213 Gleyic Podzoluvisols
214 Gelic Podzoluvisols
Podzols
215 Haplic Podzols
216 Cambic Podzols217 Ferric Podzols218 Carbic Podzols
219 Gleyic Podzols
220 Gelic Podzols
Acrisols
221 Haplic Acrisols
222 Ferric Acrisols223 Humic Acrisols224 Plinthic Acrisols
225 Gleyic Acrisols
Alisols
226 Haplic Alisols
227 Ferric Alisols
228 Humic Alisols229 Plinthic Alisols!
B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 59
230 Stagnic Alisols
231 Gleyic Alisols
Nitisols
232 Haplic Nitisols
233 Rhodic Nitisols234 Humic Nitisols
Ferralsols
235 Haplic Ferralsols
236 Xanthic Ferralsols
237 Rhodic Ferralsols238 Humic Ferralsols239 Geric Ferralsols
240 Plinthic Ferralsols
Plinthosols
241 Eutric Plinthosols
242 Dystric Plinthosols243 Humic Plinthosols
244 Albic Plinthosols
Histosols
245 Folic Histosols
246 Terric Histosols
247 Fibric Histosols
248 Thionic Histosols249 Gelic Histosols
Anthrosols
250 Aric Anthrosols
251 Fimic Anthrosols
252 Cumulic Anthrosols253 Urbic Anthrosols
(11) Size of total plot, size of sub-plot
The size of the total plot, or sub-plot shall be stated in 0,0001 ha.
(12) Number of trees in total plot
The total number of trees in the total plot. All trees from 5 cm (DBH) and
more are counted.
(13) Yield estimates
The yield estimates consist of an absolute and a relative yield estimate.
The absolute estimate will be the estimated average yield over the total life
period of the stand. The relative yield will indicate whether the absolute
yield estimate is considered to be low, normal or high for the stand. Thefollowing codes will be used:!
B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 60
Absolute yield code Relative yield code
0 = 0,0— 2,5 m3per hectare per year
1 = 2,5— 7,5 m3per hectare per year
2 = 7,5—12,5 m3per hectare per year
3 = 12,5—17,5 m3per hectare per year
4 = 17,5—22,5 m3per hectare per year
5=422,5 m3per hectare per year1 = Low
2 = Normal
3 = High
(99) Other Observations
Relevant information concerning the plot shall be stated here.
Information on tree level
to be used in the crown assessment
(14) Sample tree number
The tree number is the number which has been assigned to the tree during
the installation of the plot.
(15) Species (Reference Flora Europaea )
Broadleaves (* = species to be used for the foliage inventory)
001 : Acer campestre *
002 : Acer monspessulanum *
003 : Acer opalus
004 : Acer platanoides
005 : Acer pseudoplatanus *
006 : Alnus cordata *
007 : Alnus glutinosa *
008 : Alnus incana
009 : Alnus viridis
010 : Betula pendula *
011 : Betula pubescens *
012 : Buxus sempervirens
013 : Carpinus betulus *
014 : Carpinus orientalis
015 : Castanea sativa (C. vesca) *
016 : Corylus avellana *
017 : Eucalyptus sp. *
018 : Fagus moesiaca *
019 : Fagus orientalis
020 : Fagus sylvatica *
021 : Fraxinus angustifolia
spp. oxycarpa (F . oxyphylla) *
022 : Fraxinus excelsior *
023 : Fraxius ornus *
024 : Ilex aquifolium
025 : Juglans nigra
026 : Juglans regia
027 : Malus domestica
028 : Olea europaea *
029 : Ostrya carpinifolia *
030 : Platanus orientalis!B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 61
031 : Populus alba
032 : Populus canescens
033 : Populus hybrides *
034 : Populus nigra *
035 : Populus tremula *
036 : Prunus avium *
037 : Prunus dulcis (Amygdalus communis)
038 : Prunus padus
039 : Prunus serotina
040 : Pyrus communis
041 : Quercus cerris *
042 : Quercus coccifera (Q. calliprinos) *
043 : Quercus faginea *
044 : Quercus frainetto (Q. conferta) *
045 : Quercus fruticosa (Q. lusitanica)
046 : Quercus ilex *
047 : Quercus macrolepis (Q. aegilops)
048 : Quercus petraea *
049 : Quercus pubescens *
050 : Quercus pyrenaica (Q. toza) *
051 : Quercus robur (Q. peduculata) *
052 : Quercus rotundifolia *
053 : Quercus rubra *
054 : Quercus suber *
055 : Quercus trojana
056 : Robinia pseudoacacia *
057 : Salix alba
058 : Salix caprea
059 : Salix cinerea
060 : Salix eleagnos
061 : Salix fragilis
062 : Salix sp.
063 : Sorbus aria
064 : Sorbus aucuparia
065 : Sorbus domestica
066 : Sorbus torminalis
067 : Tamarix africana
068 : Tilia cordata
069 : Tilia platyphyllos
070 : Ulmus glabra (U. scabra, U. montana)
071 : Ulmus laevis (U. effusa)
072 : Ulmus minor (U. campestris, U. carpinifolia)
073 : Arbutus unedo
074 : Arbutus andrachne
075 : Ceratonia siliqua
076 : Cercis siliquastrum
077 : Erica arborea
078 : Erica scoparia
079 : Erica manipuliflora
080 : Laurus nobilis
081 : Myrtus communis
082 : Phillyrea latifolia
083 : Phillyrea angustifolia!B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 62
084 : Pistacia lentiscus
085 : Pistacia terebinthus
086 : Rhamnus oleoides
087 : Rhamnus alaternus
099 : Other broadleaves
Conifers (* = species to be used for the foliage inventory)
100 : Abies alba *
101 : Abies borisii-regis *
102 : Abies cephalonica *
103 : Abies grandis
104 : Abies nordmanniana
105 : Abies pinsapo
106 : Abies procera
107 : Cedrus atlantica
108 : Cedrus deodara
109 : Cupressus lusitanica
110 : Cupressus sempervirens
111 : Juniperus communis
112 : Juniperus oxycedrus *
113 : Juniperus phoenicea
114 : Juniperus sabina
115 : Juniperus thurifera *
116 : Larix decidua *
117 : Larix kaempferi (L. leptolepis)
118 : Picea abies (P . excelsa) *
119 : Picea omorika
120 : Picea sitchensis *
121 : Pinus brutia *
122 : Pinus canariensis
123 : Pinus cembra
124 : Pinus contorta *
125 : Pinus halepensis *
126 : Pinus heldreichii
127 : Pinus leucodermis
128 : Pinus mugo (P . montana)
129 : Pinus nigra *
130 : Pinus pinaster *
131 : Pinus pinea *
132 : Pinus radiata (P . insignis) *
133 : Pinus strobus
134 : Pinus sylvestris *
135 : Pinus uncinata *
136 : Pseudotsuga menziesii *
137 : Taxus baccata
138 : Thuya sp.
