Commission Regulation (EC) No 1091/94 of 29 April 1994 laying down certain detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 on the protection of the Community's forests against atmospheric pollution
Modified by
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 690/95of 30 March 1995amending Regulation (EC) No 1091/94 laying down certain detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 on the detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 on the protection of the Community's forests against atmospheric pollution, 31995R0690, March 31, 1995
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 1390/97of 18 July 1997amending Regulation (EC) No 1091/94 laying down certain detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 on the protection of forests against atmospheric pollution, 31997R1390, July 19, 1997
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 1545/1999of 14 July 1999amending Regulation (EC) No 1091/94 laying down certain detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 on the protection of forests against atmospheric pollution, 31999R1545, July 15, 1999
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 2278/1999of 21 October 1999laying down certain detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 on the protection of the Community's forests against atmospheric pollution, 31999R2278, October 29, 1999
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 1737/2006of 7 November 2006laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning monitoring of forests and environmental interactions in the Community, 32006R1737, November 30, 2006
Commission Regulation (EC) No 1091/94of 29 April 1994laying down certain detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 on the protection of the Community's forests against atmospheric pollution THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 of 17 November 1986 on the protection of the Community's forests against atmospheric pollutionOJ No L 326, 21. 11. 1986, p. 2., as last amended by Regulation (EEC) No 2157/92OJ No L 217, 31. 7. 1992, p. 1., and in particular Article 3 thereof, Having regard to Resolution No 1 of the first ministerial conference on the protection of forests in EuropeDecember 1990, Strasbourg. and its follow-up, Whereas, pursuant to Article 2 (1) indent 3 and 4 of Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86, the purpose of the Community scheme is to help the Member States to: conduct intensive, continuous surveillance of forestry ecosystems, establish or extend, in a coordinated and harmonious way, a network of permanent observation plots required for such intensive, continuous surveillance; Whereas, pursuant to Article 2 (2) of Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 the Member States shall forward to the Commission the data gathered by the network of observation plots for intensive, continuous suveillance; Whereas this network of observation plots is installed in order to obtain detailed data on the evolution of forest ecosystems in the Community; whereas this approach allows correlations to be established between the variation of environmental factors, especially atmospheric pollution and the reaction of forest ecosystems; whereas the data it provides, allows a better interpretation of the findings derived from the systematic network of observation plots as specified in Commission Regulation (EEC) No 1696/87OJ No L 161, 10. 6. 1987, p. 1., as last amended by Regulation (EEC) No 836/94OJ No L 97, 15. 4. 1994, p. 4.; Whereas applications for aid submitted under Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 for the purpose of carrying out an intensive, continuous surveillance referred to in Article 2 (1) should contain all the information needed for an examination of these measures in the light of the objectives and criteria of that Regulation; whereas this information should be presented in a standardized form to facilitate examination and a comparison of applications; Whereas the measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Forestry Committee, HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
Article 1 1. A network of permanent observation plots shall be installed by the Member States. By 30 June 1994, the selection of the plots shall be completed and over 50 % of the plots shall be installed, according to the common methods for the establishment of a network of permanent observation plots for intensive, continuous monitoring (see Annex I). The last plots shall be installed before 30 June 1995. For all plots the Member States shall forward to the Commission by 15 December 1994 a review of the selection criteria and a complete list of the selected plots, including basic information such as location (longitude, latitude, altitude) and species, as well as the general plot information for each installed observation plot in a standardized form as specified in Annex VIIa. 2. On the permanent observation plots intensive and continuous surveillance of the forest ecosystems shall be carried out. This contains the continuous inventory on the crown condition, the inventory of soil and foliar condition and measurements on increment changes, deposition rates, meteorology, soil solution sampling and analysis and ground vegetation assessment in accordance with objective sampling methods and analysed in accordance with established methods. 3. Member States shall forward to the Commission in standardized form before the end of every year at least all data measured during the year before for each permanent observation plot as specified in Annex VIIa together with a data accompanying report as specified in Annex VIIb. In addition, an annual progress report on evaluations and interpretations of results carried out on national level shall be forwarded to the Commission before 31 December every year as specified in Annex VIIb. 4. Technical details pertaining to the provisions of this Article are set out in Annexes III to XI.
