Sevilleta LTER Core Site Phenology Study (2000)

Plant phenology or life-history pattern, changes seasonally as plants
grow, mature, flower, and produce fruit and seeds. Plant phenology
follows seasonal patterns, yet annual variation may occur due to
annual differences in the timing of rainfall and ambient temperature
shifts. Plant foliage growth and fruit and seed production are
important aspects of plant population dynamics and food resource
availability to animals that feed on plants, fruit, and seeds. The
purpose of this study is to assess plant phenology patterns across a
series of biotic communities that represent an environmental moisture
gradient. These communites include: Chihuhuan Desert creosotebush
shrubland, Chihuahuan Desert black grama grassland, Chihuahan
Desert/Great Plains/Rocky Mountain juniper savanna, and Rocky Mountain
pinyon pine/juniper woodland. Plant phenology is recorded for all
plant species across 5 replicate 200 m transects at each of the 4
habitat sites. Plant phenology measurements are taken once every month
throughout each year. The first 10 individuals of each plant species
encountered along each transect are assessed for life-history
status. Data recorded include the status of leaves, flowers and
fruit. Leaves are recorded as new, old, brown or absent, flowers and fruit are
recorded as present or absent. Plant phenology data were collected in all 4 core research sites
sites in 2000.