139 : Tsuga sp.
199 : Other conifers
(16) Defoliation
Defoliation figure for each sample tree expressed as a percentage (in steps
of 5 %) compared with a tree with complete foliage. The actual percentage
is used.!B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 63
0= 0 %
5= 1 - 5 %
10 = 6-10 %
15 = 11-15 %
etc.
(17) Discolouration codes
0 : no discolouration (0-10 %)
1 : slight discolouration (11-25 %)2 : moderate discolouration (26-60 %)
3 : severe discolouration ( 460 %)
4 : dead
(18) Easily identifiable causes of damage
Add a mark (1) in the corresponding column(s).
T1 = game and grazing
T2 = presence or traces of an excessive number of insectsT3 = fungi
T4 = abiotic agents (wind, snow, frost, drought, …)
T5 = direct action of manT6 = fireT7 = known local/regional pollutant
T8 = other
(19) Identification of damage type
Where possible, further identification of the damage type should be added,
e.g. for insects: the species or group (e.g. ‘bark beetles’).
(20) Other observations on tree level
Any additional observations which may be of interest shall be clearly
noted on the form, (e.g. possible influencing factors (recent drought,
temperature extremes); other damage/stress symtoms).
to be used in the soil condition inventory
(21) Code for depth level
O = Organic layer (see footnote in paragraph II.4 for definition)
H = Organic layer (see footnote in paragraph II.4 for definition)
M05 = Mineral soil between 0 and 5 cm (optional)M51 = Mineral soil between 5 and 10 cm (optional)M01 = Mineral soil between 0 and 10 cm (mandatory)
M12 = Mineral soil between 10 and 20 cm (mandatory)
M24 = Mineral soil between 20 and 40 cm (mandatory)M48 = Mineral soil between 40 and 80 cm (mandatory)
(22) Code of sampling analysis method (SAM)
For each parameter that has been determined in one or more soil samples,
one of the following codes is included in the first dataline, and used toindicate the sample type under sample code:
0 = no deviation from approved method
1 = parameters have been determined through an alternative method
(details to be included in an annex to the soil condition report),or first (sub)sample!
B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 64
2-8 = codes to be used for any subsequent subsamples
9 = parameters have been determined through recomputation of data
determined through a different method (details to be included in
the annex to the soil condition report)
to be used in the foliage inventory
(23) Sample code
The sample code for the foliage inventory consists of the tree species code
(see explanation item 15) followed by the code for leaves/needles of the
current year (=0) or of the current + 1 leaves/needles (1). e.g. the sample of
the needles of last year (1) of the Picea abies (118) is thus: 118.1
(24) Tree numbers of the sample
As in some samplings (foliage, increment) trees outside the normal plot (or
sub-plot) have to be used, special numbers have to be applied. The
numbers of these trees will start with a letter (F = foliage, R = ring analysisby increment borings, D = discs analysis) followed with a sequencenumber (e.g. F001). The numbers are to be reported.
(25) Mass of 100 leaves or 1 000 needles
The mass is determined of 100 leaves or 1 000 needles (oven-dry) in
grams.
(27) Diameter at breast height (DBH)
The diameter at breast height (1,30 m) over bark in 0,1 centimetres.When a diameter tape is used a single value will be needed. When calipers
are used the maximum and the minimum diameter (over bark) shall be
determined and reported (diameter 1 and diameter 2).
(28) Bark
The thickness of the bark at 1,30 m, expressed in centimetres with one
decimal.
(29) Height of the tree
The height of the tree expressed in metres and rounded off to the nearest
0,5 metres.
(30) Tree volume
Based on the measured diameter(s) and height, the tree volume can be
estimated using locally known form factors or through the use of validvolume tables. The tree volume shall be expressed in cubic metres (m
3)
with three decimals.
(31) Crown length
The length of the crown rounded off to the nearest 0,5 metres is
determined from the tip of the stem to the lowest live branch excludingwater shoots.
(32) Crown width
The average crown width is determined by the average of at least four
crown radii, multiplied by two, and rounded off to the nearest 0,5 metres.!
B
!M3
!B1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 65
(33) Diameter under bark
The actual diameter under bark is calculated as the diameter over bark
deducted with the width of the bark at the two sides. The diameter under
bark of five years ago is calculated as the actual diameter under bark lessthe increment of the last five years of the tree at both sides. The diameterunder bark is expressed in 0,1 centimeters.
(34) Basal area per plot
The actual basal area per plot is calculated as the total basal areas of all the
trees in the plot. The basal area per plot of five years ago is calculated on
the basis of the estimated diameter under bark of five years ago of all thetrees in the plot. Basal area per plot is expressed in 0,1 m
2.
