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Forestry Department Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
SERAPIUM FOREST PLANTATION, ISMAILIA, EGYPT:
MANUAL FOR INTEGRATED FIELD DATA COLLECTION FOR THE FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013-2022
September 2012 (Draft)
Forest Assessment, Management and
Conservation Division
FAO Forestry Department
GCP/RAB/013/ITA
Project Working Document: 002
FAO Rome (Italy)
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Disclaimer The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not
imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country,
territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or
boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these
have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in
preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. The views expressed in this
information product are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of FAO.
The Project Working Documents report on issues addressed in the work program of FAO within the
project GCP/RAB/013/ITA. These working documents do not reflect any official position of FAO.
Please refer to the FAO website (www.fao.org/forestry) for official information.
The purpose of these documents is to provide early information on on-going activities and programs,
and to stimulate discussion.
Comments and feedback are welcome.
For further information please contact:
Mr. Alberto Del Lungo, Forestry Officer, Project LTO, GCP/RAB/013/ITA
Forestry Department
FAO
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00153 Rome, Italy
E-mail: [email protected]
Authors:
Baldasso, Michele;
Kress, Achim.
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Acknowledgements The manual for integrated field data collection of the Serapium Forest Plantation is the result of the
cooperation among FAO project GCP/RAB/013/ITA and the main Egyptian institutions partner of the
project. FAO is grateful to Dr. Said Khalifa, Undersecretary for Afforestation, Mr. Ali Asal, Director,
Afforestation Division, Undersecretariat for Afforestation; Mr. Ragaey Ahmed Abd El Azeem,
Manager of Ismailia-Serapium forests, Undersecretariat for Afforestation; Prof. Ahmed El Settawi,
Director, Forestry Department, University of Alexandria; Prof. Ahmed El Baha and
Prof. Hosny Abd El Azeem Abu Gazia, Forestry Department, University of Alexandria.
This manual moreover is based on the FAO NFMA manual for integrated field data collection.
Mr. David Morales, Mr. Dan Altrell and Mr. Reniery Rodriguez from the FAO NFMA Team kindly
supported the project with their expertise in field data collection. Ms. Gillian Allard from FAO FOMR
has contributed on the pests and diseases aspects. Ms. Cristiana Orlandi, project assistant, is also
acknowledged for her contribution to the manual.
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Contents Disclaimer ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Acknowledgements....................................................................................................................... 5
Contents ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Abbreviations and acronyms ......................................................................................................... 8
Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 9
1. Organization and responsibilities ............................................................................................. 10
2. Sample design ......................................................................................................................... 11
2.1. Preconditions ............................................................................................................................... 11
2.2. Calculation of the required number of sample plots per tree species ........................................ 11
2.3. Sample Plot Selection ................................................................................................................... 12
3. Fieldwork procedure ............................................................................................................... 13
3.1. Overview of data collection process ............................................................................................ 13
3.2. Preparation for the fieldwork ...................................................................................................... 13
3.2.1. Bibliographic research ........................................................................................................... 13
3.2.2. Field equipment per team ...................................................................................................... 14
3.2.3. Safety in the field and suggestion for dressing per team ...................................................... 16
3.2.4. Maps ...................................................................................................................................... 17
3.2.5. Coordinate System, Map Datum and GPS (Global Positioning System) ................................ 18
3.3. Field Form F3-a1 .......................................................................................................................... 19
3.4. Field Form F3-a2 .......................................................................................................................... 21
3.5. Field data collection ..................................................................................................................... 23
3.5.1. Access to the sample plot ...................................................................................................... 23
3.5.2. Delimitation of the sample plot and associated tasks ........................................................... 24
3.5.3. Summary of measurement procedure at the plot ................................................................. 27
3.5.4. Field observations (stand description) ................................................................................... 28
3.5.5. End of data collection work at the plot and access to the next plot...................................... 28
3.5.6. End of the field work and organization of the material obtained ......................................... 28
4. Annex ..................................................................................................................................... 29
4.1. Use of the GPS receiver ................................................................................................................ 29
4.2. Measurements ............................................................................................................................. 31
4.2.1. Horizontal measurements ..................................................................................................... 31
4.2.2. Tree diameter (Dbh) measurement ....................................................................................... 31
4.2.3. Tree height measurement ..................................................................................................... 34
4.3. Field Form F3-a1 (empty) ............................................................................................................. 36
4.4. Field Form F3-a2 (empty) ............................................................................................................. 37
4.5. Field Form F3-a1 (filled example) ................................................................................................ 38
4.6. Field Form F3-a2 (filled example) ................................................................................................ 39
4.7. Stand description ......................................................................................................................... 40
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Abbreviations and acronyms Dbh/DBH Diameter at breast height (1.30m)
FAO Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations
FRA Global Forest Resources Assessment programme
GIS Geographical Information System
GPS Global Positioning System
NFMA National Forest Monitoring and Assessment
NTS Non tree species
SP Sample plot
TS Tree species
TWW Treated waste water
UTM Universal Transverse Mercator
WGS World Geodetic System
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Introduction This manual provides guidelines and descriptions of the field data collection methodology and
procedures for the inventory of the Serapium plantation forest in Ismailia, Egypt, with the purpose
of creating a management plan.
