Circular vegetation plots LWF

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 repeatedly carried out at 17 LWF plots in the period between 1994 and 2011. In 2013, ground vegetation was surveyed at an additional LWF plot (Laegeren). Phytosociological relevés were carried out in one or two concentric circular plots of 30, 200, 400 and 500 m2. All species occurring on the whole area of the LWF plot were also noted during the first vegetation survey.
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](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](http://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-010-1759-y)