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 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.

2. On the permanent observation plots intensive and continuous surveillance of the forest ecosystems shall be carried out. This contains the continuous inventory of the crown condition, the inventory of soil and foliar condition and measurements on increment changes, deposition rates and meteorology in accordance with objective sampling methods and analysed in accordance with established methods.

3. By 31 December 1996, Member States shall forward to the Commission in a standardized form the data collected from the diffferent surveillance undertaken between 1991 and 1996 for each permanent observation plot together with an interpretation of the results as specified in Annex VII.

4. Technical details pertaining to the provisions of this Article are set out in Annexes III to VI.

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, and

- to carry out the meteorological measurements,

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.

Done at Brussels, 29 April 1994.

For the Commission

René STEICHEN

Member of the Commission

(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.

ANNEX I

COMMON METHODS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NETWORK OF PERMANENT OBSERVATION PLOTS FOR INTENSIVE, CONTINUOUS MONITORING (Article 2 (1) to Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 and its amendments) I. General remarks

The purpose of the scheme mentioned in Article 2 (1) to Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 and its amendments is to establish a network of permanent observation 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 component,

- 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 shall select by 30 June 1994 at its latest a sufficiently large number of permanent observation plots in their country. The maximum number of these plots should in principle not exceed 20 % of the number of national plots of the Community's 16 x 16 km gridnet (Regulation EEC No 1696/87). Member States with a limited number of plots of the Community's gridnet, are allowed to select a larger number of permanent plots under the condition that the number shall be limited up to 15 plots.

The selection of these plots are 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 the respective country are represented,

- the minimum size of a plot shall be 0,25 hectares measured on a horizontal plane,

- to minimize the effects from activities on surrounding areas the plot shall be surrounded by a buffer zone. The actual width of the zone is depending 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, the width of the buffer zone can be restricted to 5 or 10 m. If the forest area 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 restrictions 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. mangagement operations should be comparable and disturbances by the monitoring should be kept to a minimum),

- direct pollution from known local sources should be avoided. Plots should not be located in the immediate surrounding of farms, very close to main roads or in the direct vicinity of polluting industries,

- a sufficient number of trees should be available for sampling in or nearby 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 during the last years within the framework of the Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 or other programmes. When additional plots have to be selected it is recommended that plots are identical with or located nearby one of the existing plots of the Community'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 shall install, preferably all, but at least over 50 % of the plots in a permanent way by 30 June 1994. In certain cases it could be acceptable that the actual installation of the last plots is delayed for one year. Each installed plot shall be described in detail. General data shall be determined and reported before 15 December 1994. The detailed description of the plot shall include: the exact location of the plot, a sketch map shall be prepared showing the permanent marking of the plot corners and/or boundaries, the number of trees in the plot and any other relevant permanent elements in or nearby the plot (e. g. access road, rivers). In the future, the exact location of sample sites (e.g. soil pits) shall be recorded on this map as well.

II.3. Definition of a sub-plot

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). In the case that the plot has many trees (i.e. dense stands), a sub-plot may be defined to be used for these surveys. The size of the sub-plot at the time of the installation of the plot should be large enough to give reliable estimates for these surveys for a minimum of 20 years, preferably throughout the life of the stand. A minimum of at least 20 trees in the sub-plot should be available in this period.

II.4. General information on each plot

The following general information on each permanent observation plot for the intensive and continuous monitoring shall be collected during the installation and the first surveys:

""" ID="1">Country

Observation plot number

Actual latitude and longitude

"> ID="1">Altitude

Orientation

Total plot size

Number of trees in plot

Sub-plot (if any)

> ID="2">Availability of water to the principal species

Humus type

Soil unit (estimate)

"> ID="1">Mean age of dominant storey

Main tree species

Yield (estimate)

"> ID="1">History of the plot

Nearby situated other monitoring station

">

By 15 December 1994, the Member States shall forward to the Commission for each installed plot the information collected during the installation using a datafile (see Annex VIIa, Form 1a) and reports (see Annex VIIa, Form 1b). Important information obtained during the years of monitoring shall be submitted yearly using the Forms 1a and 1b (Annex VII). The other information shall be submitted right after the first relevant survey has been carried out and will be updated when necessary.

