Commission Regulation (EC) No 1545/1999 of 14 July 1999 amending Regulation (EC) No 1091/94 laying down certain detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 on the protection of forests against atmospheric pollution
Date: 1999-07-14
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: air quality, environmental monitoring, forest conservation

15. 7. 1999

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Official Journal of the European Communities

L 180/9

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1545/1999

of 14 July 1999

amending Regulation (EC) No 1091/94 laying down certain detailed rules for the implementation of
Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 on the protection of forests against atmospheric pollution

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

(5) Whereas the measures provided for in this Regulation
are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing
Forestry Committee,

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 Regula-
tion (EC) No 307/97 (2), and in particular Article 3(2) thereof,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

(1) Whereas, pursuant to the third indent of Article 2(1) of
Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86,
the
Community scheme is to help Member States to conduct
intensive and continuous surveillance of forest ecosys-
tems on permanent observation plots;

the purpose of

(2) Whereas, pursuant to Article 2(2) of Regulation (EEC)
No 3528/86 Member States are required to forward to
the Commission the data gathered by the network of
permanent observation plots for intensive and contin-
uous surveillance;

(3) Whereas this network has been installed by Member
States in accordance with Annex I to Commission Regu-
lation (EC) No 1091/94 (3), as last amended by Regula-
tion (EC) No 1390/97 (4); whereas the common meth-
odology and the format for the submission of data for
the continous inventory of the crown condition, the
inventory of soil and foliar condition, increment, deposi-
tion measurements, meteorological observations and soil
solution monitoring have been laid down in Annexes III
to X to Regulation (EC) No 1091/94;

(4) Whereas the results of the ground vegetation assessment
are already recorded and the common methodology and
the format for the data submission are to be added to
Regulation (EC) No 1091/94; whereas the common
methodology for measurements of meteorology has to
be updated;

Regulation (EC) No 1091/94 is hereby amended as follows:

1. Article 1(2) is replaced by the following:

‘On the permanent observation plots intensive and contin-
uous 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,
solution sampling and analysis and
ground vegetation assessment in accordance with objective
sampling methods and analysed in accordance with estab-
lished methods'.

soil

2. Article 1(4) is replaced by the following:

‘Technical details pertaining to the provisions of this Article
are set out in Annexes III to XI'.

3. In Article 2(1) the following indent is added after the last

indent:

‘— to carry out the assessment of ground vegetation'.

4. Annex I is replaced by Annex I to this Regulation.

5. Annex II,

is replaced by Annex II to this Regulation.

6. Annex VIIa is amended in accordance with Annex III to this

Regulation.

7. Annex IX,

is replaced by Annex IV to this Regulation.

8. Annex V to this Regulation is added as Annex XI.

Article 2

(1) OJ L 326, 21.11.1986, p. 2.
(2) OJ L 51, 21.2.1997, p. 9.
(3) OJ L 125, 18.5.1994, p. 1.
(4) OJ L 190, 19.7.1997, p. 3.

This Regulation shall enter
into force on the third day
following its publication in the Official Journal of the European
Communities.

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This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 14 July 1999.

For the Commission

Franz FISCHLER

Member of the Commission

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ANNEX I

Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1091/94 is replaced by the following Annex:

‘ANNEX I

COMMON METHODS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NETWORK OF PERMANENT OBSERVATION 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 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 components,

— 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 in principle limited for each Member State up to
15 plots, but Member States are 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 the respective 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, 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 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 operations should be comparable), and disturbances caused 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

vicinity of farms, very close to main roads or in direct vicinity of polluting industries,

— 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.