(35) V olume per plot
The actual volume per plot is calculated as the total volume of all the trees
in the plot. The volume per plot of five years ago is calculated on the basis
of the estimated diameter under bark of five years ago of all the trees in the
plot. V olume per plot is expressed in 0,1 m3.
(36) Thinnings
If a thinning has taken place in the five-year period between the two years
of determination of diameter, basal area per plot and volume per plot, thiswill be indicated (Y es = 1, No = 0). In an additional part the details of this
thinning will be described as detailed as possible (including: thinning
method, exact year of thinning, thinning intensity expressed as number oftrees, basal area/ha, volume/ha).
(99) Other observations
Relevant information shall be stated here and explained in the
corresponding evaluation report (see Annex VIIb).
Information with regard to the deposition monitoring
(37) Sampler code
The following codes shall be used for the samplers for deposition.
1 : throughfall
2 : bulk deposition
3 : wet-only deposition
4 : stemflow5 : fog6 : frozen fog (rime)
7 : air concentration
9 : othersDetails on the equipment used shall be stated in an Annex to the document
with the background information.
(37a) Sample quantity
The total collected quantity of the sample(s) shall be divided by the
catchment area of the collectors) and shall be reported in mm.
(38) First and final dates of the monitoring period
The first and final dates of each monitoring period shall be stated on the
forms, using the same format as the date of observation, assessment andanalysis (see item 3).
A monitoring period shall consist of one or more measuring periods. The
measuring periods within one monitoring period should have the same
length. The minimum length of a measuring period is one week, themaximum one month.!
B
!M11994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 66
When it is necessary to use different measuring periods during the year
(e.g. weekly in summer and monthly in winter), two separate monitoring
periods shall be identified and the results shall be reported separately on
the forms.
(39) Number of measuring periods
The number of measuring periods in each monitoring period shall be
indicated in the forms.
(40) Period
The measuring period number in which the sample has been collected shall
be stated. Each year (on or around 1 January) a new set of measuringperiods will be started. When samples from several measuring periods arecombined before analysis, the exact details of the mixing shall be stated in
the annex to the document with background information. The number of
the first measuring period shall be used to indicate the period for analysis(e.g. when the samples from period 9, 10, 11 and 12 are combined into asingle sample for the analysis, this sample will be given the period number
9).
(41) Plot/instrument code
All instruments that are installed in or near the plot are given an
observation plot/instrument code. This code consists of the plot number
(up to four digits) and a sequential number for all instruments (up to 99).When instruments are replaced or added, new codes are applied. (e.g. thefifth instrument in plot 1234 will thus receive code 1234.05).
(42) Location
The location of the instrument is indicated:
S : instrument is located on site, i.e. in (the buffer zone) of the plot.
This could be under the canopy, above the canopy or in the forest
soil
F : instrument is located in a (nearby) open field in the forest areaW : instrument is located at a weather station (in general outside the
forest area)
O : instrument is located elsewhere.
(43) V ariable
Indication of the variable that is measured with the instrument
AT = air temperature
PR = precipitation
RH = relative humidity
WS = windspeed
WD = wind direction
SR = solar radiation
UR = UVb radiation
TF = throughfall
SF = stemflow
ST = soil temperature
MP = matric potential in the soil
WC = water content in the soil
XX = other codes for additional parameters may be used, but should
be specified in the DAR.!
M1
!M31994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 67
(44) Instrument information
Vertical position
The vertical position (height or depth) of the instruments shall be indicated
in metres with a plus (= height above the ground) or a minus sign (depthbelow the ground) using the format of two digits and two decimals.
Instrument code
The following codes shall be used for the samplers and recording method
of data:
10 : manual reading and recording on paper20 : mechanical recording (manual reading and recording on paper)
30 : direct paper recording
40 : digital recording (in stand alone situation)50 : digital recording (integrated datalogger)
Details of the equipment shall be given in the data accompanying report
(DAR).
Scanning interval (automatic instruments only)
The interval between two consecutive assessments shall be given stated in
seconds.
Storing interval (automatic instruments only)
The interval between two consecutive data storage moments shall be given
in minutes
(45) Parameters to be assessed in the meteorological monitoring
Precipitation and throughfall
The precipitation will be given as the daily sum, using the format of up to
four digits and one decimal.
Temperature (air and soil)
The temperature will given in °C, using the format of a plus/minus and two
digits plus one decimal. The daily mean, daily minimum and dailymaximum are to be submitted.
Relative Humidity
The relative humidity will be given as the daily mean, the minimum and
the maximum value reached per day, using the format of two digits and onedecimal.
Windspeed
The windspeed will be given as the daily mean and the maximum value
reached per day, using the format of two digits and one decimal.
Wind direction
The wind direction will be given as the prevailing wind per day. The wind
rose will be split into eight sections of 45° starting form 22,5° onwards(NE (=45°), E (=90°), SE (=135°)… N (=0°). The most frequent winddirection is reported by its middle value.
Solur radiation and UVb radiation
The solar radiation and the UVb radiation will be given as the daily mean
value, using the format of up to four digits and one decimal.
Stem flow
The stem flow will be calculated to mm precipitation and will be given as
the daily sum, using the format of up to four digits and one decimal.!
M31994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 68
Matric potential in the soil
The matric potential in the soil will be given in hPa, as the daily mean, the
minimum and the maximum value reached per day, using the format of up
to four digits and one decimal.
Water content in the soil
The water content in the soil will be given in V ol. % as the daily mean, the
minimum and the maximum value reached per day, using the format of up
to four digits and one decimal.
(46) Completeness
The completeness is an indicator of the coverage of the scanning and
storing procedures and is given in percentages using the format of up tothree digits ( l00 % = complete).
Information with regard to the soil solution monitoring
(51) Sampler number
The samplers in the plot shall be numbered in a permanent way (1 — 99).
