Location of Sampling Stations: Measurements were taken at a total of 64 transects (8 watersheds x 4 sites per watershed x 2 pasture meter transects per site). Each cattle-grazed watershed (designated as of May 2011 C2A, C3B, C3C, and C1A) includes 4 plant composition sampling transects (A-D). Pasture meter measurements were taken along two transects adjacent and parallel to the plant composition transects in each of these watersheds. Standing biomass samples for pasture meter calibration were also collected near the plant composition transects in the same 8 watersheds.
For example: In watershed C3A, there are 4 plant composition transects (labeled A-D). Two pasture meter transects (50 m) will be placed at each of these sites.
Frequency of Sampling: Sampling occurred annually in late summer or early fall. The first measurements were taken in August 2010.
Variable Measured: Standing biomass, vegetation structure height
Methods: Measurements of vegetation structure height were taken along two 50m transects approximately 25m on either side of and parallel to each of the 32 designated plant composition transects. A disc pasture meter was used to take 50 measurements per transect (1 measurement per meter). The disc apparatus was raised to the top of the measuring stick, released, and allowed to settle on the standing vegetation. The height of the vegetation in centimeters was then read from the measuring stick.
To calibrate the pasture meter, standing biomass was collected at 25-30 different locations across multiple watersheds. Care was taken to ensure the samples included a wide range of standing biomass. First, a vegetation structure height measurement was taken and recorded. Then, a circular clipping frame was placed in the same location and all biomass in the ring was clipped, bagged, dried, and weighed. These data were then used to create a regression relationship between standing biomass and vegetation structure height. The resulting equation can then be used to estimate standing biomass along each of the vegetation structure height transects.
For additional metadata information see: http://lter.konza.ksu.edu/sites/default/files/DC.pdf
For additional methods information see: http://lter.konza.ksu.edu/sites/default/files/MM.pdf
