Realm: Terrestrial
Climate: Temperate
Biome: Boreal forests/Taiga
Central latitude: 64.844229
Central longitude: -148.051765
Duration: 26 years, from 1975 to 2008

1157 records

52 distinct species

Across the time series PICEGLA3 is the most frequently occurring species

Methods

These data are the vegetation datasets for 27 LTER sites in Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest. The 27 sites are divided into three replicates for six primary successional stages on the floodplains (3 replicates X 6 successional stages = 18 sites) and three replicates for three secondary successional stages in the uplands (3 replicates X 3 successional stages = 9 sites). Data include: 1) Visual estimates of percent cover. 2) Stem counts (the number of individuals/species). and 3) Heights (cm) for tall shrub species in twenty 4 m2 plots. Shrubs are considered Tall shrubs if they are Salix sp.. Alnus sp.. Rosa acicularis. Viburnum edule. Betula nana. Betula glandulosa. or Rubus idaeus. Initial colonziations plots (FP0s. SL1s. HR1A) were remeasured every year. Early successional plots were remeasured every 2-4 years. Later succesional plots were remeasured approximately every five years. For a detail schedule of plot measurements please see the file: Vegetation Monitoring Schedule.xls Although most sites were established in 1988 some sites have vegetation plots that have been sampled periodically since 1965. In 2006 shrub data collection was changed to a transect method of sampling. These data can be found in the file: Shrub. Seedling and Sapling Density at Bonanza Creek LTER Research Sites (2006-Present) .Methods: Frequency of occurence (counts). % cover (visual estimates) and height (cm) data were recorded in 20 4m2 permanent plots. At each plot. tree seedlings and saplings. and tall shrub species were counted. maximum and average height were measured. and percent cover was estimated. Tall shrub species included Salix sp.. Alnus sp.. Rosa acicularis. Viburnum edule. Betula nana. Betula glandulosa. and Rubus idaeus.Experimental Design: We selected points in the succession sequence where. within a relatively short interval. critical changes in ecosystem structure are accompanied by functional changes which have far-reaching effects on ecosystem development. At six turning points in the floodplain succession and three turning points in the upland succession. three replicates of experimental plots were established. These replicates are used for experimental projects and the following of the natural changes occuring in ecosystem structure and function. At each of these 27 sites (9x3). a 50x60 meter control plot was established to monitor vegetation change. See BCEF Experimental Design for additional information. Unit of abundance = IndCountInt, Unit of biomass = NA

Citation(s)

Viereck, L.A., Van Cleve, K., Chapin, F.S., Ruess, R.W. & Hollingsworth, T.N. (2005) Vegetation Plots of the Bonanza Creek LTER Control Plots: Species Count (1975 - 2004). Environmental Data Initiative. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.6073/pasta/8dd0e1ac48e2f82b51adabfbd3c62ae2, accessed 2012.