Article 2 1. Applications for aid from the Community: to establish or extend the network of permanent observation plots for the intensive and continuous surveillance, to carry out the inventory of crown condition, to carry out the soil inventory, to carry out the foliage inventory, to carry out the increment measurements, to carry out the deposition measurements, and to carry out the meteorological measurements,and to carry out the sampling and analysis of soil solution,and to carry out the assessment of ground vegetation, within the meaning of Article 2 (1) of Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 shall contain the information and documents specified in Annex II to this Regulation. Applications shall be submitted in triplicate and in accordance with Annex II. Member States shall submit applications to the Commission before 1 November each year in respect for the following year. 2. Applications not meeting the requirements set out in paragraph 1 of this Article shall not be considered.
Article 3 This Regulation shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. ANNEX I COMMON METHODS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NETWORK OF PERMANENT OBSERVATION PLOTS FOR INTENSIVE, CONTINUOUS MONITORING(Article 2(1) of Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 and its amendments) I.General remarks The purpose of the scheme mentioned in Article 2(1) to Regulation 3528/86 and its amendments is to establish a network of permanent observation plots in the Member States of the Community and to collect data by intensive and continuous surveillance.The objectives of the scheme are: to conduct an intensive and continuous monitoring of forest ecosystems in relation to the damage caused by atmospheric pollution and other factors influencing forest condition, to improve the understanding of the causal relationship between changes in forest ecosystem and the factors influencing it especially atmospheric pollution, by concentrating at a single location various measurements and monitoring of forest ecosystems and its components, to obtain relevant information on the evolution of a number of forest ecosystems in the Community. II.Establishment of the network of permanent observation plots II.1.Selection of plots Member States selected by 30 June 1994 a sufficiently large number of permanent observation plots in their country. Since then some Member States have completed their national intensive monitoring programme by additional plots. The maximum number of these plots should be in principle limited for each Member State up to 15 plots, but Member States are allowed to select a larger number of plots under the condition that the number will not exceed 20 % of the number of national plots of the Community's 16 x 16 km gridnet (Regulation (EEC) No 1696/87).The selection of these plots are in the responsibility of the Member States, although the following criteria for the selection should be applied: the plots should be located in such a way that the more important forest species and more widespread growing conditions in the respective country are represented, the minimum size of a plot shall be 0,25 hectares measured on a horizontal plane, to minimise the effects from activities on surrounding areas the plot shall be surrounded by a buffer zone. The actual width of the zone depends on the type and age of the forest. If the area of the plot and its surroundings is uniform with regard to height and age structure, the width of the buffer zone can be restricted to 5 or 10 m. If the forest area in which the plot is located consists of mixed stands, different species or age structure, the buffer zone shall be enlarged to up to five times the potential maximum height of the forest in the plot, as the plot will have to be available for long duration monitoring, it is necessary that the corners and/or boundaries are clearly marked and that each sample tree in the plot is numbered in a permanent way, the plots should be easily accessible at all times and no restriction with regard to the access and sampling should exist, there should be no differences in the management of the plot, its buffer zone and the surrounding forest (e.g. management operations should be comparable), and disturbances caused by the monitoring should be kept to a minimum), direct pollution from known local sources should be avoided. Plots should not be located in the immediate vicinity of farms, very close to main roads or in direct vicinity of polluting industries, a sufficient number of trees should be available for sampling in or near the plot, the plots and the buffer zone should be as uniform as possible regarding, e.g. species or species mixture, age, size, soil and slope, the plots should be located sufficiently far away from the forest edge. It is recommended to select plots which have been monitored in recent years within the framework of Regulation (EEC) No 3528/86 or other programmes. When additional plots have to be selected it is recommended that plots are identical to or located near one of the existing plots of the Community's 16 x 16 km network and that plots are located in such a way that information from other sources (e.g. meteorological stations) can be used. II.2.Installation and documentation of the plot Member States submitted to the Commission in 1994 the general data and a detailed description of each plot.The detailed description of the plot includes; the exact location of the plot, a sketch map showing the permanent marking other plot corners and/or boundaries, the number of trees in the plot and any other relevant permanent elements in or near the plot (e.g. access road, rivers). In the future, the exact location of sample sites (e.g. soil pits) shall also be recorded on this map. II.3.Definition of a subplot In principle all trees in the total plot are to be included in the sample for the tree assessment (e.g. crown inventory, increment assessment). Where the plot has many trees (i.e. dense stands), a subplot may be defined to be used for these surveys. The size of the subplot at the time of the installation of the plot should be large enough to give reliable estimates for these surveys for a minimum of 20 years, preferably throughout the life of the stand. A minimum of at least 20 trees in the subplot should be available in this period. II.4.General information on each plot The following general information on each permanent observation plot for intensive and continuous monitoring shall be collected during the installation and the first surveys:
