Multi-factor environmental characterization (Salicaceae)

Knowledge graph centered on Multi-factor environmental characterization (Salicaceae) with 46 nodes and 139 connections. Top connected: Engelmann Spruce, Asteraceae, Artemisia tridentata, Populus tremuloides, Populus.

Method synopsis

Comprehensive site characterization including canopy light availability via hemispherical photography, disturbance assessment via cow presence indicators, regolith classification, and physiographic variables from digital elevation models and insolation modeling.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 1 paper using this protocol.

Procedure as described in the canonical source

Steps below were extracted from the paper that introduces this protocol — Cytotype and genotype predict mortality and recruitment in Colorado quaking aspen (<i> Populus tremuloides </i>) (2021), Ecological Applications. Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Measure environmental variables
   Light availability: hemispherical photograph 2m north of focal tree using Canon 6D camera with 17-40mm f/4L lens at 17mm focal length, ~75°×95° field of view. Scored 1 (open canopy) to 5 (closed canopy) independently by two trained individuals, revised until consensus, transformed to continuous light index as 1-(CanopyOpenness-1)/4. Cow presence: scored positive if any cow excrement, wallows, or hoof prints present, negative if all factors absent. Regolith: characterized qualitatively based on soil coarse fraction from three samples within 3m radius 0-30cm depth using soil corer or knife, scored as soil (rocks <1cm), scree (some rocks >1cm), or talus (some rocks >5cm).
   Quantities: 2m distance for photography, 3m radius for soil sampling, 0-30cm soil depth, 3 soil samples per plotDuration: Same time as census data collectionConditions: Field conditions during summer census period
   Equipment: Canon 6D camera, 17-40mm f/4L lens, soil corer (Lamotte 1055/EP), soil knife (Nisaku NJP640)
2. Extract physiographic data
   Used digital elevation model (1/3 arcsecond resolution) from National Elevation Dataset to obtain elevation and calculate 3x3 kernel slope percentage. Mapped net summer insolation (MJ m⁻²) using digital elevation model coupled to raytracing algorithm simulating diurnal sun progress across terrain from 1 June 2018 - 30 September 2018. Extracted rock unit information from USGS 1:24000 maps, then coarsened 21 observed units to 5 types with similar hydrological properties.
   Quantities: 1/3 arcsecond elevation resolution, 3x3 kernel slope calculation, 4-month insolation periodDuration: 1 June - 30 September 2018 for insolation modeling

Typical Equipment

• Canon 6D camera
• 17-40mm f/4L lens
• soil corer (Lamotte 1055/EP)
• soil knife (Nisaku NJP640)
• National Elevation Dataset
• USGS 1:24000 maps

Output Measurements

• light index
• disturbance presence
• regolith type
• elevation
• slope
• summer insolation

Papers Using This Protocol (1)

Species Studied With This Protocol

Places Where Used