Standard Operating Procedure #8: Soil Stability and Hydrologic Function, Version 20080513

Swan M and DeCoster J. 2008. Standard Operating Procedure #8: Soil Stability and Hydrologic Function, Version 20080513. Southern Colorado Plateau Network

This standard operating procedure (SOP) gives step-by-step instructions for measuring basal and canopy gap intercepts and soil aggregate stability. Material for this SOP was taken from the Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland and Savanna Ecosystems, Volumes 1 & 2 (Herrick et al. 2005a, b). Basal and canopy gap intercepts are measures conducted in woodlands, shrublands and grasslands. The size and distribution of basal gaps are important indicators of the potential for water erosion; the size and distribution of canopy gaps are important indicators of potential wind erosion. The soil stability test quantifies the degree of soil structural development and the soil’s resistance to erosion. Equipment needs for this procedure are listed in SOP #1, Table 1-1. Two datasheets are associated with this SOP: Basal and Canopy Gap Intercept Datasheet (also Gap Intercept Datasheet or separated into Basal Gap Datasheet and Canopy Gap Datasheet), and the Soil Stability Datasheet.

Type
Standard Operating Procedure
Authors
Swan, Megan; DeCoster, James
Date of Issue
2008-05-13
Publisher
Southern Colorado Plateau Network
Units
AZRU , BAND , CACH , CHCU , ELMA , ELMO , GLCA , GRCA , HUTR , MEVE , NAVA , PEFO , PETR , RABR , SAPU , SCPN , SUCR , WACA , WUPA , YUHO
Keywords
Basal gaps, Canopy gaps, datasheets, Forests, Long-term monitoring, Soil aggregate stability
Subjects
Ecological Framework: Geology and Soils | Soil Quality | Soil Function and Dynamics , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Shrubland Communities , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Forest/Woodland Communities

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