The purpose of the inventory is to assess the status of the plantation and its management practices,
in order to provide statistical and descriptive data in a standardized and measurable way. This field
manual is addressed both to forestry experts and people with limited experience in field inventory in
need of training. The approach used in this guide for data collection is based on the methodology
developed by the National Forest Resources Monitoring and Assessment (NFMA) programme of the
FAO. The manual has been created specifically for the inventory of the Serapium forest plantation,
nevertheless it contains methods, assessment variables and tools that can be applied with some
adaptation to other forest plantations.
In chapter one the organization of field teams and responsibilities of their members are presented.
Chapter two is devoted to the description of the sample design and the distribution and dimensions
of the sample plots adopted. Chapter three deals with fieldwork procedures, from field work
preparation to data collection in field. The Annexes in chapter four, give practical explanations on
how to use tools and methods to take measurements and use instruments provided to field crew.
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1.Organization and responsibilities In the realisation of the field data inventory of the Serapium plantation forest, the following agencies
are involved:
Team Coordinators are responsible for the organization field teams and the assignment of tasks
among and within teams.
Field teams in charge of the data collection and recording in the field together with data entry.
Every field team shall be composed of a minimum of three members, according to the amount of
information to be collected and the tasks allocated among individuals. Team members should have
the necessary knowledge to conduct a field data collection and they should be able to speak the
same language or have somebody working as a translator to facilitate communication among them.
Responsibilities of each team member:
The team leader is responsible for organizing all the phases of the fieldwork, from the
preparation to the data collection. He/she has the responsibility of monitoring and
ensuring timely progress in the fieldwork.
The team member will help the team leader to carry out his/her tasks and take the
necessary measurements and observations.
The workers will take necessary measurements and help other members to understand the
history and the current situation of the plantation (actual management, what has been
done in the past years, etc.).
Figure 1.Organisation chart for the participants in surveys to field work
Worker/s Team
member
Field team
Team
member
Team leader
Figure 2.Organisation chart of the field team
FAO Horticulture
Research
Institute
Desert
center
Undersecretariat
for Afforestation
University of
Alexandria
Technical University
of Munich
Field Coordinators
Field team Field team
Field team
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2.Sample design 2.1.Preconditions
The idea of developing a forest management plan for the Serapium plantation at Ismailia has a
twofold objective: 1) to carry out a forest inventory according to silvicultural standards and 2) to
train field crew participants in inventory techniques. To reach these goals, there are some factors to
be taken into account:
a.A straightforward sample design should be preferred so that it can be easily understood by
each participant and can be transferred and adopted in other plantations or forest areas in
Egypt.
b. The sample design should match international standards for forest inventories sample
surveys.
In addition some preconditions or lack thereof, need to be considered when planning the sample
design:
c. Availability of previous inventory data to obtain the necessary data for a statistical
calculation of the sample area needed. In the Ismailia case, no such data were available nor
was a pre-inventory of plots for each tree species carried out.
d. Stratification by stand age. In Ismailia this was not possible due to missing information on
age class distribution.
e. Stratification by tree species. The Serapium forest plantation is mainly planted with
monocultures. Therefore Stratification by species seems to be the most appropriate method
of classification.
f. Differences in growth pattern. The Egyptian plantation shows a very heterogeneous growth
pattern on the whole.
g. Gradient of growth within the parcel. A decreasing tree growth density is displayed from the
longitudinal center towards the edges of the parcel. This is mainly due to the layout of the
irrigation system. Indeed water flux is greater along a line in the middle of each parcel (were
the pipeline runs) and decreases towards the edges of the plot.
Based on the above, the following decisions were taken to define the sample design:
1. The total sample area will cover 2% of the area stocked with tree species.
2. Stratification will be by tree species.
3. The sample plots will be rectangular shaped to fit the regular planting patterns of the
plantation and to facilitate orientation within the plot and within the plantation.
4. The size of a sample plot will be 20m x 20m.
5. The sample plots must be selected randomly within each planted area covered by specie. This
to avoid a bias regarding the above explained gradient in growing patterns (g).
2.2.Calculation of the required number of sample plots per tree species
The graphs below show the methodology used to compute the number of samples needed to obtain
a 2% representation of each tree species area. The area covered by each tree species was calculated
in square meters (qm) or in hectar (ha) using a Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Then
the required sample area was computed according to the following : Total sample area = 2% of Area
per tree species and the number of sample plots was rounded up (No. of sample plots
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(ROUNDUP!)). As a result the plots to be sampled are 58, representing a total sample area of 2.32 ha
or 2.18% of total area covered with tree species.
Plot Trees Trees
Total sample area 20x20m 3x3 3x3.5
COPY from sheet "Planted Parcels": 2% 400 9 10.5
Area per tree species: qm ha qm ha No. No. No.
Casuarina equisetifolia 31582.1 3.2 631.64 0.1 2 89 76
Cupressus sempervirens 233682.2 23.4 4673.64 0.5 12 533 457
Dalbergia sissoo 25807.5 2.6 516.15 0.1 2 89 76
Eucalyptus camaldulensis 186070.9 18.6 3721.42 0.4 10 444 381
Eucalyptus citriodora 166132.2 16.6 3322.64 0.3 9 400 343
Khaya senegalensis 283978.4 28.4 5679.57 0.6 15 667 571
Pinus halepensis 90011.3 9.0 1800.23 0.2 5 222 190
Terminalia catappa 47625.7 4.8 952.51 0.1 3 133 114
TOTAL TS 1064890.4 106.5 21297.81 2.1 54 2400 2057
SUM Plots/Trees per Tree Species(ROUNDUP): 58 2578 2210
Real Sample Area (ha) 2.32
Real Sample Area (%) 2.18%
No. of
sample
plots(RO
UNDUP!)