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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 recommended that plots
are identical to or located near 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 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 the future, the exact location of sample sites (e.g. soil pits)
shall also be recorded 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 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 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 the installation and the first surveys:

Installation

First surveys

— Descriptive code

— Site data

— Stand data

— Other observation

availability of water to the
principal species
humus type
soil unit (estimate)

Country
Observation plot number
Actual latitude and longitude

Altitude
Orientation
Total plot size
Number of trees in plot
Subplot (if any)

Mean age of dominant storey,
Main tree species
Yield (estimate)

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 the Commission for each installed plot the information collected during the installation 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 the years 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 this Annex. Most Member States have developed their own strategy for
monitoring their national forest ecosystems, aiming at the observation of the more important tree species and
growing conditions.

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Although the plots were to be selected to be available for long term monitoring a premature destruction of the plot
is always possible, due to fire 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 criteria are 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, meteorology and deposition levels. When a plot needs to be replaced the opportunity 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, foliar and increment) additional
surveys have been added to the programme in recent 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 the replacement 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 repeated quickly 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 installation is necessary. Where the next regular increment survey is scheduled more 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 selection of the new plots.'

(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.

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ANNEX II

‘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 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. 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 surveillance:

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 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);

(1) OJ L 53, 21.2.1987, p. 14.

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(e) the mesures 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);

(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 situation

2. 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 the approved methods

5.

indication of the timetable for the execution of the projected measures (form 2b);

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(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 situation

2. 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 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).

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 plot

1.2. 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 plot

2.2. total costs

2.3. aid applied for from the Community

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

3.1. costs per 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 forms 2a and 2b

Date and signature'

COST BREAKDOWN AND PROPOSED FINANCING (intensive monitoring)

Form 2a

Measure

Number of
intensive
monitoring
plots

Personnel Equipment Materials

Travel

Other

State

Region

Private

Other
public
funds

Cost breakdown

Total
cost

Non-Community participation

aid
requested

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

(1)

To install and maintain plots for intensive monitoring

To establish and execute an inventory of the crown condition

To establish and execute an inventory of the forest soil condition

To establish and execute a survey on the chemical contents in the
needles and leaves

To establishment and execute increment-change measurements

To establish and execute deposition monitoring

To establish and execute meteorologic monitoring

To establish and execute soil solution monitoring

To establish and execute ground vegetation surveys

To apply aerial photography techniques (2)

Integrated data management and data evaluation

In national currency.

(1)
(2) Reference is made to the manual on Remote sensing applications edited by the European Commission.

1
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Form 2b

FORWARD PLAN FOR THE EXECUTION OF THE PROJECT

to be completed for each project proposal

Year

200 .

200 .

200 .

Month

J

F M A M J

J

A

S O N D

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F M A M J

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A

S O N D

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F M A M J

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Measures

1

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ANNEX III

In Annex VIIa to Regulation (EC) No 1091/94 the following part is added:

— In paragraph 1 (review of file names per survey) the following words are added:

Assessment

Annex

Frequency

File name(s)

‘Ground vegetation

XI

five yearly

XX1996.PLV,
XX1996.VEM'

— the last subparagraph is replaced by:

‘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 first letter(s) of the
assessment soil, foliage increment, deposition, meteorology, soil solution 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), deposition assessment (air).'

— Form 5b is replaced by form 5b attached,

— forms 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e and 8f are replaced by forms 8a, 8b and 8c attached,

— the following 2 forms (form 10a and 10b) are added,

— in the ‘Code lists for survey data of the permanent observation plots to be forwarded to the Commission’ the

following amendments are made:

Information with regard to the foliage inventory

Point 26 is deleted.

Information with regard to the meteorological monitoring

points 41 to 46 are replaced by:

‘(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. the fifth instrument in plot 1234 will thus
receive code 1234.05).

(42) Location

The location of the instrument is indicated:

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

instrument is located in a (nearby) open field in the forest area

instrument is located at a weather station (in general outside the forest area)

instrument is located elsewhere.