(52) Sampler code
The following codes shall be used for the samplers for soil solution:
1 : Tension lysimeter2 : Zero tension lysimeter
3 : Centrifugation
4 : Saturation extraction
(53) Sampling depth
The sampling depth in metres below the surface (e.g. −0.40)
Information with regard to the tree condition assessment
(54) Exposure
1 No special exposure (plot located within a larger forest area with no or
gentle relief)
2 Limited exposure (plots near forest edge, on slopes, etc.)
3 Severely exposed plots (on mountain tops, etc.)
(55) Removals & Mortality
The tree has been cut and removed, only its stump has been left
11 planned utilization, e.g. thinning12 utilization for biotic reasons, e.g. insect damage13 utilization for abiotic reasons, e.g. windthrow
18 reason for disappearance unknown
Tree is still standing and alive, but condition parameters are no longer
assessed
21 lop-sided or hanging tree
22 heavy crown break (over 50 % of the crown) or broken stem!
M3
!M21994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 69
23 tree is no longer in Kraft class 1, 2 or 3 (not applicable to the first
inventory in a plot)
29 other reason (specify)
Standing dead tree
31 biotic reason, e.g. bark beetle attack32 abiotic reason, e.g. drought, lightning38 unknown cause of death
Trees that have fallen (living or dead)
41 abiotic reason, e.g. storm42 biotic reason, e.g. beavers48 unknown cause
Notes:
— class 22 is only applicable in those countries that do not record trees
with more than 50 % crown damage
— class 23 is only applicable in those countries who restrict sampling to
Kraft classes 1, 2 and 3
(56) Social Class
1 pre-dominant (including free standing trees) trees with upper crown
standing above the general level of the canopy
2 dominant — trees with crowns forming the general level of the canopy3 co-dominant — trees extending into the canopy and receiving some
light from above but shorter than 1 or 2
4 suppressed — trees with crowns below the general level of the canopy,
receiving no direct light from above
(57) Crown shading
1 crown significantly affected (shaded or physical interactions) on one
side
2 crown significantly affected (shaded or physical interactions) on two
sides
3 crown significantly affected (shaded or physical interactions) on three
sides
4 crown significantly affected (shaded or physical interactions) on four
sides
5 crown open-grown or with no evidence of shading effects
6 suppressed trees
(58) Visibility
1 whole crown is visible
2 crown only partially visible3 crown only visible with backlighting (i.e. in outline)
4 crown not visible
Information with regard to the ground vegetation assessment
(61) Plot/survey number
Each time (day), or situation (inside outside fence), that an assessment of
the ground vegetation is made on a given plot, a survey number is given.
By combining the plot number with the survey number a uniqueplot/survey number is created.!
M2
!M31994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 70
(62) Fencing
As the vegetation can be very different inside and outside a fence, it was
decided that in principle the ground vegetation is always surveyed outside
the fence. When a survey inside the fence is carried out this should be
reported as a separate survey and the fencing code indicated:
1 = Y es, survey within the fence,2 = No, survey was outside fenced area.
(63) Total sampled area
The total sample area shall be given in m
2in up to four digits. In the data
accompanying report (or DAR-Q) the exact details of the number of
repetitions, the location/orientation of the ground vegetation plots and the
sizes) of these plots shall be given.
(64) Height and cover of layers
The average height and estimated cover of the total ground vegetation
layer, the shrub layer, the herb layer and the moss layer shall be submittedas follows:
Height
(in m)Cover
(in %)
Total ground vegetation layer *
Shurb layer * *Herb layer * *
Moss layer *
* = to be submitted.
The average height of the layers shall be given in metres in one digit and
two decimals. The estimated cover shall be given as a % of the totalsampled area.
(65) Layers
The following layers are defined.
1 = free layer
2 = shrub layer
3 = herb layer
4 = moss layer9
>>=
>>;to be defined in DAR-Q
(66) Species code
A species code is to be applied, which consists of three groups of number
codes for the family, genus and species separated by dots (.). Most codesconsist of a three-digit number. Unfortunately one genus consists of athree-digit code plus the letters ‘bis’. The species code can be extended
with l letter to indicate a variety. The total list consists of over 11 000
species. This list will be made available in digital format by theCommission for use by the NFC’ s.
In cases where the Flora Europaea is not complete enough, a special list of
nationally important species could be prepared by the NFC. These national
species codes will consist of a new code number (family, genus andspecies), plus the country code (2 letters) separated by dots (.). The NFCwill maintain a complete list with all codes, including relevant details of
the species (full name, aliases, etc.) and shall include this fist in the DAR.
(67) Cover of plant species
Countries are free in the assessment of the abundance/cover of the plant
species. The submission of this cover is in % using up to five digits and
two decimals (999.99). In the DAR the complete assessment methods, aswell as the conversion to % shall be specified.!
M31994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 71
!M2
ANNEX VIIb
DETAILS FOR THE SUBMISSION OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION
ON THE MONITORING METHODS APPLIED AND THE RESULTS OF
EV ALUATION/INTERPRETATION OBTAINED ON NATIONAL LEVEL
I. General remarks
In addition to the submission of the data from the intensive monitoring of
forest ecosystems, Member States shall prepare and submit to theCommission a document with the background information on themonitoring methods applied (Data Accompanying Report, DAR) and an
annual report on the progress made in the interpretation/evaluation of
results on national level (annual progress report).
The DAR consists of two parts: the part describing the actually applied
methods of the sampling lay-out, the equipment used, the assessment, the
analysis, etc. (for details see paragraph II.1) and the part on exceptions and
disturbances encountered (for details see paragraph II.2).
Member States shall submit to the Commission every year a report on
progress made in the interpretation/evaluation of results on national level,starting from 1997 onwards. This report shall comprise
— information on the achievements of the National Focal Centre (NFC)
itself,
— an (up-dated) description of the national evaluation strategy,— a summary of the results achieved on national level, and
— information on publications made in this field on national or
international level by the NFC or other institutions involved.