No. of trees by
assumed planting
distance
Figure 3: Calculation of the required number of sample plots
2.3.Sample Plot Selection In the GIS software a grid of 20m x 20m was laid over the map of the tree species distribution. A
progressive number was assigned to each 20m x 20m square to be sampled by the GIS software. The
data was exported into Microsoft EXCEL and the required number of plots per tree species was
randomly selected. Moreover, a second random selection was performed with the remaining
squared plots to get alternative sample plots, to ensure that all the plots selected in the first round
fall in an area where plot measurement is possible. The grid and the selected and alternative plots
are presented in the map “Serapium Forest Isamilia – Selected Sample Plots per Tree Species (20m x
20m)”. The list of the selected and of the alternative plots is added here (“Plot Selection for the
Forest Inventory”).
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3.Fieldwork procedure 3.1.Overview of data collection process
The flow chart below shows all the signle steps to be taken in the preparation of the field data
collection for a forest management plan.
3.2.Preparation for the fieldwork
3.2.1.Bibliographic research
A forest management plan is the instrument to manage the forest to serve the needs of the local
communities in a sustainable manner and to ensure renovation and durability of the forest cover.
During the preparatory work for a forest management plan, foresters collect and review information
on the environment surrounding the forest and on the socio-economic conditions. Existing reports
on natural resource and forest inventory, species, biodiversity, farming systems, national policy and
community management issues, local people, customs and livelihoods and socioeconomic context,
have to be analyzed to enhance understanding of the local context.
The field team coordinators with the support of field team leaders are responsible for recovering
information on:
•Local demographics;
Preparation
of the fieldwork
Bibliographic
research
Preparation of
the field forms
Preparation of
the maps
anaccess
itinerary
Contacts with
staff
Measurements and field
observations
Material
preparation
Access the first plot
Plot marking
Data
collection in the
plot
Access the
next plot
Data collection in the
SP Access to SP
Figure 4.Data collection procedures
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•Agriculture: main crops, livestock, soil and water resources and agriculture production data;
•Local natural forests and other environmental issues: natural forests and other relevant
biodiversity data;
•Socioeconomic data (markets; infrastructure, health, etc.);
•Policy and legislation application, especially local bylaws and regulations.
3.2.2.Field equipment per team
In order to conduct the data collection in the field, each field team must carry the equipment that is
listed in Table 1. Every team leader, with the help of the other team members, is responsible for the
field equipment of his/her own team. Before and after the field work, each team leader must check
the list and report to the Team Coordinators in case anything is missing.
Table 1.Equipment required for each field team
Equipment needed Minimum number required Comments
Measurement tools and material
Map compass (360°) 1
- High precision
- In degrees
- Waterproof and resistant
- Suitable for working with maps
(transparent basis that holds the capsule)
- Scale in cm / mm
GPS receiver (Geographic
Positioning System) 1
- Map sources Egypt
- Provides coordinates worldwide and
should contain uploaded local maps
Clinometer 1
- Tree height and land slope measuring
equipment: Clinometer with 10m, 15m,
20m and % scales to measure both tree
height, in meters, and slopes, in percent
Poles (wooden or plastic )
(telescope) 1
- Min 5m, max 8m
- To measure height and crown diameter
Diameter Measurement Tape 1
- Metric
- Diameter measurement on one side,
distance measurement on the other side
- To measure plants of maximum 60cm
diameter
Distance Measuring tape 1
-Metric
-Should cover at least the distance of the
sample plot from edge to edge.
Digital compact camera with
optical zoom 1
-Extra batteries
-Charger
Useful to record pictures of sample plots
measured
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Coloured flagging / warning tape
50m 1
- Red/white or yellow
- For temporarily marking sticks or plot
corners
Tree marking crayons 1 package per team with 12
pieces
Red or blue or orange colour. Useful to
mark sampled tress
Tree marking spray fluorescent
colour (cans) 5 (same colour)
Red or pink or orange colour. Useful to
mark sample plots
Forest Sickle short handle 1
Strong blade with curved sharp hook for
hand use. Useful especially in natural
forests with a layer of shrubs.
Handsaws As necessary
30-50cm bars (wooden, steel) According to plot number
-To permanently mark one corner of the
sample plots
-For plot marking during measurement
Chainsaw As necessary To cut big trees and measure them
Balance As necessary To measure tree / wood weight in field
Big Packs 1-2 Big plastic container bags (1m
3) for
biomass transportation
Office material, documents, papers
Topographic maps and field maps As necessary (minimum 3
copies of each map)
Field forms As necessary
Field manual As necessary
Clipboard As necessary To take notes
Pens and markers As necessary
(minimum 3)
Water resistant, different colours (black,
green, red, blue)
Hand calculator 1 Simple calculations
Plastic sheet protectors for
binders 5
Notepads A4
As necessary
(recommended one each
team member)
Holes on the side
Paper A4 As necessary
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3.2.3.Safety in the field and suggestion for dressing per team
Table 2.Equipment suggested for each field team
Equipment required Number required Additional Comments
Clothing
Bright vest no sleeves 1 for each member Allows visibility in the forest
Gloves (leather) 1 pair for each member
Boots 1 pair for each member
Hat 1 for each member
Long armed shirts 1 for each member
Long trousers 1 for each member
Sun glasses 1 for each member
Other equipment (camping, security, communication…)
Passport / Identification card
Other equipment (camping, security, communication…)
First aid kits 1 Including snake bite sierum
Bottled Water As necessary Drinking water for the team
Flash light 1 for each member
Knives 1
Backpack / Bag 1 for each member For personal water and equipment
Personal Medicine! As necessary
-Diarrhoea
-Electrolytes
-headache
......................