S:

F:

W:

O:

(43) Variable

Indication of the variable that is measured with the instrument

AT=

PR=

RH=

WS=

air temperature

precipitation

relative humidity

windspeed

WD= wind direction

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solar radiation
SR=
UVb radiation
UR=
throughfall
TF=
stemflow
SF =
soil temperature
ST =
MP = matric potential
WC = water content in the soil
XX =

in the soil

other codes for additional parameters may be used, but should be specified in the DAR.

(44) Instrument information

V e r t i c a l p o s i t i o n

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 (depth below the ground) using the format of two digits and two decimals.

I n s t r u m e n t c o d e

The following codes shall be used for the samplers and recording method of data:
10:
20:
30:
40:
50:

manual reading and recording on paper
mechanical recording (manual reading and recording on paper)
direct paper recording
digital recording (in stand alone situation)
digital recording (integrated datalogger)

Details of the equipment shall be given in the data accompanying report (DAR).

S c a n n i n g i n t e r v a l

(automatic instruments only)

The interval between two consecutive assessments shall be given stated in seconds.

S t o r i n g i n t e r v a l

(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

P r e c i p i t a t i o n a n d t h r o u g h f a l l

The precipitation will be given as the daily sum, using the format of up to four digits and one decimal.

T e m p e r a t u r e ( a i r a n d s o i l )

The temperature will given in (cid:176)C, using the format of a plus/minus and two digits plus one decimal. The daily
mean, daily minimum and daily maximum are to be submitted.

R e l a t i v e H u m i d i t y

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 one decimal.

W i n d s p e e d

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.

W i n d d i r e c t i o n

The wind direction will be given as the prevailing wind per day. The wind rose will be split into eight sections of
45(cid:176) starting form 22,5(cid:176) onwards (NE (=45(cid:176)), E (=90(cid:176)), SE (=135(cid:176))... N (=0(cid:176)). The most frequent wind direction
is reported by its middle value.

S o l u r

r a d i a t i o n a n d U V b r a d i a t i o n

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.

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S t e m f l o w

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.

M a t r i c p o t e n t i a l

i n t h e s o i l

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.

W a t e r c o n t e n t

i n t h e s o i l

The water content in the soil will be given in Vol. % 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 to three digits ( l00 % = complete)'

Points 47, 48, 49 and 50 are deleted.

The following points are added to the list:

‘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 unique
plot/survey number is created.

(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=
2=

Yes, survey within the fence,
No, survey was outside fenced area.

(63) Total sampled area

The total sample area shall be given in m2 in 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 submitted as follows:

Total ground vegetation layer

Shurb layer

Herb layer

Moss layer

· = to be submitted.

Height
(in m)

Cover
(in %)

·

·

·

·

·

·

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 total sampled area.

L 180/22

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

15. 7. 1999

(65) Layers

The following layers are defined.

1 = free layer
2 = shrub layer
3 = herb layer
4 = moss layer

(66) Species code

to be defined in DAR-Q

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 codes consist of a three-digit number. Unfortunately one genus consists of a
three-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 the Commission 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 and
species), plus the country code (2 letters) separated by dots (.). The NFC will 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, as well as
the conversion to % shall be specified.'

Form 5b

XX1996.FOM

Contents of file with foliar analysis information (mandatory)

1 - - - 5

7 - - 10

12 - - - 16

18 - - - - 23

25 - - 28

30 - - 33

35 - - 38

40 - - 43

45 - - 48

50 - - 53

55 - - 58

60 - - - 64

66 - - - 70

72 - - - 75

77 - - - 81

83 - - - 87

89 - - - 93

95 - - - 105

Sequence
No

Observa-
tion
No

Sample
No

Date of analysis
(ddmmyy)

Number of sampled trees

No 1

No 2

No 3

No 4

No 5

Mass of
100 leaves

(g)

Mass of
1000
needles
(g)

N

S

P

Ca

Mg

K

Observations

(mg/g)

(mg/g)

(mg/g)

(mg/g)

(mg/g)

(mg/g)

.