II.5. Replacement of permanent observation plots

Permanent observation plots have to be available for long duration monitoring. In case of unforeseen events (e.g. destruction of trees in the plot by fire, storm) a replacement of this plot might be necessary. Member States shall forward to the Commission the basic information for the new plot as specified in this Annex.

ANNEX II

APPLICATIONS 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 to this Annex as Form 2a.

For each of the measures to be carried out in accordance to Article 2, information on the following items shall be given:

1. Short 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 surveillance

1. Description of existing situation

2. Geographical location and area of the region(s) concerned (+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 to be included in 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 the approved 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.)

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 measures relate to the establishment and execution of the measurements of increment changes on the permanent observation plots

1. Description of the existing situation

2. 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 the approved 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 situation

2. 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 the results compatible with the results analysed according to the approved 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 any calibration, correction, and/or recalculation needed to make the results compatible with the results analysed according to the approved methods

5. Indication of the timetable for the execution of the projected measures (Form 2b)

5. Cost of measures under 4a to 4g (Form 2a)

1. Costs for the establishment or extending the network (4a)

1.1. Costs per plot

1.2. Total costs

1.3. Aid applied for from the Community

2. Costs of establishment, observation or sampling for each survey (4b to 4g)

2.1. Costs per plot

2.2. Total costs

2.3. Aid applied for from the Community

3. Costs of analysis and evaluation for each survey (4b to 4g)

3.1. Costs per plot

3.2. Total costs

3.3. 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 form 2a and 2b

.

Date and signature

Form 2a PROPOSED FINANCING (intensive monitoring) Form 2b FORWARD PLAN FOR THE EXECUTION OF THE PROJECT to be completed for each Article 2 project proposal

(1) OJ No L 53, 21. 2. 1987, p. 14.

ANNEX III

COMMON METHODS FOR THE INVENTORY OF THE CROWN CONDITION ON THE PERMANENT OBSERVATION 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 plot has 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 and co-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 of 20 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 general information shall be collected:

- plot number,

- tree number,

- tree species,

- 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 degrees of defoliation shall be carried out during the observation and shall be registered in 5 % steps.

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:

"" ID="1">0

> ID="2">None or negligible> ID="3">0-10

"> ID="1">1

> ID="2">Slight discolouration> ID="3">11-25

"> ID="1">2

> ID="2">Moderate discolouration> ID="3">26-60

"> ID="1">3

> ID="2">Severe discolouration> ID="3"> > 60

"> ID="1">4

> ID="2">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. Data transfer

The Member States shall forward to the Commission on a yearly basis for each plot this information in standardized forms (see Annex VII, Form 3a and 3b).

ANNEX IV

COMMON METHODS FOR THE SOIL INVENTORY ON THE PERMANENT OBSERVATION 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 be repeated on each individual sample plot every 10 years. This Annex is based 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 two sampling periods a review of the parameters to be analysed in future soil samples 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 from bores. 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 (FAO guidelines for soil description, third edition (revised), Rome 1990) in the buffer zone. Care should be taken that the profile description(s) is/are made 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 bulk density is not determined, a reasonable estimate of this parameter should be made. The determination of the soil granulometry is mandatory. The particle size fractions are: < 2 mm, 2-63 mm, 63-2000 mm (FAO). If 50 mm is used to separate silt and sand fractions, conversion to 63 mm limit has to be 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.

The organic layers (O- and H-) (1)() 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. It is advised to store part of the sample in a soil bank for comparative use with future sampling (e. g in 10 years). Before the samples are analysed the samples have to be prepared. Large items (> 2 mm) have to be removed, the samples have to be dried (at a maximum of 40 °C), and milled 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 methods for 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 together with the presentation of the analysis results. The inventory of the forest soil condition will distinguish between mandatory and optional parameters (see list).