Cell phone 1 For communication if necessary
Sun protection lotion As necessary
Insect repellent As necessary
Dictionaries 1 for each member Working language English
Books, etc. As necessary Personal leisure activity
Suggestions for personal safety in the field
- Be well hydrated and nourished;
- Be dressed appropriately;
- Do not smoke in forest;
- Pay attention to dangerous animals;
- Do not touch, lay or sit on the ground.
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3.2.4.Maps
Maps of the working area are essential to carry out the field work of a forest inventory. With the
support of the information received from the Undersecretariat and University of the Alexandria and
the remote sensing data, two maps were produced with the support of the GIS software: the tree
species distribution (map. 1) that shows the area covered by every species and the sample plots
distribution (map. 2) that shows the plots to be inventoried.
1.Serapium Forest Ismailia 2012 – Tree Species Distribution
2.Serapium Forest Ismailia – Selected Sample Plots per Tree Species
Both maps match geographical standards and can be used for orientation with the compass. More
specifically they:
Have a title and a frame.
Are north-south oriented and show the north arrow
Have a frame that can be used as north-south line for compass work
Are scaled correctly (scale text ‘1:8,000’ or ‘1:6,500’, means 1cm in the maps represent 80 m or
65 m in reality).
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Are scaled correctly (scale text ‘1:8000’ or ‘1:6500’, which means 1cm in the map represents
8000cm or 6500cm in reality).
Have a scale bar (for easy distance measurement with a ruler).
Have a complete legend.
3.2.5.Coordinate System, Map Datum and GPS (Global Positioning System)
The maps produced with the GIS software respect the following standards in order to be used also
with the support of the GPS receiver:
Map datum: WGS_1984 (World Geodetic System).
Coordinate system: UTM zone 36N (Egypt east; east and north coordinates in meter).
GPS coordinates can be exported from the GIS system for every point of the maps if necessary.
The GPS coordinates of the north east corner of the selected and of the alternative sample
plots are added to the corresponding list “Plot Selection for the Forest Inventory”
(Attention! GPS device settings must be for UTM zone 36N).
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3.3.Field Form F3-a1
Field Form F3-a1 is the main table to collect forest field parameters in the sampling plots (Se also the
Annex for reference):
Headlines:
1.Location: Serapium Forest, Ismailia (predefined).
2.Date: Day of plot measurement.
3.Plot No: Number according to the list “Plot Selection For The Forest Inventory“ (OBJECT ID).
4.Coordinates: Coordinates according to list “Plot Selection For The Forest Inventory“ (X and Y
coordinates with no numbers after the comma).
5.Plot size: 20m x 20m.
6.Distance of rows: refers to distance between planted rows (trees are planted in rows).
Distance of trees within rows: refers to the planting distance of trees within one row.
7.Planting period: Note here the date of establishment of the plantation, possibly indicating
month and year.
8.Team members: Here the names of every team member should be recorded. Mark visibly the
person who is writing.
9.Irrigation Timing: Report here how many hours of irrigation was planned for this part of the
stand (scheduled hours per day) and how many hours of irrigation are currently provided
(current hours per day).
Inventory data:
1.Position No: Trees are planted in regular distances. Report here the consecutive number of the
position of tree growth. Usually one tree grows in one position. It can occur that two or
more trees grow in the same position and are therefore very close together (see the filled
example of F3-a1 in the Annex).
2.Tree No: Report here the consecutive tree number. If a tree is forked at a height of <1.30m,
consider every stem of the fork as a single tree with its own individual number, but with the
same position number.
3.DBH (Diameter at Breast Height): The diameter of a tree is measured according to
international standard at the height of 1.30m which corresponds to an average human
breast height.
4.Commercial (Bole) Height: For every tree species, in every country and even for every forest
there are commercial heights that are based on the local end-use of the harvested wood.
Commercial height depends on a set of defined standards. More generally commercial
height should be measured from the foot of the tree to:
a.the first big branch, when the quality or form of the stem decreases reasonably.
b.the lower base of a forked stem.
c.the height of the stem where the diameter is around to 5 cm.
d.For trees forked at a height <1.30m, consider the fork as the base of the stem and
measure each stem from fork to one of the conditions (a, b, c) described above
and also reported in Table 4 (Annex: Measurements)
5.Vitality: The crown condition of a tree is an indicator of vitality. The main parameters to be
considered here are the density of foliages or the appearance of dead branches (top
dieback). For every tree species the density of foliages can change during the year and dead
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branches may be typical for some tree species (for example in the lower part of conifers).
Therefore the vitality has to be set to a standard at the plantation for each tree species. That
means that the condition of a single tree has to be compared with the condition of the
surrounding trees of the stand of the same species or with the condition of trees growing
under the same condition in other places. As general approach we will use categories as
follows:
a.Healthy (densely foliated, no top dieback);
b.Moderate Health (fairly foliated, beginning top dieback);
c.Unhealthy (poorly foliated, severe top dieback);
d.Dead.