,

,

,
,

,

,

,
,

,

,

,

,

,
,

,

,

,
,

,

,

,

,

,
,

,

,

,
,

,

,

,

,

,
,

,

,

,
,

,

,

,

,

,
,

,

,

,
,

,

,

,

,

,
,

,

,

,
,

,

,

,

,

,
,

,

,

,
,

,

9 9 9 9

9 9 9 9 1 9 9 , 3

1 1 2 9 5 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 , 9 9 9 9 , 9 9 9 , 9 9 9 9 , 9 9 9 9 , 9 9 9 9 , 9 9

1 - 5 Sequence No (1 to 99 999)

7 - 10 Observation Plot No (max. 9999)

12 - 16 Sample No

18 - 23 Date of analysis
25 - 28 Tree No 1
30 - 33 Tree No 2
35 - 38 Tree No 3
40 - 43 Tree No 4
45 - 48 Tree No 5
50 - 53 Mass of 100 leaves
55 - 58 Mass of 1000 needles

Tree species (Code from 1 to 199) and
leaves type (0 = current, 1 = current + 1

Date of analysis (ddmmyy)
Number of first tree in sample
Number of second tree in sample
Number of third tree in sample
Number of fourth tree in sample
Number of fifth tree in sample
Mass of 100 current year leaves
Mass of 1000 current year or 1000 current+1 year needles

(2)
(23)

(3)
(24)
(24)
(24)
(24)
(24)
(25)
(25)

Parameters

N
60 - 64
S
66 - 70
P
72 - 75
77 - 81
Ca
83 - 87 Mg
89 - 93
K
95 - 105 Observation

Maximum value (*)

(Mandatory file)
Units (**)
(mg/g)
(mg/g)
(mg/g)
(mg/g)
(mg/g)
(mg/g)
Words

Those parameters have to be filled in once for the
current needles and leaves and once for the current+1
needles.
For Larix sp. and Cedrus sp., samples are taken of the
short twigs of the previous year

(*) Maximum values are used when the actually registered value is equal or higher than the maximum value. When the actual registered values is below the minimum value that could be entered, the minimum values shall be

used. If no quantity could be measures (i.e. below detection limits) a special code-1 (minus 1) will be used. When no analysis has been carried out for this parameter a zero or blank shall be used.

(**) By reference at 105 (cid:176)C dried material.

1
5

.

7

.

1
9
9
9

E
N

O

f
f
i
c
i
a
l

J
o
u
r
n
a
l

o
f

t
h
e

E
u
r
o
p
e
a
n
C
o
m
m
u
n
i
t
i
e
s

L

1
8
0
/
2
3

1 - - 4

6 - 7

9 - - - - - 15

17

19 - - - - - 25

27 - - - - 33

35 - 36

38 - 39

25 - - 28

48 - 49 51 - 53

55 - 57

59 - - - - 64

66 - - - - 71

73 - 75

77 - - - 87

89 - - - 100

Form 8a

XX1996.PLM

Contents of reduced plot file
to be used in combination with the meteorologie measurements

Sequence Country Observation

plot/instrument

Loca-
tion

Latitude
Coordinate
(+ D D M M S S)

Longitude
coordinate
(+ D D M M S S)

Altitude Variable

Instrument Information

vertica
position

instr.
code

scanning
interval

storing
interval

Start date of moni- Final date of moni- Number
of days

toring period
(D D M M Y Y)

toring period
(D D M M Y Y)

Description

Remarks

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

8

9
1 0
1 1
1 2
1 3
1 4

,
,
,
,
,
,
,

,

,
,
,
,
,
,

1 5
1 6 9 9 9 9 9 9 , 9 9

,

,
,
,
,
,
,
,

,

,
,
,
,
,
,

,

9

+ 0 1 5 9 5 93 3 5 1 5 9 5 9

5

1

X X 5 9 9 9 , 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 3 1 1 2 9 9 3 1 1 2 9 9 9 9 9

