Sapelo Research Application Form
Research Application ID: GCE-47-2013 (submitted: 06/07/2013, status: approved)
Provide a brief title for web display
Flux tower monthly vegetation monitoring
Investigator Information
On Island Sponsor: GCE SINERR UGAMI GADNR
| Principal Investigator: | Steven C. Pennings | ||
| Home Institution: | University of Houston | ||
| Award Information: | Part of the core activities of the GCE-LTER GCE-III proposal, NSF, ~$5 million. | ||
| Mailing Address: | Department of Biology and Biochemistry | Phone Number: | (713) 743-2989 |
| University of Houston | E-mail Address: | scpennin@central.uh.edu | |
| Houston, Texas 77204-5513 | |||
| Co-investigators: | Adrian B. Burd (University of Georgia), Monique Y. Leclerc (University of Georgia) | ||
Briefly describe the project goals and methodology
We will conduct monthly monitoring of above and below-ground plant biomass in stands of short, medium and tall Spartina in the vicinity of the flux tower to provide high frequency data to support plant modeling and interpretation of flux tower measurements. We plan to conduct these measurements for four years.
Methods: 1) We will deploy six permanent plots (0.25 x 0.25 or 0.5 x 0.5 m) in each of three vegetation zones (short, medium and tall Spartina). We will measure the height of all living stems in each plot approximately monthly. 2) We will collect 4 haphazardly-located cores (4 inch diameter, 30 cm depth) in each of the same 3 vegetation zones to measure the root:shoot ratio of Spartina approximately monthly.
Where will the project be located?
The exact location is under discussion, but plots will be located with 1-2 km of the GCE LTER flux tower in the Duplin River estuary.
How will you provide GPS coordinates for study sites?
I will provide a provisional map and arrange with my sponsor to collect and register GPS coordinates
What are the expected start and end dates of the project?
Start Date: 06/10/2013 End Date: (ongoing)
How many people will access the site and at what frequency?
One person will access the site monthly. Our current plan is to conduct these measurements for 4 years.
Keywords that describe your project
What equipment will be deployed in the field?
We will mark the 24 plots with pvc stakes. We will locate two short leg units (made of untreated 2 x 4s) in front of each plot so that it is possible to approach each plot using a temporary, moveable boardwalk that will be relocated from plot to plot. This will minimize trampling in the immediate vicinity of each plot. Stakes and boardwalk legs will be removed when the project is completed.
Will plants or animals be collected as part of this study?
We will collect 12 Spartina samples (4 inch diameter cores centered on a Spartina culm) on each sampling date. This collection activity is covered by the UGAMI collecting permit.
What are the likely impacts of the project on the site?
Monthly visits will create some trampling (a trail is likely to eventually form). Once the sampling is completed, the pvc stakes and boardwalk legs will be removed, and the vegetation should regrow within a single growing season.
Will the project design include boardwalks? If not, explain why not.
We do not think that the modest level of disturbance or limited duration of the project justify constructing extensive and expensive permanent boardwalks. We will use a moveable boardwalk to access plots and minimize trampling in the immediate vicinity of each plot.
How long will impacts persist after the research is concluded?
Once the sampling is completed, the pvc stakes and boardwalk legs will be removed, and the vegetation should regrow within a single growing season.
Research Permits:
Georgia DNR Coastal Resources Division: GCE-47-2013_Permit_GCE_47_LOA__vegetation_monitor_Sapleo_8_19_13 (08/19/2013-indefinite)
Files attached to this application
GCE-47-2013_Maps_Flux_tower_vegetation_monitoring_site.xps (XPS file, 1615.48 kb, submitted 08/09/2013)
GCE-47-2013_GPS_FluxVegPlots2014.zip (Zip archive, 2.22 kb, submitted 02/17/2014)