Recommendations for interpretation and evaluation of results on national
level are given below in paragraph III.
II. Data Accompanying Report
II.1 Part of the DAR describing the methods actually applied, etc.
This part of the DAR describes the sampling lay-out methods actually
applied, the equipment used, the assessment, the analysis, etc. The
following details are given:
Inventory/Sampling methods
In many surveys of the intensive monitoring of forest ecosystems there is a
large freedom in the selection of equipment, sampling depths, timing,intensity of the survey, etc. The details of the equipment actually applied,the actual depth, timing and frequency of the survey/sampling shall be
stated. Whenever samples have been taken, details on this sampling
including the storage and transport, shall be stated.
Any applied control measurements shall be described in short.
Methods for analysis and calculation of results
With regard to the analysis of samples, details of the preparation of the
samples and methods applied in the analysis shall be given. In mostsurveys, certain methods for preparation and analysis are recommended.
Whenever methods different from the recommended methods have been
applied, exact details of these methods shall be given includingpossibilities for (re-) calculation of the obtained data. Any applied controlmeasurements (participation in ring tests, etc.) shall be described in short.
As a basis for the description of the methods, the DAR questionnaires that
have been developed by Forest Intensive Monitoring Coordination Instituteof the European Commission, in close collaboration with the chairmen ofthe expert panels of ICP Forests (UN/ECE), can be used for the general
description of the data assessment. The information submitted with the
help of the DAR questionnaires will remain valid over the years until theapplied methods are changed.
Special attention shall be given to observe and document changes in the
applied methods of the inventory, transport and analysis. Regional
differences shall be stated and explained in full detail (e.g. differentlaboratories used for analysis).1994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 72
II.2 Part of the DAR dealing with exceptions and disturbances encountered
(annual DAR)
In addition to the general information on the methods described by using
the DAR questionnaire, the specific problems, exceptions, disturbancesand validation problems of the data submitted each year, are to bedescribed.
Exceptions and disturbances
Exceptional situations and important disturbances from the routine shall be
reported. Besides the description of the applied methods for the sampling,analysis, etc., as presented in the DAR questionnaires, good documentationof the exceptions, exceptional situations and disturbances is needed. This
will be documented in an annual DAR report and submitted to the
Commission together with the submitted data.
Data validation and data management
The procedures applied for data quality control shall be given, including
limits of data rejection (plausibility checks) as well as the procedures that
have been applied to check the consistency of the national data sets.
When gaps exist in the data, estimates based on results from other sources
can be made in certain cases. These estimated data shall be indicated andthe used assumptions shall be carefully documented.
III. Annual report on progress made in the interpretation/evaluation of
results on national level
This report provides information on progress made in the interpretation/
evaluation of results on national level. For the interpretation/evaluation of
results on national level the following details are given:
General information
Member States shall execute an evaluation and interpretation of the
monitoring data on national level.
Member States are free to decide which evaluation and interpretation is
carried out on national level and reported to the Commission. However, the
following suggestions are given for this evaluation:
Single survey evaluation and interpretation
Whenever results from earlier surveys are available an attempt should be
made to determine trends. The results of the single survey should be
reviewed and compared to results from other (similar) surveys carried out
in the (same) region/country. Differences and similarities are to beindicated and when applicable the differences should be evaluated. Alsorelevant data from other sources, which could explain certain relations in
parameters should be included in the evaluation here.
Integrated evaluation and interpretation
With the completion of the different surveys, possibilities arise for
integrated evaluation. In the NFC, all survey results and evaluation reportsare collected. The NFC shall coordinate the integrated evaluation and the
interpretation of the different survey results on national level.
Evaluation and interpretation with external data
The results of the integrated evaluation and interpretation found should be
reviewed and compared to results from other sources. Differences and
similarities should be noted and explained whenever possible.
IV . Timing for the submission of the DAR and the report on progress
made in the interpretation/evaluation of results on national level
IV .1 Timing for the DAR
The DAR questionnaire shall be completed and submitted to the
Commission with the first data submission. If the methods are changed
the information on the changes shall be submitted. The part of the DAR
dealing with descriptions of noted disturbances and exceptions shall besubmitted to the Commission together with the annually submitted data.!
M21994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 73
IV .2 Timing for the report on progress made in the interpretation/evaluation of
results on national level
Progress reports on evaluations and interpretations carried out on national
level shall be forwarded to the Commission before 31 December each year.!M21994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 74
ANNEX VIII
COMMON METHODS FOR DEPOSITION MEASUREMENTS ON THE
PERMANENT OBSERV ATION PLOTS
I. Generals remarks
The measurements are to be carried out on a selection of the permanent
observation plots in a continous way. At least 10 % of the permanentobservation plot shall be selected for the monitoring of deposition by the
Member States. Measurements on throughfall (under canopy), stem flow
(under canopy, in beech) and wet-only or bulk deposition (in an open areain the forest) will be mandatory. The installation of the equipment for themandatory items shall be completed by December 1995. All other
measurements such as: stemflow (in other species than beech), fog and
air-concentrations are optional.
The depositions monitoring will be done on a fixed period basis (for
example monthly or weekly). To reduce analysis costs samples may be
combined from a number of consecutive periods.
The following technical details are based on the results of the Expert Panel
on Deposition of ICP Forests. Reference is made to the manual prepared
by this Expert Panel especially regarding specific details of sampling
equipment, sampling techniques, quality assurance and data handling.
II. Monitoring methodology
II.1. Monitoring under the forest canopy
Whenever possible the measuring equipment for throughfall shall be
installed in the actual plot. To avoid damage to root systems, the parts thathave to be installed in pits (collectors, recorders, etc.) could be installedoutside the actual plot in the bufferzone. In beech forest equipment shall
also be installed for the collection of stemflow. As these collectors should
also be stored in a (or the same) pit, it is recommended to select treesoutside the actual plot, in for example the bufferzone.