XXXXXX

XXXXXX

Column

See explanatory notes

1 - 4 Sequence number of plots (1 to 9 999)
6 - 7 Country code (France = 01, Belgium = 02, etc.)
9-15 Observation plot/instrument code (the code consists of the plot nunmber and instrument

sequence number)

17-17 Location (S = stand, F = open filed in forest area, W = weather station, O = other)
19-25 Latitude in +DD MM SS (e.g. +50 58 52)
27-33 Longitude in (+or –) DD MM SS (e.g. +03 55 31)
35-36 Altitude (in 50 metre classes from 1 to 51)
38-39 Variable (AT = air temp. ST = soil temp. PR = precipitation, etc.)

Instrument information

(1)
(41)

(42)
(4)
(4)
(7)
(43)

41-46 Vertical position (in metre above (+) or below (–) the ground)
48-49 Instrument code (10 = manual reading, 20 = mechanical recording, 30 = paper recording, etc.)

(44)
(44)

in seconds (for automatic stations only)
in minutes (for automiatic stations only)

Column
51-53 Scanning interval
55-57 Storing interval
Monitoring information
59-64 First date of monitoring period
66-71 Final date of monitoring period
73-75 Number of (measuring) days
In the last column the following can be included:
77-87 Description of instrument

89-100 Remarks on monitoring

See explanatory notes
(44)
(44)

(38)
(38)
(39)

(99)
(99)

L

1
8
0
/
2
4

E
N

O

f
f
i
c
i
a
l

J
o
u
r
n
a
l

o
f

t
h
e

E
u
r
o
p
e
a
n
C
o
m
m
u
n
i
t
i
e
s

1
5

.

7

.

1
9
9
9

15. 7. 1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 180/25

Form 8b

XX1996.MEM

Contents of data file with meteorologic measurements

1- - 6

8 - - - - - 14

16 - 17

19 - - - - - 24

26 - 31

33 - 38

40 - 45

47 - 49

51 - 62

Sequence
No

Observation plot/
instrument

Variable
code

Date

D D M M Y Y

Mean/
Sum

Minimum

Maximum

Complete
ness
(%)

Observation

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 , 9 9 X X 9 9 9 9 9 9

9 9 9 , 9 9 9 9 9 , 9 9 9 9 9 , 9

1

0

0

1 - 6 Sequence No

8 - 14 Observation plot/instrument code

Sequence number of samples (1 to 99 999)
Corresponding plot/instrument number (max. 9 9990.99)
The code of a parameter (PR, AT, RH, WS, WD or SR)
Date ( in DDMMYY)

16 - 17 Variable code
19 - 24 Date
26 - 31 Daily mean (e.g. temperature) or sum (precipitation) values
33 - 38 Daily minimum value
40 - 45 Daily maximum value
47 - 49 Completeness of measurements over the day (in % of measurements that should have been recorded)
51 - 62 Observations (words)

Maximum value (*)

(41)
(43)
(40)
(45)
(45)
(45)
(46)

Parameters (*)

Precipitation

PR
AT Air temperature

RH Relative humidity

WS Windspeed
WD Wind direction

SR

Solar radiation

Units

(mm)

((cid:176)C)

(%)

(m/s)

((cid:176))

(W/m2

Mean

Sum

Minimum Maximum Remarks

X

Total precipitation (including snow, etc.)

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Air temperature

Relative humidity

Windspeed

Prevailing wind direction (0(cid:176) = North, 45(cid:176) = Northeast)

Solar radiation

(*) Methods and recomputations that have been used shall be described in detail in an annex to the data accompanying report on meteorology.

(*) Maximum values are used when the actually registered values is equal or higher than the maximum value. When the actual registered value is below the minimum

value that could be entered, the minimum value shall be used (e.g. - 999.9).
When no analysis has been carried out for this parameter a blank shall be used.

