The Biometry Protocol offers the procedures for performing biometry measurements at Quantitative Land Cover Sample Sites. These procedures enable students to collect data as part of their Quantitative and Qualitative Land Cover Protocols. Students must first follow the first four steps for collecting qualitative land cover sample site data. In order to perform the Biometry protocol, the site must be an MUC level 1, class 0 (Closed Forest), class 1 (Woodland), or class 4 (Herbaceous Vegetation.) Students must observe and record data about the ground cover and canopy cover of the site, identify dominant and co-dominant vegetation species at the site, and measure the tree height and circumference or the biomass of the herbaceous ground cover.
Ground and Canopy Cover Measurements
Students use a tubular densionmeter to measure ground and canopy cover by pacing across the site diagonally from the northwest corner to the southwest corner. Students must take two readings at every pace (two steps), one reading for the canopy and one reading for the ground observations.
Dominant and Co-Dominant Vegetations Species
While pacing with the densionmeter, students look out for vegetation, twigs or branches that touch the crosshair intersection of the densionmeter. If vegetation appears either through the densionmeter or underfoot, students must record the data. Students must use the MUC classifications protocol to identify the vegetation.
How to Measure Tree Height or Grass Biomass
Students can use a clinometer to measure tree height and circumference. With a clinometer students can discover the angle of elevation of the tree. By multiplying that number with the distance they stand away from the tree students can calculate the height of the tree. Students must then identify the genus and species of the tree using the MUC classifications.
![Protocols [Image: Blue-Eyed Grass]](images/protocols_h.jpg)