The measurements of throughfall and stemflow should be made in such a
way that the results are representative for the plot area. This means that a
sufficient number of samples should be used.
II.2. Monitoring in an open area in the forest
At a location near the actual plot (within a distance of 2 km), wet-only
and/or bulk deposition collectors shall be installed. The location should be
selected in such a way that the surrounding objects are not closer than twotimes their height.
II.3. Measurement period
The measuring will be made monthly, weekly or at a time interval between
the two, e. g. every two or three weeks, depending mainly on the generalweather conditions at the specific plot (evaporation and growth of algae inthe sample containers should be avoided).
When it is necessary to use different measuring periods during the year (e.
g. weekly in summer and monthly in winter), two separate monitoringperiods shall be identified and the results shall be reported separately on
the forms. Within one monitoring period the lenght of the measuring
period shall be constant. The same measuring period shall be used for themonitoring under the forest canopy and the open area monitoring.
II.4. Sampling, sample handling
Clean collection gauges and containers are to be used for the collection of
samples. Deionized water shall be used to rinse the equipment. It isimportant that the containers are kept away from light and kept cool duringthe sampling and transport. In sunny and warm conditions preservatives
may be added to prevent the growth of algae. In this case only such
preservatives should be used that do not interfere with the analysis of anyion of interest.!
M11994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 75
II.5. Pretreatment of samples, transport and storage
The volume of each collected sample form each individual throughfall,
stemflow or open air collector shall be determined. The samples may be
analyzed separately or mixed with samples from parallelly installed
equipment of the same type. Throughfall, stemflow or open air samplesshall be analyzed separately. Samples from stemflow measurements canonly be pooled for trees of the same species and similar size and
dominance.
Samples from short periods may be analyzed as they are, or can be mixed
to monthly samples before analysis. If samples are mixed they should bemixed in proportion to the total sample volume.
The samples shall be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible
(preferably in cold boxes) and kept in a cold (4 °C) and dark store untilanalyzed.
II.6. General background information
The following information shall be collected:
— plot number,— sampler code,— first date of monitoring period,
— last date of monitoring period,
— number of (equal) measuring periods in monitoring period.
Additional optional information can be collected, which is useful for the
interpretation of the results, such as canopy roughness, leaf area index etc.
II.7. Chemical Analysis
In each sample the following parameters shall be determined mandatory
(Man) or optional (Opt.):
Parameter Throughfall Bulk/Wet-onlyStemflow
Fog Air
beech other spec.
pH Man Man Man Opt. Opt.
Conductivity Man Man Man Opt. Opt.
K Man Man Man Opt. Opt. Opt.
Ca Man Man Man Opt. Opt. Opt.
Mg Man Man Man Opt. Opt. Opt.
Na Man Man Man Opt. Opt. Opt.
N-NH 4 Man Man Man Opt. Opt.
Cl Man Man Man Opt. Opt.
N-NO 3 Man Man Man Opt. Opt.
S-SO 4 Man Man Man Opt. Opt. Opt.
Alkalinity Man Man Man Opt. Opt.
Ntotal Man Opt. Man Opt. Opt.
Al3+ Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Mn2+Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Fe3+Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
PO43−Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Cu Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Zn Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Hg Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Pb Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Co Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Mo Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.!M11994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 76
Parameter Throughfall Bulk/Wet-onlyStemflow
Fog Air
beech other spec.
Cd Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Stotal Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Norg Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
CTOC Opt. Opt. Opt.
CDOC Opt. Opt. Opt.
Ptotal Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
O3 Opt.
SO2 Opt.
SO4 Opt.
NO 2 Opt.
NO Opt.
HNO 2 Opt.
HNO 3 Opt.
NH 4NO 3 Opt.
NH 3 Opt.
V .O.C. Opt.
II.8. Data transfer
The Member States shall forward this information in a standardized form
to the Commission for each plot where deposition has been monitored (seeAnnex VII, Forms 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d).!
M11994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 77
ANNEX IX
COMMON METHODS FOR MEASUREMENTS OF METEOROLOGY
ON THE PERMANENT OBSERV ATION PLOTS
I. General remarks
The measurement of meteorology is to be carried out on at least 10 % of
permanent observation plots. It is recommended to monitor meteorology
on plots where deposition is also monitored. The installation of the
equipment for the meteorologic measurements shall be completed by 30June 1999.
This Annex is based on technical recommendations of the ad hoc expert
group on meteorology (EU/ICP Forests). Reference is made to thesubmanual (1996/1997) prepared by this expert group.
II. Inventory methodology
II.1. Location of sampling equipment
To represent the specific climatic conditions of woodlands the measure-
ments should be carried out inside the forest area concerned. In general the
measurements (with the exception of soil temperatures, soil moisture and
stand precipitation) may be taken either above the forest stand canopy atthe plot or at an open field station within the forest area in close proximity(in general not more than 2 km distance) to the stand of the plot. The
distance from the measuring point at open field stations to the surrounding
stands or other obstacles shall be at least two times the height of a maturetree/obstacle. Soil temperature, soil moisture and stand precipitation are tobe measured inside the stand of the permanent observation plot
Whenever possible a combination with the equipment for deposition
should be made. To avoid disturbances to the roots and soil situation, the
equipment should be placed so that it can be reached and maintained
without actually passing through the plot.
II.2. Methods to measure the actual meteorologic situation in or close to the
plot
By installation of a meteorological station in an open area close to the plot
or the installation of a tower in the stand near the plot, the weathersituation should be monitored continuously. The technical equipment,sensors and their placement are to be in accordance with the international
World Meteorological Organisation standard and should also be com-
patible with national weather service networks. The following variables areto be obtained.
