Sampling Goldenrod plant population with transect, and trait sampling techniques

Methods: In order to familiarize with sampling techniques, and equipment, field training with Goldenrod population sampling was conducted on York University grasslands.50 Goldenrod samples were studied in a 30 m area along a randomly placed transect tape, within 50 cm radius from the tape.Distance of each sample from zero end of the tape was recorded, in addition to height of a plant measured from ground to the highest point of it, even if it was a leaf or flower not only stem. number of leaves from the bottom, and number of flowers were counted and recorded, excluding dry, brown leaves, and dead flowers, as well as bourgeons less than 1cm. Patch density was also assessed by counting other plants within 50cm radius in a scale as: 0 - open; 1 - 1 to 3 plants nearby; 2 - 4 to 6 plants nearby; 3 - 7 to 9 plants, 4 - very crowded patch with 10 and more plants nearby. excluding weeds and grass.<br><br>