Mandatory and optional parameters and their respective approved method for analysis:

"" ID="1">pH (CaCl2)> ID="3">Mandatory> ID="4">Mandatory> ID="5">Labex 8703-01-1-1 and

ISO/TC190/SC3/GT8

"> ID="1">Carbon organic (C-org)> ID="2">(g/kg)> ID="3">Mandatory> ID="4">Mandatory> ID="5">Dry combustion"> ID="1">Nitrogen (N)> ID="2">(g/kg)> ID="3">Mandatory> ID="4">Mandatory> ID="5">Dry combustion"> ID="1">Phosphorus (P)> ID="2">(mg/kg)> ID="3">Mandatory> ID="4">Optional> ID="5">Extractant: aqua regia"> ID="1">Potassium (K)> ID="2">(mg/kg)> ID="3">Mandatory> ID="4">Optional> ID="5">Extractant: aqua regia"> ID="1">Calcium (Ca)> ID="2">(mg/kg)> ID="3">Mandatory> ID="4">Optional> ID="5">Extractant: aqua regia"> ID="1">Magnesium (Mg)> ID="2">(mg/kg)> ID="3">Mandatory> ID="4">Optional> ID="5">Extractant: aqua regia"> ID="1">Organic layer (OrgLay)> ID="2">(kg/m²)> ID="3">Mandatory> ID="5">Volume (cylindric)-dry-weight"> ID="1">Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)> ID="2">(g/kg)> ID="3">Optional> ID="4">Mandatory> ID="5">AFNOR X 31-105> ID="6">if pH (CaCl2) >6

"> ID="1">Exchangeable acidity

(Ac-Exc)> ID="2">(cmol+/kg)> ID="3">Optional> ID="4">Mandatory> ID="5">Titration"> ID="1">Base cations exchangeable (BCE)> ID="2">(cmol+/kg))> ID="3">Optional> ID="4">Mandatory> ID="5">Extractant: BaCl2"> ID="1">Acid cations exchangeable (ACE)> ID="2">(cmol+/kg)> ID="3">Optional> ID="4">Mandatory> ID="5">Extractant: BaCl2"> ID="1">Cation exchange capacity (CEC)> ID="2">(cmol+/kg)> ID="3">Optional> ID="4">Mandatory> ID="5">Bascomb"> ID="1">Base saturation

(BaseSat)> ID="2">(%)> ID="3">Optional> ID="4">Mandatory> ID="5">Labex L8703-26-1-1"> ID="1">Sodium (Na)> ID="2">(mg/kg)> ID="3">Optional> ID="4">Optional> ID="5">Extractant: aqua regia"> ID="1">Aluminium (Al)> ID="2">(mg/kg)> ID="3">Optional> ID="4">Optional> ID="5">Extractant: aqua regia"> ID="1">Iron (Fe)> ID="2">(mg/kg)> ID="3">Optional> ID="4">Optional> ID="5">Extractant: aqua regia"> ID="1">Chromium (Cr)> ID="2">(mg/kg)> ID="3">Optional> ID="5">Extractant: aqua regia"> ID="1">Nickel (Ni)> ID="2">(mg/kg)> ID="3">Optional> ID="5">Extractant: aqua regia"> ID="1">Manganese (Mn)> ID="2">(mg/kg)> ID="3">Optional> ID="4">Optional> ID="5">Extractant: aqua regia"> ID="1">Zinc (Zn)> ID="2">(mg/kg)> ID="3">Optional> ID="4">Optional> ID="5">Extractant: aqua regia"> ID="1">Copper (Cu)> ID="2">(mg/kg)> ID="3">Optional> ID="4">Optional> ID="5">Extractant: aqua regia"> ID="1">Lead (Pb)> ID="2">(mg/kg)> ID="3">Optional> ID="4">Optional> ID="5">Extractant: aqua regia"> ID="1">Cadmium (Cd)> ID="2">(mg/kg)> ID="3">Optional> ID="4">Optional> ID="5">Extractant: aqua regia"> ID="1">Mercurium (Hg)> ID="2">(mg/kg)> ID="3">Optional> ID="5">Extractant: aqua regia"> ID="1">Sulphur (S)> ID="2">(mg/kg)> ID="3">Optional> ID="4">Optional> ID="5">Extractant: aqua regia"> ID="1">pH (H2O)> ID="3">Optional> ID="4">Optional> ID="5">pH-electrode"> ID="1">Electric conductivity

(EC)> ID="2">(mS/m)> ID="3">Optional> ID="4">Optional> ID="5">EC-metre> ID="6"""

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).

(1)() 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 may be underwater. All H-horizons are saturated with water for prolonged periods or were once 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 has accumulated 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 is much less than half of the weight. An O-layer may be at the surface of a soil or at any depth 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.