Mandatory Optional
Precipitation UVb radiation
Air temperature Soil temperatures
Air humidity Soil moisture
Wind speed (1) (matric potential, water content)
Wind direction (1) Stand precipitation
Solar radiation (1) (quantity of throughfall and stemflow)
(1)If there are local technical problems at the permanent observation plots wind
speed, wind direction and solar radiation may be omitted at these plots.
Automatic stations with quasi-continuous ( &1 s) sensing variables and
electronic storage of aggregated values for periods of one hour or parts of
it are recommended.
II.3. Collection, aggregation, storage and submission of information
Data are to be aggregated to daily values (sum or average/mean, minimum
and maximum respectively) before submission.
The following plot information shall be collected and submitted:— plot No,!
M31994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 78
— exact details of the used equipment,
— location of the plots (longitude, latitude, altitude) and of equipment
(relative to the plot),
— start and end dates of the measurements,— frequency (number of periods).
The information on the variables is submitted on a daily basis.
LIST OF PARAMETERS
Parameter Units Mean Sum Minimum Maximum Remarks
Precipitation (mm) * Total precipitation in-
cluding snow, etc.)
Air temperature (°C) * * *
Relative humidity (%) * * *
Wind speed (m/s) * *
Wind direction (°) * Prevailing wind direc-
tion
Solar radiation (W/m2)*
UVb radiation (W/m2)*
Soil temperature (°C) * * *
Soil moisture (matric
pot. Water content)(hPa) * * *
Stand precipitation (mm) *
Others To be specified in the
data accompanying
Report
* = to be submitted.
For each plot where the measurements are executed a summary of thecollected measurements shall be compiled and submitted to the
Commission on a yearly basis, using the forms XX1996.PLM,
XX1996.MEM and XX1996.MEO (forms 8a, 8b, 8c)!
M31994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 79
ANNEX X
COMMON METHODS FOR SOIL SOLUTION MONITORING ON THE
PERMANENT OBSERV ATION PLOTS
I. General remarks
Monitoring of soil solution is to be carried out on at least 10 % of
permanent observation plots. It is recommended that soil solution be
monitored on plots where deposition is also monitored. Installation of thesoil solution equipment shall be completed by 30 June 1998.
This Annex is based on technical recommendations of the Soil Expert
Panel of the UN/ECE International Cooperative Programme on Assess-
ment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests).Reference is made to the sub-manual (1996) prepared by this expert panel.
II. Inventory methodology
II.1 Selection of sample location
Soil solution samplers should be installed close to where crown condition
assessment is conducted. It is recommended that the lysimeters berandomly or systematically distributed over the whole plot although thismay be limited by the presence of stones or stems (distance from a tree is
not specified). Because of disturbances to the soil, zero-tension lysimeters
should not be installed in the central part of the plot where tree parametersare monitored. For practical reasons, a representative subplot can be used.Lysimeters that have already been installed can be maintained, but new
installations should be made as proposed above.
II.2 Sampling depths
It is recommended that the lysimeters be installed at fixed depths but
installation by horizons is also acceptable.
— Soil solution collectors
It is strongly advised that lysimeters be placed at at least two depths,
i.e one within the rooting zone (suggested depth is 10 to 20 cm) to
gain insight into concentrations of nutrients and toxic elements near
the fine roots (aim 1) and one below the rooting zone (suggesteddepth is 40-80 cm), to estimate the element output (aim 2). It is alsoadvised that a third lysimeter be placed immediately below the humus
layer.
— Soil samples
If centrifugation or saturation extract methods are used, the soil layers
to be sampled are those mentioned in the soil manual: humus layer, 0
— 10, 10 — 20, 20 — 40 and 40 — 80 cm. A selection or aggregation
of some layers can be made.
II.3 Sampling frequency
On plots where other intensive monitoring programmes are carried out,
e.g. deposition and meteorological measurements, the sampling of the soilsolution should be done monthly or bi-weekly. In case of soil samplingfollowed by extraction of the soil solution, four times per year is a
maximum because of the destructive sampling procedure. Sampling should
be done at the same month of the year.
II.4 Transport, storage and preparation
The samples shall be transported and stored in such a way that chemical
changes are minimized.
Cool (4 °C) and dark storage of the soil solution within the lysimeter
system will diminish biological activity. In many cases, and especially
during colder season, keeping the bottle dark is sufficient. Organic or
inorganic preservatives may be used, but they may interfere with theanalysis. To diminish possible changes in the samples, the soil solutionshould be collected as soon as possible after the suction has been applied.
Transport and storage procedures (including waiting periods) shall be
reported. Where applicable the problems and deviations of theseprocedures shall be reported in detail.!
M21994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 80
For determination of trace metals, aliquots of the sample should be
transported to the laboratory in acid washed bottles.
If soil samples are collected, they should be kept cool in plastic or
polyethylene bags and stored at 4 °C until centrifugation or the preparationof the saturation extract. Centrifugation or extraction should take placewithin one day (18 - 30 hours) after collection of the soil samples.
II.5 General background Information
The following information shall be collected:
— plot number,
— information on sampler (type, depth),— first date of monitoring period,— last date of monitoring period,
— number of (equal) measuring periods in monitoring period.
II.6 Analysis methods
In the ‘Sub-manual on soil solution collection and analysis’ prepared by
the Soil Expert Panel of the ICP-Forests, the approved methods for the
analysis of the various soil solution parameters are described.
It is advised that the approved methods be used. If other (national) methods
are applied, comparability of the analysis results shall be reported in detailtogether with the presentation of the analysis results. The inventory of the
forest soil solution monitoring will distinguish between mandatory and
optional parameters (See list below).
List of parameters
Parameter unit Mandatory/Optional
Conductivity µS/cm Opt.
pH Man.
Alkalinity µmolc/l Opt. (if pH 45)
DOC mg/l Man.
