General:
This data set is part of an on-going project in a Spartina alterniflora-dominated marsh at the Baruch Marine Field Laboratory in North Inlet, Georgetown, SC.
Sampling Description:
The biomass-estimation method is non-destructive. Two permanent subplots were established in each of 3 control plots along a boardwalk. Each subplot is 10cmx10cm. Several plants in the subplots are tagged with bird ID bands. Approximately monthly, heights of the tagged plants and associated culms are measured to the nearest cm. Plant heights are read into a digital recorder. Descriptions of the locations of the plants within the quadrat are also recorded (e.g. northwest corner or northwest of tag #xxxx). Plant measurements are always taken with the observer on the same side of the quadrat for ease in tracking plants throughout the growing season. The plant census began in May 1984.
Data processing:
Plant data are entered first into an EXCEL spreadsheet, and eventually transferred to an ACCESS data base. Outputs from ACCESS are processed with two FORTRAN programs. The FORTRAN programs use algorithms to convert the ACCESS data outputs to plant weight, density, births, deaths and growth (Morris and Haskin, 1990). Fortran outputs are entered into SAS programs to calculate means and productivity.
References:
(Morris and Haskin, 1990. Ecology 71(6):2209-2217)
(SAS System for Windows; release 8.02; SAS Institute, Inc; Cary, NC)
Elevation:
LTE-MP-NIN-GIHM, ~ 0.5 meters NAVD88