ANNEX V

COMMON METHODS FOR THE FOLIAGE INVENTORY ON THE PERMANENT OBSERVATION 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 on each individual plot in a two year interval. The following technical details are 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 autumnal yellowing and senescence. Evergreen species: sampling must be done during 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, and to 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 remaining part 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 special number (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 sets of 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;

- 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 needles have 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 in older 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 sample between 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., For Larix sp. and Cedrus 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. In special sites with evident influence of one orientation (e.g. steep slopes or strong 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 it does not lead to contamination of the sample, to heavy tree damage, or to risks 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 calculated for 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 those of the second year are separated and preserved in separate bags. The use of pierced 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 is recommended to repeat these identifications inside the bag on a paper label 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.

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 for detaching 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 they are 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 be tested by grinding dried fibrous cellulose and analysing it for these elements 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 are described.

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 foliage inventory will distinguish between mandatory and optional parameters (see list below).

"" ID="1">Nitrogen (N)> ID="2">Sodium (Na)"> ID="1">Sulphur (S)> ID="2">Zinc (Zn)"> ID="1">Phosphorus (P) > ID="2">Manganese (Mn)"> ID="1">Calcium (Ca)> ID="2">Iron (Fe)"> ID="1">Magnesium (Mg)> ID="2">Copper (Cu)"> ID="1">Potassium (K)> ID="2">Lead (Pb)"> ID="2">Aluminium (Al)"> ID="2">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).

ANNEX VI

COMMON METHODS FOR INCREMENT CHANGE MEASUREMENTS ON THE PERMANENT OBSERVATION 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 year interval. 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 by this 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 been defined to be used for the tree assessment (e.g. crown assessment and increment). 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 measurement period. 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 disc sampling have to be felled, the trees selected have to be so far away from the 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 felled during normal management operations.

II.4. General background information

The following information shall be collected:

- plot number,

- data of sampling and analysis,

- tree number.

II.5. Parameters to be measured

"" ID="1">Periodic measurements> ID="2">Tree species> ID="3">Bark"> ID="2">Diameter at breast height (DBH)> ID="3">Tree height"> ID="2">Information on management operations> ID="3">Crown height"> ID="3">Crown width"> ID="3">Volume estimates"> ID="1">Tree ring analysis> ID="3">Ring width"> ID="3">History of the tree diameter under bark in five years intervals"> ID="3">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 the ICP 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 and 6d).

ANNEX VII

COMMON GUIDELINES FOR THE REPORTING OF THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEILLANCE ON THE PERMANENT OBSERVATION 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, especially atmospheric 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 is recommended that the validated data of each survey (or completed part) is submitted 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 each permanent 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& Prime; 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 be 100 % IBM compatible. All information on the diskette shall be in ASCII characters.

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.

ANNEX VIIa

SUBMISSION OF DATA PER PERMANENT PLOT IN A DIGITAL FORMAT I. 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.

"" ID="1">Installation> ID="2">I> ID="3">Once> ID="4">XXGENER.PLT"> ID="1">Crown assessment> ID="2">III> ID="3">Yearly> ID="4">XX1995.PLT,XX1995.TRE"> ID="1">Soil inventory> ID="2">IV> ID="3">Five or 10 yearly

> ID="4">XX1995.PLS,XX1995.SOM,XX1995.SOO"> ID="1">Foliage inventory> ID="2">V> ID="3">Two yearly> ID="4">XX1995.PLF,XX1995.FOM,XX1995.FOO"> ID="1">Increment> ID="2">VI> ID="3">Five yearly> ID="4">XX1995.PLI,XX1995.IPM,XX1995.IRA,XX1995.IEV">

Each file name consists of the two letter country code (represented by the XX in the list of names), followed by the year of assessment (in the example 1995) or Gener when the information is given once. the dot (.) and in the extension a three letter code. This three letter code for the plot files consists of the letters PL and the first letter of the assessment Soil, Foliage and Increment. This three letter code for the data files consists of two (or one) letter(s) for FOliage SOil or Increment and one (or two) letter(s) to indicate Manadatory, Optional or the different parts of the increment assessment.