Sodium (Na) mg/l Opt (1)
Potassium (K) mg/l Man.
Calcium (Ca) mg/l Man.
Magnesium (Mg) mg/l Man.
Aluminium (total) mg/l Man. (if pH 55)
Aluminium (labile) mg/l Opt.
Iron (Fe) mg/l Opt.
Manganese (Mn) mg/l Opt.
Total Phosphorus (P) mg/l Opt.
NO 3-N mg/l Man.
SO4-S mg/l Man.
NH 4-N mg/l Opt. (2)
Chlorine (Cl) mg/l Opt. (1)
Chromium (Cr) µg/l Opt.
Nickel (Ni) µg/l Opt.
Zinc (Zn) µg/l Opt. (3)
Copper (Cu) µg/l Opt. (3)
Lead (Pb) µg/l Opt.
Cadmium (Cd) µg/l Opt.!M21994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 81
Parameter unit Mandatory/Optional
Silicon (Si) mg/l Opt.
(1)Measurement is advisable when acid base budgets are calculated.
(2)Measurement of NH 4is advised in areas with high NH xdeposition (above 20 kg NH xper ha per
year).
(3)Advised since these are minor nutrients.
Man. = Mandatory Opt. = OptionalMember States are free to analyse more, all, or part of the optional parameters.
II.7 Data transfer
The Member States shall forward to the Commission for each plot this
information in a standardized form (see Annex VIIa, Form 9a, 9b, and 9c).!M21994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 82
ANNEX XI
COMMON METHODS FOR GROUND VEGETATION ASSESSMENT IN
PERMANENT OBSERV ATION PLOTS
I. General remarks
The ground vegetation assessment is to be carried out on at least 10 % of
the permanent observation plots. The first common assessment shall be
completed before the autumn of 1999. The objectives of the groundvegetation assessment are two fold:
— characterisation of the current state of the forest ecosystems on the
basis of their composition,
— monitoring of vegetation changes due to natural and anthropogenic
environmental factors.
Ground vegetation data, which were collected and analysed before 1997
can also be used if the methods as described below have been applied.
This Annex is based on technical recommendations of the ad-hoc expert
group on ground vegetation assessment (EU/ICP Forests). Reference ismade to the submanual (1997) prepared by this group.
II. Inventory methodology
II.1. Selection of sample location
The ground vegetation assessment will be carried out on the permanent
observation plots. The area selected for the ground vegetation assessment
must be representative of the plot. Several sampling units can be used in
order to obtain statistical replication. Member States are free to select thenumber and shape of the sampling units. If the plot has been fenced, thesampling units are to be located outside the fence. In addition sampling
units inside the fence can also be assessed. Disturbed areas are to be
avoided (e.g. soil pits, soil solution monitoring areas, tracks). The locationof the sampling units has to be marked in a permanent way. The precisemethod of marking is left to the Member States, but the material used
should be inert to avoid contamination.
II.2. General background information
The following general information shall be collected:
— plot number
— date of sampling and analysis
— fencing
— total area sampled
— information on the total ground vegetation layer (cover), the shrub and
herbs layer (cover and average height) and the moss layer (cover).
II.3. Measurement of species abundance or cover
Member States are free to apply in the assessment their own scaling system
as long as it can be directly converted into percentage cover ranking from0,01 % (very rare) to 100 % (complete cover).
II.4. Species
All phanerograms, vascular cryptograms and the major species of
terricolous mosses (bryophytes) are to be included in the assessment. Itis recommended to include terricolous lichens. Non-terricolous speciesand fungi may be noted on an optional basis. The nomenclature shall
follow the Flora Europaea. In situations where the Flora Europaea is not
valid, where more accurate taxonomic identification is available, anextension of this standard species list may be elaborated by the NFCinvolved. The Commission shall be kept informed of these extended
species lists.
II.5. Frequency and assessment time
Every five years, vegetation studies must be undertaken on all plots. It is
recommended to do the ground vegetation assessment on an annual basis!
M31994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 83
on a limited number of plots (e.g. 10 %). In the case of a seasonally
complex vegetation composition, a second assessment during the year may
be needed to assess the full vegetation cover. The subsequent ground
vegetation assessments shall be carried out around the same date of theyear.
II.6. Analysis and submission
The assessed information on sampling units shall be aggregated to plot
level. Where sampling units have been assessed inside and outside thefences two aggregations shall be made. The results of the ground
vegetation assessment shall be submitted on a yearly basis to the
Commission in a standardised format, as indicated in forms 10a and 10b.(file specification XX1996.PL V and XX1996.VEM).
The submission of the ground vegetation assessment results shall include
on plot level: the plot/survey number, the coordinates of the plot, fencing,
and the information on the main layers. Information on assessment levelshall include; the plot/survey number, the standard code of the species,using the eight-letter abbreviation as given in attached list, or as extended
list for additional species, as well as the cover indicator expressed in a
percentage on plot level.
III. Data accompanying information
III.1. Data accompanying information on applied methods (DAR-Q)
In a separate document details shall be given of:
— sampling lay-out of the sampling units (number and area of the
subplots)
— definition of layers applied (moss, herbs, shrubs, tree)— scales applied and conversion of these scales to percentages— information on deviations from the standard species list and their
codes
— aggregation methods applied to arrive at plot level information.
It is recommended to submit this information to the Commission by using
the DAR-questionnaires referred to in Annex C.
III.2. Data accompanying report on deviations from standard methods (DAR)
Any important deviation from the standards which may have influenced
the assessment and any relevant disturbances, which may have occurredshall be recorded and reported separately.
III.3. Data accompanying information on evaluation and interpretation (annual
progress report)
Information on evaluations and interpretation of ground vegetation data
(whether or not in combination with other data) shall be reported to the
Commission in the annual progress report.!
M31994R1091 — EN — 18.07.1999 — 003.001 — 84