forest inventory begun

We started with the forest inventory at our 72 sampling locations in 8 paddocks.
That includes: establishing 1,000 m² circular plots, counting and measuring diameter for all trees (Ø ≥ 5 cm), their epiphyte cover and counting "faces" on pines that are being tapped for resin. We also look into herb ground cover and downed coarse woody debris.

The latter is relevant since many pines are toppled by strong winds, which affects resin producers, but also because this decomposing debris creates habitat and food for many life forms.

coarse woody debris - decomposing trees

Rotting wood stimulates biodiversity. Here's one critter hanging out in a rotting tree stump, a bit shy but not to show its identifying feature.

"alacrán"

We measured downed coarse woody debris by the point relascope sampling method (see Gove et al, 2001). Basically, you take a simple angle gauge (a piece of wood, nails and a string) and look through the gauge for downed trees all around your point. If the fallen log is wider than your sighted angle you count it in, and if it's shorter you don't. But here's a (surreal) example, let's assume cows are rotting logs. You sight them through the gauge and check:

for this cow named Log, left is "in" and right is "out"

You can then measure other features of the downed tree, like volume and decomposition degree, and finally assess how much coarse debris is present in the sampling point and/or forest.

measuring the length of a fallen tree

mesmerized

It's hypnotic, I was captivated by this feeding cow.
A bit embarrassed to just stare. The cow did not seem to mind.
This video is unsurprisingly not quite as fascinating 😏.