Standard Operating Procedure #8: Soil Stability and Hydrologic Function, Version 20160806
Swan M and DeCoster J. 2016. Standard Operating Procedure #8: Soil Stability and Hydrologic Function, Version 20160806. 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 modified from the Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland and Savanna Ecosystems, Volumes 1 & 2 (Herrick et al. 2005a, b). Basal and canopy gap intercepts are optional 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 aggregate stability test quantifies the degree of soil structural development and the soil’s resistance to erosion. Equipment needed for this SOP are listed in SOP #1, Table 1-1. Basal gap data are collected on every plot visit, according to the revisit schedule. Soil aggregate stability data are collected on the every visit of the revisit schedule. Canopy gap data are not currently collected. Three datasheets are associated with this SOP: Basal Gap Datasheet, Canopy Gap Datasheet, and Soil Aggregate Stability Datasheet. In this SOP we provide instructions for filling out paper datasheets.
- Type
- Standard Operating Procedure
- Authors
- Swan, Megan; DeCoster, James
- Date of Issue
- 2016-08-06
- 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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