L 180/26

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

15. 7. 1999

Form 8c

XX1996.MEO

Contents of datafile with meteorological measurements

1- - 6

8 - - - - - 14

16 - 17

19 - - - - - 24

26 - 31

33 - 38

40 - 45

47 - 49

51 - 62

Sequence
No

Observation plot/
instrument

Variable
code

Date

D D M M Y Y

Mean/
sum

Minimum

Maximum

Complete
ness
(%)

Observation

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 , 9 9 X X 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 , 9 9 9 9 9 , 9 9 9 9 9 , 9

1

0

0

1 - 6 Sequence No

8 - 14 Observation plot/instrument code

16 - 17 Variable code
19 - 24 Date
26 - 31 Daily mean (e.g. temperature) or sum (precipitation) values
33 - 38 Daily minimum value
40 - 45 Daily maximum value
47 - 49 Completeness of measurements over the day (in %)
51 - 62 Observation (words)

Sequence No of samples (1 to 999 999)
Corresponding plot/instrument number (maximum 9 999,99)
The code of a parameter (UR, TF, SF, ST, MP or WC)
Date (in DDMMYY)

Maximum value (*)

(2)
(43)
(40)

Parameters (*)

Units

Mean

Sum

Minimum Maximum Remarks

(45)

UR UV-b Radiation
Throughfall
TF

SF

ST

Stemflow

Soil Temperature

MP Matric potential in Soil

(W/M2)

(mm)

(mm)

((cid:176)C)

(hPa)

WC Water content in Soil

(Vol %)

XX Others

X

X

X

X

X

X

sum of daily values

to be recalculated from litres into mm

X

X

X

X

X

X

to be specified in data accompanying report

x = to be submitted.
(*) Methods and recomputations that have been used shall be described in detail in an Annex to the data Accompanying report on meteorology.

(*) Maximum values are used when the actually registered values is equal or higher than the maximum value. When the actual registered values is below the minimum

value that could be entered, the minimum value shall be used ( - 999.9).
When no analysis has been carried out for this parameter a blank shall be used.

15. 7. 1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 180/27

ANNEX IV

Annex IX to Regulation (EC) No 1091/94 shall be replaced by the following:

‘ANNEX IX

COMMON METHODS FOR MEASUREMENTS OF METEOROLOGY ON THE PERMANENT OBSERVATION
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 30 June 1999.

This Annex is based on technical recommendations of the ad hoc expert group on meteorology (EU/ICP Forests).
Reference is made to the submanual (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 measurements 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 at the 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 mature tree/obstacle. Soil temperature, soil moisture and stand precipitation are to be 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 weather situation 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 compatible with national weather service networks. The following variables are to be obtained.

Mandatory

Optional

Precipitation

UVb radiation

Air temperature

Soil temperatures

Air humidity

Wind speed (*)

Soil moisture

(matric potential, water content)

Wind direction (*)

Stand precipitation

Solar radiation (*)

(quantity of throughfall and stemflow)

(*) 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 (4 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.

L 180/28

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

15. 7. 1999

The following plot information shall be collected and submitted:

— plot No,

— 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

Air temperature

Relative humidity

Wind speed

Wind direction

Solar radiation

UVb radiation

Soil temperature

Soil moisture (matric
pot. Water content)

(mm)

((cid:176)C)

(%)

(m/s)

((cid:176))

(W/m2)

(W/m2)

((cid:176)C)

(hPa)

·

·

·

·

·

·

·

·

Stand precipitation

(mm)

·

Others

· = to be submitted.

·

Total precipitation
including snow, etc.)

·

·

·

·

·

·

·

·

·

Prevailing wind direction

To be specified in the
data accompanying
Report

For each plot where the measurements are executed a summary of the collected 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)'.