— Descriptive code — Site data — Stand data — Other observation
Installation First surveys
Country Observation plot number Actual latitude and longitude
Altitude Orientation Total plot size Number of trees in plot Subplot (if any) availability of water to the principal species humus type soil unit (estimate)
Mean age of dominant storey, Main tree species Yield (estimate)
History of the plot Other monitoring station situated nearby
Where additional plots are installed in order to complete the national intensive monitoring programme the Member States shall forward to the Commission for each installed plot the information collected during the installation using a datafile (see Annex VIIa, Form la) and reports (see Annex VIIa, Form 1b) by the end of the same year in which (re-)installation took place. Important information obtained during the years of monitoring shall be submitted yearly using Forms 1a and 1b (Annex VII). The other information shall be submitted immediately after the first relevant survey has been carried out and will be updated when necessary. III.Replacement of destroyed plots III.1.General remarks The selection of the plots for intensive monitoring is the responsibility of Member States. For this selection a number of criteria is laid down in this Annex. Most Member States have developed their own strategy for monitoring their national forest ecosystems, aiming at the observation of the more important tree species and growing conditions.Although the plots were to be selected to be available for long term monitoring a premature destruction of the plot is always possible, due to fire etc. In some cases a number of final samplings can still be carried out before all trees of the plot have disappeared. The next step would be to review the strategy behind the selection criteria and to decide what criteria are to be applied to the selection procedure of the new plot. III.2.Closure of a plot The opportunity should be taken to make some final measurements/assessments. If still possible before the (final) destruction of the plot, a (destructive) sampling of the monitored trees in the plot can be made. After felling the exact tree length can be measured, stemdisks can be taken and precise foliar sampling can be carried out. III.3.Strategy The monitoring strategy in most Member States includes aspects on the forest area, forest ecosystem, species and often aspects of soil, meteorology and deposition levels. When a plot needs to be replaced the opportunity should be taken to verify whether the original strategy is still valid and how the gap can best be filled. In this context it should be considered that besides the original surveys (crown condition, soil, foliar and increment) additional surveys have been added to the programme in recent years (deposition, meteorology, soil solution, ground vegetation, remote sensingThe technical details for the optional application of aerial photography on intensive monitoring plots are laid down in the Manual on remote sensing applications edited by the European Commission.). It is therefore recommended to take into account the evolution of the intensive monitoring programme when planning the replacement of plots.In general, however, it might be advisable that the new plots are situated in the same region and have the same soil type, deposition level and tree species as the destroyed plots. III.4.Reinstallation of the plot For the selection of new plots the same criteria apply as for the destroyed plots. After installation of new plots some surveys, which are not repeated quickly should be carried out as soon as possible (i.e. soil and remote sensing). As the crown condition and foliage surveys are done yearly or two-yearly no additional survey of this kind directly after plot installation is necessary. Where the next regular increment survey is scheduled more than three years after plot installation increment measurements should be carried out directly after plot installation. III.5.Special attention points The reinstalled plots will be given a new number. Member States will submit to the Commission together with the next regular data submission information on the reason for the plot replacement, the results of last observations/measurements made and the criteria applied for the selection of the new plots. ANNEX II APPLICATION FOR AID FROM THE COMMUNITY IN RESPECT OF THE MEASURES TO BE CARRIED OUT PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 2 OF REGULATION (EEC) No 3528/86 AND ITS AMENDMENTS Applications for aid must be presented in accordance with Annex A to Commission Regulation (EEC) No 526/87OJ L 53, 21.2.1987, p. 14. together with a summary of the information listed below and the completed table as included in this Annex as form 2a.For each of the measures to be carried out in accordance to Article 2, information on the following items shall be given: 1.Brief description of the measures 2.Applicant Links between the applicant and the measures 3.Agency responsible for carrying out the measures Object and scope of the agency's main activities 4.Detailed description of the measures where: (a)the measures relate to establishing or extending the network of permanent observation plots for the intensive and continuous surveillance: 1.description of existing situation 2.geographical location and area of the region(s) concerned (plus cartographical