Ground vegetation is an important compartment of the ecosystem in terms of biodiversity and it takes an active part in the general functioning of the ecosystem. It is also a useful bio-indicator of the site conditions and its monitoring may enable the detection of environmental changes. Ground vegetation relevés were carried out repeatedly at 17 LWF plots during in the the period between 1994 and 2011. In 2013, ground vegetation was surveyed at an additional LWF plot (Laegeren). The cover of all plant species occurring in 16 1-m2 quadrats, distributed over the 43 x 43 m intensive monitoring subplot was visually assessed. Seedlings and saplings were also counted and their position within the quadrat was noted in order to assess tree regeneration.

Purpose:

To assess the species diversity of ground vegetation and detect possible environmental changes using its bio-indicator value.

Manual Citation:

• Kull, P., 1997. Kapitel D2. Vegetationsaufnahmen. In: Brang, P. (Ed.), Aufnahmeanleitungen aller Forschungsprojekte auf Flächen der Langfristigen Waldökosystem-Forschung (LWF). Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL, Birmensdorf, pp. 1-9.

• Canullo R, Starlinger F, Granke O, Fischer R, Aamlid D, 2016: Part VI.1: Assessment of Ground Vegetation. In: UNECE ICP Forests Programme Co-ordinating Centre (ed.): Manual on methods and criteria for harmonized sampling, assessment, monitoring and analysis of the effects of air pollution on forests. Thünen Institute of Forest Ecosystems, Eberswalde, 12 p. + Annex http://icp-forests.net/page/icp-forests-manual

Paper Citation:

• Thimonier A, Kull P, Keller W, Moser B, Wohlgemuth T (2011) Ground vegetation monitoring in Swiss forests: comparison of survey methods and implications for trend assessments. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 174: 47-63. doi: 10.1007/s10661-010-1759-y