| Title: |
Maintenance of Growth and
Yield Measurement Plots
|
| Objective: |
1) To identify studies which have had growth data collected
and determine their suitability for use in development or verification
of growth prediction models.
2) Organize and summarize the data to insure compatibility among
studies.
3) Schedule maintenance of stand records which may be of further
value. |
| Year Established: |
1979 |
| Year Completed: |
1999 |
| Site Description: |
Studies included in this compilation are located in the Allegheny
National Forest, Kane Experimental Forest and like forested
areas in the northeastern US where upland hardwoods dominate.
See specific studies for further information. |
| Statistical Design: |
All studies that had growth data collected suitable for use
in development or verification of growth prediction models are
chosen to include in this compilation. Statistical designs for
specific studies vary from Randomized Complete Block to very
structured plot distribution. See specific studies for further
information. |
| Likelihood of Locating Study Areas: |
100% |
| Experimental Treatments: |
Studies included in this compilation contained treatments
that range from several types of silvicultural cuttings and
herbicide and fertilizer usage to no treatments in the case
of control areas. See specific studies for further information. |
| Sampling Methods: |
A summary sheet for each study included in this compilation
is prepared to show location, original purpose, periods of measurement,
measurements taken, treatments applied as well as any other
general information about each study. A separate summary sheet
is prepared for each plot in a study that contains individual
tree measurements or stand tallies. If appropriate, plots are
relocated and marked on the ground and then reinventoried. Also,
a schedule for remeasurement and maintenance is developed for
continuing studies. The data from these studies is computerized
in a standard format which facilitates individual tree and stand
growth parameter calculations. |
| Variables and Sampling Frequency: |
Raw data are stored in 3 modes: 1) 100% cruise with data collected
as a dot tally of plot by species and diameter class, 2) 100%
cruise with individual tree data recorded, and 3) stand table
data. All data are converted to and represented in the computer
memory as a stand table using 1" diameter classes on a per acre
basis. The data stored will create a data base that can be tapped
for the purpose of developing growth and yield models.
File folders for each stand contain the summary sheet, the field
data tally sheets, maps, the computer data file listing, and
the computer generated stand tables and summary. A master index
of all stands that have been entered into the system is used
for scheduling maintenance on the study plots. |
| QA/QC Practices: |
Data are checked against previous data collection period.
Computer data entry is proofed against field sheets. A Polycorder
is used to collect data from the field and usually printouts
are checked for accuracy before entering data into the computer. |
| Data Storage: |
Raw data by plot reside on DG and tally sheets are kept with
written instructions and detailed maps to each stand. Annually,
the raw data are transformed using the REGEN1 program in DG
Info. System. Summarized data by plot and by stand reside in
a DG-based program that can output to ASCII text files. |
| Global Change Research Applications: |
Studies of Ecosystem Processes |
| Data Availability: |
each request is reviewed |
| Publications and Reports: |
Study plan. 1991. Richard Ernst. U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station, Warren,
PA. |
| Contact: |
Susan Stout, USDA, Forest Service, P.O.
Box 267, Irvine PA 16329. (814) 563-1040 |
| Cooperation: |
Allegheny National Forest, PA. |