6.Tree Quality: The ability to classify the tree quality is very important, but at the same time it is
difficult and needs training and experience. The tree quality also depends from the defined
purpose of the stand or from the designated use of the wood. For example if the purpose is
to have valuable wood for boards or veneers, a good quality tree has to be straight, the stem
must be without branches, and the crown should be vital for good increment. Whereas a
good quality tree for a shelterbelt can be of low height, with many branches and the stem
form is irrelevant. Note: To categorize tree quality it is important to look at the whole tree
and evaluate whether it is worth to maintain it for the next coming years of silvicultural
treatment. Assuming that the purpose of the Serapium Forest is to produce better quality
wood, the following quality of the tree need to be considered:
a.High (straight trunk, free of fork, well formed crown, no defects);
b.Satisfactory (slightly crooked, slightly forked, fairly formed crown, little defects);
c.Low (sharply crooked, strongly forked, badly formed crown, severe defects)
d.Shrubby
Tree quality will correlate with other parameters. For example a tree with a straight stem
and without damages indicates a high quality stem, but the tree has to be classified as low
quality tree if the crown is badly formed and/or damaged (low fork, broken branches, etc.).
Such a tree is not worth to be left for the next years.
7.Social class: The following Figure shows the different social classes within a forest stand.
co
-do
min
an
t
co
-do
min
an
t
do
min
an
t
overt
op
ped
su
pp
ressed inte
rmed
iate
co
-do
min
an
t
Figure 5: Social classes of trees (by Technical University of Munich, Forestry Department)
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8.Stem form: According to the designated use of the trees, the grade of crookedness must be
defined for every tree species at the plantation.
9.Damage degree: A definition of the severity of damages has to be found within the team for
each tree species. Then the classification is:
a.Undamaged/healthy;
b.Slightly affected;
c.Severely affected;
10.Damage type: The damage type can be
a.Abiotic (climatic effects like drought, lightning strike, branches broken in a storm, lack
of nutrients, etc.);
b.Biotic (diseases, insects and other pests, fungi, browsing by camels or goats, etc.);
c.Anthropogenic (caused by man: stem damage with machines, bad pruning, etc.);
d.Unknown;
11.Additional data: Tree height: The height of a tree is measured from the foot to the highest
point in the center of the tree axis.
3.4.Field Form F3-a2
Field Form F3-a2 contains the following parameters to be measured (see also tables reported in
annex):
Head line:
1.Location: Serapium Forest, Ismailia (predefined).
2.Plot No: Number according to list “Plot Selection For The Forest Inventory“ (OBJECT ID).
Stand description1:
1.Stand type: Report here the dominating tree species which determine the rotation length and
note sparsely occurring tree species.
2.Tree canopy cover:
a.Dense/Interlocking: Crowns reach wide into another;
b.Closed: Crowns have contact with branches;
c.Slightly closed: Distance between crowns < crown diameter;
d.Scattered: Distance between crowns = crown diameter;
e.Discontinuous: Crown distances > crown diameter;
f.Wide open: Decomposition of the stand;
3.Health condition and vitality:
a.Pests and diseases: mark here observed diseases and note other observations and
explanations to the marked options.
1 The content of a complete stand description you find in the annex. For the Serapium forest and the field
form F3-a2 the important aspects were selected and extended.
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b.Physical damage: Mark here, if most of the trees were damaged on the trunk, the root
basis or at the crown. Note if necessary the percentage of the specific damage (20%
of the damaged trees are damaged at the trunk). Note other observations
concerning damages.
4.Other characteristics:
a.Ground vegetation: Mark here, whether there are shrubs and/or grass as undergrowth
and estimate the density.
b.Litter thickness: Measure the thickness of the litter at some random spots and mark
the average.
c.Other observations: Note here observations regarding biodiversity, occurring plants
and animals, physical characteristics of the site, etc.
5.Previous treatments: Find out with the help of the workers and through observation.
a.Thinning: Have there been thinning and cuttings of trees since stand establishment?
b.Pruning: Were branches cut off the stem of single trees to improve stem quality? If
yes, how is the result?
c.Replanting: Have failed individuals been replaced with young plants?
d.Irrigation System: mention observations regarding the irrigation system (broken
tubes, etc.).
6.Management suggestions: Make note here of possible actions to improve the silvicultural
situation of the stand or formulate your own suggestions.
7.Notes: Formulate conclusions on the basis of the above observations.
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3.5.Field data collection
The field work needs to be planned well in advance by the team coordinator/s and discussed with all
team members. Depending on the different purposes of the field work, team coordinators shall
consider:
- The number of the sample plot to carry out in a work day;
- Which is the order in which the different sample plot should be carried out;
- Other measurements or description needed (e.g. felled trees.......).
The sample plots are inventoried according to a specific order that was agreed upon before the field
work. Every team must respect the order decided by the team coordinator/s. When this cannot be
respected, the schedule change must be communicated by the team leader to the team
coordinator/s.
If you find the following criteria, plot measurement makes no sense:
90% of the trees are dead;
The area, where the plot is located, is not planted;
The area, where the plot is located, is planted with non tree species (Sisal, Jatropha, ...);
The DBH of the tree species is <5cm;
1) Fill the headings of field form F3-a1 and F3-a2 and note what is wrong with the plot or the
area.
2) Draw the corrections on the map (delimit the area, where the map shows incorrectness) and
report the changes to the field coordinators or to the person who is in charge of the maps. To
update the map is very important for later calculations!
3) Go to the next plot you are supposed to measure.
