Samples for biomass measurements were collected along transects in two hayed and two reference sites.  These are the same transects used in LTE-MD-VEGTRANS.xls and LTE-MD-VEGQUADS.xls.  Transects lengths varied from ca. 35-150 meters depending on the shape of the marsh.  Quadrats (either 0.01 or 0.0625 m2) were placed down at 5 m (shorter transects) or 10 m (100+ m transects) intervals along the transect.  Estimates of percent cover by species were recorded, then all plants within the quadrat were clipped at the surface of the sediment.  Plants were then sorted into living and dead aboveground biomass.  Living plants were sorted by species.  Plant material was then dried at 60oC until constant weight (approximately 48 hrs) and then weighed on an electronic balance. 

NOTES AND COMMENTS: Names of observers: RB (Robert Buchsbaum), WD  (Wendy Dalia), ADR (April Ridlon), PB (Peter Britz), CN (Carl Noblett).

The biomass data in this file is expressed in g per m2.  The raw data entered onto original spreadsheet contained the biomass in grams per quadrat, which was either 0.01 or 0.0625 m2 depending on the anticipated density of plants at each site.

The % cover data in this file are based on a rather small quadrat and were collected as a quality control procedure for the biomass samples.  Use LTE-MD-VEGQUADS.xls for vegetation analysis.