14 

 Site Preparation and Data Collection 



A temporary benchmark was established at each of the 17 sites by 

 surveying from a permanent benchmark. A reconnaissance of the area was 

 conducted for suitable sites, and mean sea level elevations for each 

 hydrologic zone boundary were surveyed along the topographic gradient. 

 The contours of each hydrologic zone boundary within the site were 

 marked with surveyor flags. Fifty-five hydrologic zones were estab- 

 lished on the 17 study sites. Sampling methods were adapted from meth- 

 ods described by Whittaker (1973), except where noted. 



Sample plots were established parallel to the hydrologic zone 

 boundary (Figure 3) . Plots were positioned on the downslope side of the 

 boundary with at least a 5-m buffer between the sample plots and the 

 upper and lower boundary of the hydrologic zone. A belt transect (20 m 

 wide by 40 m long) containing 10 sample subplots (8 m by 10 m) was 

 established within each zone. 



Small soil pits in each sample plot were dug with a tile spade to 

 a depth necessary to identify the soil series. In all cases a county 

 soil survey was used to identify the mapped soil series, and information 

 was obtained to verify the soil series on site. Assistance from the 

 local SCS office was used to determine the correct soil series and soil 

 permeability coefficients for each zone sampling site. 



Vegetation was sampled by vegetative layer. All trees in each 

 sample plot were identified by species and the diameter at breast height 

 (1.5 m) of individuals having a diameter of greater than or equal to 

 7.5 cm was measured and recorded to the nearest whole centimeter. 