In case the data handling for the plots of the 16 × 16 km is done at the same place this could create confusion, as similar file names are used. In this case the year codes in the abovementioned file names could be increased with 1 000 (e.g.XX2995.SOM).

ij> Form 1b

Form 3a XX1993.PLT Contents of file with the information on plot level to be used with the crown assessment (see Annex III)

Form 3b XX1993.TRE Contents of file with the information on tree level to be used with the crown assessment (see Annex III)

Form 4a XX1993.PLS Contents of reduced plot file to be used in combination with the forest soil inventory (see Annex IV)

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)

mmmmmmmm

CODE LISTS FOR THE SURVEY DATA OF THE PERMANENT OBSERVATION PLOTS TO BE FORWARDED 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 Kingdom

07: Ireland

08: Danmark

09: Ellas

10: Portugal

11: España

12: Luxembourg

(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 Year

0 80 99 4

(4) Latitude-/ longitude coordinates

Fill in the full six figure latitude and longitude coordinates of the centre of the observation plot.

e.g.

+/& minus; Degrees Minutes Seconds

- latitude + 5 0 1 0 2 7

- longitude & minus; 0 1 1 5 3 2

the first box is used to indicate a + or - coordinate

(5) Availability of water to principal species (estimate)

1: Insufficient

2: Sufficient

3: Excessive

(6) Humus type

1: Mull

2: Moder

3: Mor

4: Anmor

5: Peat

6: Other

7: Raw (Roh)

(7) Altitude

1: & le; 50 m

2: 51-100 m

3: 101-150 m

4: 151-200 m

5: 201-250 m

6: 251-300 m

7: 301-350 m

8: 351-400 m

9: 401-450 m

10: 451-500 m

11: 501-550 m

12: 551-600 m

13: 601-650 m

14: 651-700 m

15: 701-750 m

16: 751-800 m

17: 801-850 m

18: 851-900 m

19: 901-950 m

20: 951-1 000 m

21: 1 001-1 050 m

22: 1 051-1 100 m

23: 1 101-1 150 m

24: 1 151-1 200 m

25: 1 201-1 250 m

26: 1 251-1 300 m

27: 1 301-1 350 m

28: 1 351-1 400 m

29: 1 401-1 450 m

30: 1 451-1 500 m

31: 1 501-1 550 m

32: 1 551-1 600 m

33: 1 601-1 650 m

34: 1 651-1 700 m

35: 1 701-1 750 m

36: 1 751-1 800 m

37: 1 801-1 850 m

38: 1 851-1 900 m

39: 1 901-1 950 m

40: 1 951-2 000 m

41: 2 001-2 050 m

42: 2 051-2 100 m

43: 2 101-2 150 m

44: 2 151-2 200 m

45: 2 201-2 250 m

46: 2 251-2 300 m

47: 2 301-2 350 m

48: 2 351-2 400 m

49: 2 401-2 450 m

50: 2 451-2 500 m

51: >2 500 m

(8) Orientation

1: N

2: NE

3: E

4: SE

5: S

6: SW

7: W

8: NW

9: flat

(9) Mean age of dominant storey (years)