3.5.1.Access to the sample plot
In the forest plantation, the sample plots will be located with the support of both the metric
coordinates (in the projection system adopted for the assessment) and the topographic maps (and
aerial photographs/satellite images if available). Some reference points that facilitate the orientation
in the field (e.g. roads, rivers...) will also be identified on the field maps. It is also important,
especially in the beginning of the field data collection, to consult or work with an expert of the
plantation who can provide useful information on how to access the sample plots more easily. To
ensure an effortless navigation through the field, the North-East corner of each sample plot have
been pre-registered as waypoints (see paragraph 4.1) on the GPS, so that the every plot to be
sampled can be easily reached. The compass will help in the orientation in the field. Although in a
man-made forest plantation navigation can be quite easy, it is nevertheless very important to note
on the map the departure location and its coordinates on the GPS.
24
During the access to the plot, photographs of reference sites (roads, settlements, facilities and
overview of the plantation) can be taken.
If the GPS signal is lost when locating the sample plot coordinates, the team can stop and wait for
the signal to be re-established or move to a location with a clearer view of the sky (dense foliage,
buildings can block the signal) to get the satellite signal, or to navigate from there using a compass
and measuring tapes.
GPS have a ground resolution of about 5 metres distance and at the beginning GPS requires
sometime to stabilize the signal. How to use the navigation function of the GPS receiver to find the
north-east corner of a sample plot see the annex.
3.5.2.Delimitation of the sample plot and associated tasks
When you reached the destination point (north-east coordinates of a sample plot) follow these steps
(see Figure 8 and 9):
North-east corner:
1.Mark permanently the north-east corner with a wooden/ bamboo/steel bar with the top
coloured with spray.
2.Fill the headline of field form F3-a1.
3.Take a photo of the headline of field form F3-a1. The following photos can be related to this
plot number.
Compass
Map not correctly
oriented
Compass
Map correctly
oriented
Figure 7.Correct orientation of the map
Figure 6.Incorrect orientation of the map
25
4.Mark the north-east corner tree, inside the sample plot at 1.50 m of height on the trunk with
a circle of spray and with the code: SP X (X must be the number of the sample plot).
5.Take one photo portrait ( P ) and one photo landscape ( L ) from this corner into the
plot.
6. Direct with the compass along the tree lines to the south to find the south-east corner of
the plot.
7.Measure 20m to this direction, mark border trees with a crayon ring inside the plot.
South-east corner:
8.Mark south-east corner with a wooden/ bamboo/steel bar with the top coloured with spray.
9.Mark the south-east corner tree, inside the sample plot.
10.Take one photo portrait and one photo landscape into the plot.
11.Direct with the compass 90° to the west.
12.Measure 20m to this direction, mark border trees with a crayon ring inside the plot.
South-west corner:
13.Mark south-west corner with a wooden/ bamboo/steel bar with the top coloured with spray.
14.Mark the south-west corner tree, inside the sample plot.
15.Take one photo portrait and one photo landscape into the plot.
16.Direct with the compass 90° to the north.
17.Measure 20m to this direction, mark border trees with a crayon ring inside the plot.
North-west corner:
18.Mark north-west corner with a wooden/ bamboo/steel bar with the top coloured with spray.
19.Mark the north-west corner tree, inside the sample plot.
20.Take one photo portrait and one photo landscape into the plot.
21.Check whether the distance between north-east corner and north-west corner is 20m.
26
22.Start tree measurement
Figure 8. Sample plot schema
Mark the corners with a
steel bar during
measurements
NE First
NW Fourth
Mark permanently
the NE corner with
a bar
SW Third
SE Second
Mark permanently
the corner trees
with spray
Mark the border tree
with a circle with
crayon
1.50 m.
height
1.50 m.
height
S
P
X
1.50 m.
height
North-East
corner tree
SE, SW and NW
corner trees tree
Border tree
Figure 9: Border trees marked in the sample plot
27
3.5.3.Summary of measurement procedure at the plot
Follow these points:
1. Fill the form F3-a1 as explained in paragraph 3.3;
2.Before starting with tree measurements ensure that the headline of form F3-a1 (see Annex 4.3) is
completed;
3.To be sure to include every tree in the sample plot, tree measurement must begin from the first
tree on the North-Eastern corner of the plot and follow the direction indicated in Figure 8;
4. To avoid repeating measurement on a tree already measured, mark it on the trunk with a slash
using a crayon (see photo 1);
5.For every tree please record in the following order: position, tree number, scientific name/local
name and the minimum data (age, dbh, commercial height, stem quality, vitality, social class,
damage degree, damage type) using the form F3-a1;
Photo 1. Tree already measured, mark on the trunk
6.Record the total tree height and other additional data every five trees, as reported in Figure 11;
7.During the sample plot measurements take some photos. They could be useful to represent the
situation of the plot (stand condition, management, particular damages or pests and diseases...).
Figure 10. Order to follow in the trees measurements
Measure the plants following
the arrows
28
3.5.4.Field observations (stand description) After having completed the sample plot measurements start the field observations using the field
form F3-a2. First of all write down the number of plot (the same specified in F3-a1) then the other
information requested. During the stand description it could be useful to take some photos to
represent some characteristics of the stand, relevant to the inventory.
3.5.5.End of data collection work at the plot and access to the next plot
Once the work in the first sample plot is completed and after having checked that the field forms are
readable and filled in with all the requested variables, the team will access the second plot. It may be
possible to directly access the following plot with help of the GPS, as explained in the paragraph
3.5.1.