15. 7. 1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 180/29

Regulation (EC) No 1091/94 Annex XI is added:

ANNEX V

‘ANNEX XI

COMMON METHODS FOR GROUND VEGETATION ASSESSMENT IN PERMANENT OBSERVATION 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 ground vegetation
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 is made 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 the number and shape of the sampling units. If the plot
has been fenced, the sampling 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
location of the sampling units has to be marked in a permanent way. The precise method 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 from 0,01 % (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. It is recommended to include terricolous lichens. Non-terricolous species and 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, an extension of this standard species list may be
elaborated by the NFC involved. The Commission shall be kept informed of these extended species lists.

L 180/30

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

15. 7. 1999

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 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 the year.

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 the fences 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.PLV 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 level shall
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 distur-
bances, which may have occurred shall 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.'

1-4

6-7

9-12

14-15

Sequence

Coun- Observation

try

plot No

Survey
No

17-22

Date

(D D M M Y Y)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1 0
1 1
1 2
1 3
1 4
1 5
1 6

Form 10a

XX1996.PLV

Contents of reduced plot file
to be used in combination with the survey of ground vegetation (see Annex XI)

24-30

32-38

40-41 43

45-48

50-52

54-57

59-61

63-66

68-70

72-74

76-86

Latitude
Coordinate
(+ D D M M S S)

Longitude
coordinate

e
d
u
t
i
t
t

(5 D D M M S S) A

e
c
n
e
F

Total
area
(m2)

Ground.
vegetation

Shrub layer

Herb layer

height

cover

height

cover

Mosses
cover

Observations

,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,

,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,

Column

1 - 4 Sequence No of plots (1 to 9999)
6 - 7 Country code (France = 01, Belgium = 02, etc.)
9-12 Plot No (maximum 9 999)
14-15 Survey No (maximum 99)
17-22 Date of sampling in DDMMYY (e.g. 220690)
24-30 Latitude in + DDMMSS (e.g. + 505852)
32-38 Longitude in (+ or –) DDMMSS (e.g. + 03 55 31)
40-41 Altitude (in 50 meter classes from 1 to 51)

43 Fence (Yes = 1, No = 2)
45-48 Total sampled area (in m2)
50-52 Ground vegetation cover (in % of total area)

Column
54-57 Shrub layer height (in m)
59-61 Shrub layer cover (in % of total area)
63-66 Herb layer height (in m)
68-70 Herb layer cover (in % of total area)
72-74 Mossess cover (in % of total area)

In the last column a remark on the plot can be included:
76-86 Other observations (word)

(1)
(2)
(61)
(3)
(4)
(4)
(5)
(62)
(63)
(64)
(64)

See explanatory notes

(64)
(64)
(64)
(64)

(99)

1
5

.

7

.

1
9
9
9

E
N

O

f
f
i
c
i
a
l

J
o
u
r
n
a
l

o
f

t
h
e

E
u
r
o
p
e
a
n
C
o
m
m
u
n
i
t
i
e
s

L

1
8
0
/
3
1

L 180/32

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

15. 7. 1999

For 8b

XX1996.VEM

Contents of datafile with ground vegetation assessments

1-5

7-10

12-13

15-32

34

36-41

43-53

Sequence

Observation
plot

Survey
number

Species code

Layer

Cover (%)

Observations

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1 0

1 1

1 2

1 3

1 4

1 5

1 6

1 7

1 8

1 9

2 0

2 1

2 2

2 3

2 4

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,

See explanatory notes

Column

1 - 5 Sequence No of plots (1 to 99 999)
7-10 Plot No (maximum 90 999)

12-13 Survey No
15-32 Species code (see list in Flora europaea)

The species code exists of the code for the family (999), the code for the genus (999)
or (999 bis), the code for the species (999) or (999a) and possibly a code for the
country (AA)

34 Layer (1 = tree, 2 = shrubs, 3 = herbs, 4 = mosses)

36-41 Cover (in percentage)

In the last colum a remark on the plot can be included:

43-53 Other observations (word)

(2)
(61)
(66)

(65)
(67)

(99)