1: & le;20

2: 21-40

3: 41-60

4: 61-80

5: 81-100

6: 101-120

7: >20

8: Irregular stands

(10) Soil unit

Fluvisols

101 Eutric Fluvisols

102 Calcaric Fluvisols

103 Dystric Fluvisols

104 Mollic Fluvisols

105 Umbric Fluvisols

106 Thionic Fluvisols

107 Salic Fluvisols

Gleysols

108 Eutric Gleysols

109 Calcic Gleysols

110 Dystric Gleysols

111 Andic Gleysols

112 Mollic Gleysols

113 Umbric Gleysols

114 Thionic Gleysols

115 Gelic Gleysols

Regosols

116 Eutric Regosols

117 Calcaric Regosols

118 Gypsic Regosols

119 Dystric Regosols

120 Umbric Regosols

121 Gelic Regosols

Leptosols

122 Eutric Leptosols

123 Dystric Leptosols

124 Rendzic Leptosols

125 Mollic Leptosols

126 Umbric Leptosols

127 Lithic Leptosols

128 Gelic Leptosols

Arenosols

129 Haplic Arenosols

130 Cambic Arenosols

131 Luvic Arenosols

132 Ferralic Arenosols

133 Albic Arenosols

134 Calcaric Arenosols

135 Gleyic Arenosols

Andosols

136 Haplic Andosols

137 Mollic Andosols

138 Umbric Andosols

139 Vitric Andosols

140 Gleyic Andosols

141 Gelic Andosols

Vertisols

142 Eutric Vertisols

143 Dystric Vertisols

144 Calcic Vertisols

145 Gypsic Vertisols

Cambisols

146 Eutric Cambisols

147 Dystric Cambisols

148 Humic Cambisols

149 Calcaric Cambisols

150 Chromic Cambisols

151 Vertic Cambisols

152 Ferralic Cambisols

153 Gleyic Cambisols

154 Gelic Cambisols

Calcisols

155 Haplic Calcisols

156 Luvic Calcisols

157 Petric Calcisols

Gypsisols

158 Haplic Gypsisols

159 Calcic Gypsisols

160 Luvic Gypsisols

161 Petric Gypsisols

Solonetz

162 Haplic Solonetz

163 Mollic Solonetz

164 Calcic Solonetz

165 Gypsic Solonetz

166 Stagnic Solonetz

167 Gleyic Solonetz

Solonchaks

168 Haplic Solonchaks

169 Mollic Solonchaks

170 Calcic Solonchaks

171 Gypsic Solonchaks

172 Sodic Solonchaks

173 Gleyic Solonchaks

174 Gelic Solonchaks

Kastanozems

175 Haplic Kastanozems

176 Luvic Kastanozems

177 Calcic Kastanozems

178 Gypsic Kastanozems

Chernozems

179 Haplic Chernozems

180 Calcic Chernozems

181 Luvic Chernozems

182 Glossic Chernozems

183 Gleyic Chernozems

Phaeozems

184 Haplic Phaeozems

185 Calcaric Phaeozems

186 Luvic Phaeozems

187 Stagnic Phaeozems

188 Gleyic Phaeozems

Greyzems

189 Haplic Greyzems

190 Gleyic Greyzems

Luvisols

191 Haplic Luvisols

192 Ferric Luvisols

193 Chromic Luvisols

194 Calcic Luvisols

195 Vertic Luvisols

196 Albic Luvisols

197 Stagnic Luvisols

198 Gleyic Luvisols

Lixisols

199 Haplic Lixisols

200 Ferric Lixisols

201 Plinthic Lixisols

202 Albic Lixisols

203 Stagnic Lixisols

204 Gleyic Lixisols

Planosols

205 Eutric Planosols

206 Dystric Planosols

207 Mollic Planosols

208 Umbric Planosols

209 Gelic Planosols

Podzoluvisols

210 Eutric Podzoluvisols

211 Dystric Podzoluvisols

212 Stagnic Podzoluvisols

213 Gleyic Podzoluvisols

214 Gelic Podzoluvisols

Podzols

215 Haplic Podzols

216 Cambic Podzols

217 Ferric Podzols

218 Carbic Podzols

219 Gleyic Podzols

220 Gelic Podzols

Acrisols

221 Haplic Acrisols

222 Ferric Acrisols

223 Humic Acrisols

224 Plinthic Acrisols

225 Gleyic Acrisols

Alisols

226 Haplic Alisols

227 Ferric Alisols

228 Humic Alisols

229 Plinthic Alisols

230 Stagnic Alisols

231 Gleyic Alisols

Nitisols

232 Haplic Nitisols

233 Rhodic Nitisols

234 Humic Nitisols

Ferralsols

235 Haplic Ferralsols

236 Xanthic Ferralsols

237 Rhodic Ferralsols

238 Humic Ferralsols

239 Geric Ferralsols

240 Plinthic Ferralsols

Plinthosols

241 Eutric Plinthosols

242 Dystric Plinthosols

243 Humic Plinthosols

244 Albic Plinthosols

Histosols

245 Folic Histosols

246 Terric Histosols

247 Fibric Histosols

248 Thionic Histosols

249 Gelic Histosols

Anthrosols

250 Aric Anthrosols

251 Fimic Anthrosols

252 Cumulic Anthrosols

253 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. The following codes will be used:

Absolute yield code

0 = 0,0-2,5 m³ per hectare per year

1 = 2,5-7,5 m³ per hectare per year

2 = 7,5-12,5 m³ per hectare per year

3 = 12,5-17,5 m³ per hectare per year

4 = 17,5-22,5 m³ per hectare per year

5 = >22,5 m³ per hectare per year

Relative yield code

1 = 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

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

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.