3.5.6.End of the field work and organization of the material obtained The field forms should be well-organised, filed and thoroughly checked by the field team leader, to
ensure that all fields are duly completed and that there are no inconsistencies. Then they will be
handed over to the team coordinators for review and quality control. If they have to be sent by mail/
courier, they should be first scanned (or photographed) and/or photocopied.
When the field team has access to a computer, the photographs should be uploaded and renamed
as follows: “SP number” + “running number of photos in the SP” (where SP is the “sample plot”
number used in the field forms). Then the photos should be copied to a CD or DVD, and a copy
should be provided to the team coordinators.
Figure 11.Trees to be measured in every sample plot
9
1 2
6
3
5 4
7 8
10
Collect the minimum and
additional data every five trees
12 11
29
4.Annex 4.1.Use of the GPS receiver
To use the coordinates of the north-east corner of the sample plots given in the list “Plot Selection
For The Forest Inventory“ the following settings must be made as default with every GPS receiver
(See also Paragraph 3.5.1):
1.Chose GPS Setup/Position Format:
oChose Map Datum: WGS_1984
oChose Coordinate System: UTM zone 36N
To find the real position of the coordinates given in the list “Plot Selection For The Forest Inventory“,
follow the description below:
2.Use the navigation function of the GPS receiver
oChose navigate to coordinates
3.Enter the coordinates
o1: Check correct UTM zone 36N
o2: enter East Coordinate (only number before the comma)
o3: enter North Coordinate (only the number before the comma)
4.OK. The GPS receiver should now navigate to the entered coordinates. Follow the direction the
GPS receiver shows until reaching the end position.
5.Follow your way on the map (navigated by the GPS receiver), to check if you are on the right
course.
30
6.Check your position when you reached the final destination. An error of around 2-3m is
normal.
7.Switch off the GPS receiver to save battery.
8.Check your position on the map!
9.Compare the tree species in the map with the tree species in reality. If the map is not correct,
draw the corrections on the map (delimit the area, where the map shows incorrect tree
species) and report the changes to the field coordinators or to the person who is in charge of
the maps. To update the map is very important for later calculations!
10.Start with the delimitation of the sample plot.
Example:
Table 3: Excerpt from list "Plot Selection For The Forest Inventory"
OBJECTID * TreeSpecie SHAPE_Area Selected X_NEcorner_UTM36N Y_NEcorner_UTM36N
4725 Casuarina
equisetifolia
400 1 426201.5776 3373617.44
The selected plot is of the tree species Casuarina equisetifolia. The plot number is 4725
(OBJECT ID).
Like with usual mathematical coordinates systems, the X represents the horizontal position
(East) and Y represents the vertical position (North)
oThe East Coordinate is 426201.5776 (X_NEcorner_UTM36N)
oThe North Coordinate is 3373617.44 (Y_NEcorner_UTM36N)
For the GPS receiver only the number before the comma is relevant and precise enough. So
the coordinates of the north east corner of plot number 4725 are:
o426201E; 3373617N
31
4.2.Measurements
4.2.1.Horizontal measurements All linear reference distances, such as plots dimensions, are considered horizontal
distances, as they are parallel to the ground. When the terrain is flat, as in the Serapium
plantation of Ismailia, these distances can be measured directly with a distance measuring
tape. Moreover in a man-made forest plantation the distances between trees are usually
regular and well known. With such information it is possible to determine a certain distance,
simply by using the number of tree planted as a proxy. This method can also be used to
determine the height of a tree with a clinometer, when it is necessary to stay at 20 m or 15 m
from the stump of the trees.
4.2.2.Tree diameter (Dbh) measurement Tree diameter is measured over bark, at a height of 1.3 m above the ground (which
corresponds to an average human breast height) (see Figure 12), with the exception of
particular cases mentioned below.
Measurement may be carried out with the help of a diameter tape (tape whose diameter
unit is in centimetres), or with the use of a calliper. The tape measurement is cheaper and it
is handier for tree trunks from 5 cm to 50 cm, so here it is described deeply.
In order to avoid overestimation of the volume and to compensate measurement errors,
diameter is measured in cm, and rounded to the lower integer number (example: 16.8 cm
become 16 cm).
Notes: One single dotted line indicates the place for Dbh
measurement. If there are two lines on the stem because
of a defective tree, the appropriate place to do the
measurement is thus indicated.
The tape measuring usually has two sides (see Figure 13 ):
- One side shows a graded diameter scale in centimetres, to convert circumferences to
diameter measures
- On the other side of the axe, it shows length in cm.
1.30m Figure 12.Position for diameter measurement at breast
height in flat terrain
32
In measuring tree diameters always remember to:
- Keep the instrument at 1.3 m in a position always perpendicularly to the tree axe;
- Make sure that the diametric tape is not twisted and is well stretched around the tree and
perpendicular to the stem. No branches should be left between the tape and the bark of the
tree to avoid over estimation.
- Refer to table 4 to measure special tree, i.e. forked trees.
-For trees on slopes or particular situations not presented here, refer to the FAO NFMA field
manual (Manual for integrated field data collection, NFMA Working Paper n.37/E, FAO,
Rome 2009).
Table 4.Position for diameter measurements – Particular cases
Case Description of diameter
measurement Figure
Fork trees Several cases exist,
according to the point where
the fork divides the stem.
