d. Woody vines (lianas). Identify species of woody vines climbing 

 each tree and sapling/shrub sampled in STEPS 9a and 9b above, 

 and record the number of stems of each. Since many woody vines 

 branch profusely, count or estimate the number of stems at the 

 ground surface. Include only individuals rooted in the 10-ft 

 radius plot. Do not include individuals <3.2 ft in height. 

 PROCEED TO STEP 10. 



• STEP 10 - Analyze Field Vegetation Data. Examine the vegetation data 

 (STEP 9) and determine the dominant species in each vegetation layer* 

 by completing the following: 



a. Trees . Obtain the total basal area (square inches) for each 

 tree species identified in STEP 9a by summing the basal area of 

 all individuals of a species found in the sample plot. Rank 

 the species in descending order of dominance based on total 

 basal area. Complete DATA FORM 2 for the tree layer. 



b. Saplings /shrubs. Obtain the total height for each sapling/ 

 shrub species identified in STEP 9b. Total height, which is an 

 estimate of dominance, is obtained by summing the midpoints of 

 height classes for all individuals of a species found in the 

 sample plot. Rank the species in descending order of dominance 

 based on sums of midpoints of height class ranges. Complete 

 DATA FORM 2 for the sapling/shrub layer. 



£. Herbs. Obtain the total cover for each herbaceous and woody 

 seedling species identified in STEP 9c. Total cover is 

 obtained by using the midpoints of the cover class range 

 assigned to each species (only one estimate of cover is made 

 for a species in a given plot) . Rank herbs and woody seedlings 

 in descending order of dominance based on percent cover. Com- 

 plete DATA FORM 2 for the herbaceous layer. 



d. Woody vines (lianas) . Obtain the total number of individuals 

 of each species of woody vine identified in STEP 9d, Rank the 

 species in descending order of dominance based on number of 

 stems. Complete DATA FORM 2 for the woody vine layer. 

 PROCEED TO STEP 11. 



• STEP 11 - Characterize Soil. If a soil survey is available (Sec- 

 tion B), the soil type may already be known. Have a soil scientist 

 confirm that the soil type is correct, and determine whether the soil 

 series is a hydric soil (Appendix D, Section 2). CAUTION: Mapping 

 units on soil surveys sometimes have inclusions of soil series or 

 phases not shown on the soil survey map. If a hydric soil type is 

 confirmed, record on DATA FORM 1 and PROCEED TO STEP 12. If not, dig a 

 soil pit using a soil auger or spade (See Appendix D, Section 1) and 



The same species may occur as a dominant in more than one vegetation layer. 



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