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 ( >60 %)

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 insects

T3 = fungi

T4 = abiotic agents (wind, snow, frost, drought, . . .)

T5 = direct action of man

T6 = fire

T7 = 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 to indicate 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

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 analysis by increment borings, D = discs analysis) followed with a sequence number (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.

(26) Shoot mass

The mass of the shoot is determined (oven-dry) in grams.

to be used in the increment assessment

(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 valid volume tables. The tree volume shall be expressed in cubic metres (m³) 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 excluding water 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.

(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 less the increment of the last five years of the tree at both sides. The diameter under 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 the trees in the plot. Basal area per plot is expressed in 0,1 m².

(35) Volume 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. Volume 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, this will be indicated (Yes = 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 of trees, basal area/ha, volume/ha).

(99) Other observations

Relevant information shall be stated here and explained in the corresponding evaluation report (see Annex VIIb).

ANNEX VIIb

Details for the submission of background information and interpretation of the permanent plots I. General remarks

As an annex to the submission of the inventoried results, Member States shall prepare a document with the background information and the interpretation of the results, either plot wise or for all national observation plots.

- In principle each submission of inventory data shall be accompanied by background information describing the actually applied methods of determination/sampling/measuring, etc., details on the methods of recording and validating, as described below under paragraph II.

- Together with the survey results, an interpretation as indicated below in paragraph III shall be included.

- When data from more surveys are submitted at the same time (or have been submitted before) an integrated interpretation (as indicated in paragraph IV) shall be submitted in addition to the interpretation mentioned under the second indent of this paragraph.

This annex presents information on the structure of these reports.

II. Background information

II.1. General information

The general part shall contain information on (country wise or when relevant province/region wise):

- forest area (in 1 000 ha),

- number of plots (total),

- number of plots (in the submitted survey),

- selection criteria (if submitted number of plots is less than total number of plots),

- history of these plots with regard to this survey,

- relations with other surveys.

II.2. Inventory methods

A summary of the inventory method shall be given, including details on used equipment, installation and recording. Especially where these details have not been laid down in a mandatory way, a clear review of the executed inventory method is essential for further interpretation, possible comparability, and the evaluation of the obtained results. In many surveys there is a large freedom in the selection of equipment, depths, timing and intensity of the survey. Details on the used equipment, recorded depths, timing and frequency of the survey/sampling shall be stated. Whenever samples have been taken, details on this sampling including the storage (cool, dark, etc.) shall be supplied.

Any applied control measurements shall be described in short.

II.3. Methods for the analysis and calculation of results

With regard to chemical analysis of samples, in most cases certain methods are recommended. Information on the actually used methods (including storage, evaluation and (re-)calculation of the obtained results) shall be supplied. Whenever applicable the results of the calibration tests shall be reported.

II.4. Exceptions and disturbances

Special attention shall be given to exceptional situations with regard to the inventory, sampling, storage, analysis, calculation and/or interpretation. When gaps exist in the data, due to whatever reasons, estimates based on results from other sources can be made in certain cases. These assumptions shall be carefully documented.

Regional differences shall be stated and explained in detail (e. g. different laboratory).

III. Interpretation within one survey

III.1. Actual internal interpretation

An interpretation shall be made of the collected and evaluated data for each survey separately. Whenever possible relations between the different parameters in this survey shall be indicated.

III.2. Internal interpretation with former surveys

The results of consecutive surveys shall be evaluated and whenever possible trends shall be indicated.

III.3. Interpretation with external data

The results of the survey shall be reviewed and compared to results from other (similar) surveys carried out in the (same) region/country. Differences and similarities are to be indicated and when applicable the differences should be evaluated. Also data from other sources which could explain certain relations in parameters shall be included here.

IV. Integrated interpretation

IV.1. Actual interpretation

In the national focal centre all survey results on a national level are collected. The relationship between parameters of different surveys shall be investigated. Also the various interpretations of the single survey results shall be taken into account and shall be reviewed in the light of the integration.

IV.2. Interpretation with former years

National level results from former surveys shall also be used in the integrated interpretation. Whenever possible trends shall be indicated and explained.

IV.3. Interpretation with external data

The found results of the integrated interpretation shall be reviewed and compared to results from other sources. Differences and/or similarities shall be noted and explained whenever possible.