If the fork begins (the
point where the core is
divided) below 1.30 m
height, each stem having
the diameter required
(≥20 cm in the whole plot,
≥10 cm for rectangular
subplots) will be considered
as a tree and will be
measured. Diameter
measurement of each stem
will be taken at 1.3 m height.
If the fork begins higher
1.3 m height, the tree will
be counted as a single tree
and diameter measurement
is carried out at 1.3 m.
Figure 13.Tape measurement
1.3m 1.3m 1.3m
Figure 14. Dbh measurement
position for fork
33
If a fork occurs at or
immediately above 1.3 m,
the tree will be counted as a
single tree and diameter is
measured below the fork
just beneath any swelling
that could inflate the Dbh.
Coppice These are considered as
forked trees. Coppice
shoots originating below
1.30 cm are measured as
single tree.
Tree with
irregular
stem at
1.3m
Trees with bulges, wounds,
hollows and branches, etc.
at breast height, are to be
measured just above the
irregular point, there where
the irregular shape does not
affect the stem.
Figure 15 Dbh measurement
position for a tree with branch
enlargement at 1.3m
Measurement
Point
1.3m
Measurement
Point
1.3m
Measurement
Point 1.3m
34
Inclined tree Diameter measurement is
made at 1.3 m. The stem
height is measured where
the stem base and the
ground meet forming the
smaller angle.
-If the tree to be measured has been cut and there is only a stump, do not take any
measurement but report the information on the field form.
4.2.3.Tree height measurement Tree height measurement may be carried out by means of several instruments such as:
dendrometric table, Blume-Leiss, Suunto, Haga, Blitterlich Relascope, pole graduated...
Height measurement with the Clinometer Suunto
The Clinometer (Suunto or similar) works at given distances of 10m, 15m and 20m. The
Clinometer must be held firmly in vertical position.
The distance to measure a tree should always be equivalent or greater than its height: e.g. a
22 meters high tree can only be measured at 30 meters distance.
1.3m
Figure 16.Dbh measurement
position for an inclined tree
Height values at
the scale of 20 m Height values at
the scale of 15 m
Slope % (x10)
Figure 17. Clinometer
Suunto
35
Walk to a distance of 15 or 20 meters
Target the tree top, read the height measurement result in the scale of 15 in case you are a
15 meters distance or in the scale of 20 in case you are at 20 meters distance (Figure 17).
Target the tree base and read the height on the 15 meters scale or in the 20 meters scale,
depending to your distance, add or subtract, according to the case.
Height measurement is taken in different steps:
Before taking the height, identify the top of the tree crown;
Identify the tree base;
Add one of the two observation results (see Figure 18);
For trees on slopes or for other particular situations not presented here, refer to the FAO
NFMA field manual;
Figure 18. Tree height calculation
Note: You may compute the height of the tree reported in Figure 18 by summing up segment
a + segment b (12 m for a + b):
- By adding the readings of the tree top and the tree base, if they are on both sides of the
horizontal line.
a
b
36
4.3.Field Form F3-a1 (empty)
37
4.4.Field Form F3-a2 (empty)
38
4.5.Field Form F3-a1 (filled example)
39
4.6. Field Form F3-a2 (filled example)
40
4.7.Stand description 1 Stand type Named after the first and/or second dominating tree species (determining the rotation
length)
2 Additional tree species <5% of the stand:
numerous trees <5%
several trees +-3%
single trees 1%
3 Age of Stand Estimation of the range (e.g. 60 to 90years of age) or the real plant age if known.
4 Age-class Juvenile phase: until reaching 2m of height or closure of crowns
Thicket: until reaching a height >1.30 and a BHD >7cm of merchantable wood
Pole stand: BHD 7cm to 14cm
Timber: small sized (14-38cm), medium (39-50cm), heavy (>51cm)
5 Stand establishment Natural regeneration
Seed
Planting
6 Tree canopy cover Dense/interlocking (crowns reach deeply into another)
(Crown closure class) Closed (crowns have contact with branches)
(Canopy density) Slightly closed (distance between crowns < crown diameter)
Scattered (distance between crowns = crown diameter)
Discontinuous (crown distances > crown diameter)
Wide open (Decomposition of the stand )
7 Stratification One stratum (even aged stand)
Two or more stratums (dominant stand with serving lower stand or later planted second stratum)
All-aged structure (no stratums)
8 Species composition Stem-by-stem
Mixed stand in small groups (1/2 tree length, up to 200m2)
Mixed stand in medium sized groups (1/2-1 tree length, 200-1000m2)
Mixed stand in big groups (1-2 tree length, 1000-3000m2)
Mixture by small-scaled areas (>2 tree length, >3500m2)
Mixture by alternate rows (several meters of width)
9 Health condition and vitality
physical damages (anthropogenic, animals, climatic)
Climatic damages
Pests and diseases
Pollution, nutrients
10 Quality DBH
Branchiness (natural clearance)
Stem quality (length, taper, shape: straight, curved, forked, ...)
11 Stability (of single trees or stands)
Slenderness of single trees (>100=very instable, 80-100=instable, <80=stable, <45=solitary tree)
Crown – tree-height ratio: <1/4=instable, 1/2 – 1/3=stable
12 Accessibility paths, skidding trails, forest roads, ...
13 Other characteristics or anomalies
Advanced regeneration plantings
Natural regeneration
Ground vegetation (concurrence)
Growth ratio softwood-hardwood
Seed-trees, remnant trees, veterans
Fructification
Treatments
14 Previous treatments
15 Future objectives
16 Management suggestions/Future treatments