document) 3.number of permanent observation plots; (b)the measures relate to the establishment and execution of an inventory of the crown condition on the permanent observation plots: 1.description of existing situation 2.number of observation plots, which are be included in the the crown condition inventory (form 2a) 3.detailed description of the sampling procedure used at plot level (number of trees, markings, etc.) 4.indication of timetable for the execution of the projected measures (form 2b); (c)the measures relate to the establishment and execution of an inventory of the soil condition on the permanent observation plots: 1.description of the existing situation 2.Number of permanent observation plots, which are to be included in the soil condition inventory (form 2a) 3.detailed description of the sampling procedures used at plot level (number of single samples, soil profile description, etc.) 4.detailed description of parameters to be determined and the analysis methods to be applied including a clear description of any calibration, correction, and/or recalculation needed to make the results compatible with the results analysed according to the approved methods 5.indication of the timetable for the execution of the projected measures (form 2b); (d)the measures relate to the establishment and execution of an inventory of the foliar condition on the permanent observation plots: 1.description of the existing situation 2.number of permanent observation plots, which are to be included in the foliar condition inventory (form 2a) 3.detailed description of the sampling procedures used at plot level (number of single samples, description, etc.) 4.detailed description of parameters to be determined and the analysis methods to be applied including a clear description of any calibration, correction, and/or recalculation needed to make the results compatible 5.indication of the timetable for the execution of the projected measures (form 2b); (e)the mesures relate to the establishment and execution of the measurements of increment changes on the permanent observation plots: 1.description of the existing situation 2.number of permanent observation plots, which are to be included for the increment measurements (form 2a) 3.detailed description of the measurement procedures used at plot level (number of measurements, description, etc.) 4.detailed description of parameters to be determined and the analysis methods to be applied including a clear description of any calibration, correction, and/or recalculation needed to make the results compatible with the results analysed according to the approved methods 5.indication of the timetable for the execution of the projected measures (form 2b); (f)the measures relate to the establishment and execution of the measurements of deposition rates on the permanent observation plots: 1.description of the existing situation 2.number of permanent observation plots, which are to be included for the deposition measurements (form 2a) 3.detailed description of the measurement procedures used at plot level (number of measurements, description, etc.) 4.detailed description of parameters to be determined and the analysis methods to be applied including a clear description of any calibration, correction, and/or recalculation needed to make the results compatible with the results analysed according to the approved methods 5.indication of the timetable for the execution of the projected measures (form 2b); (g)the measures relate to the establishment and execution of the meteorological measurements on the permanent observation plots: 1.description of the existing situation 2.number of permanent observation plots, which are to be included for the meteorological measurements (form 2a) 3.detailed description of the measurement procedures used at plot level (number of measurements, description, etc.) 4.detailed description of parameters to be determined and the analysis methods to be applied including a clear description of any calibration, correction, and/or recalculation needed to make the results compatible with the results analysed according to the approved methods 5.indication of the timetable for the execution of the projected measures (form 2b); (h)the measures relate to the establishment and execution of the measurements of soil solution on the permanent observation plots: 1.description of the existing situation 2.number of permanent observation plots, which are to be included for the measurements of soil solution (form 2a) 3.detailed description of the measurement procedures used at plot level (number of measurements, description, etc.) 4.detailed description of parameters to be determined and the analysis methods to be applied including a clear description of any calibration, correction, and/or recalculation needed to make the results compatible with the results analysed according to the approved methods 5.indication of the timetable for the execution of the projected measures (form 2b); (i)the measures relate to the establishment and execution of an assessment of the ground vegetation on the permanent observation plots: 1.description of the existing situation 2.number of permanent observation plots, which are to be included in the ground vegetation assessment (form 2a) 3.detailed description of the sampling procedures used at plot level (number of sub-samples, description, etc.) 4.detailed description of parameters to be determined and the analysis methods to be applied including a clear description of any calibration, correction, and/or recalculation needed to make the results compatible 5.indication of the timetable for the execution of the projected measures (form 2b). 5.Cost of measures under 4(a) to 4(i) (form 2a) 1.Costs for the establishment or extending the network (4a) 1.1.costs per plot 1.2.total costs 1.3.aid applied for from the Community 2.Costs of establishment, observation or sampling for each survey 4(b) to 4(i) 2.1.costs per plot 2.2.total costs 2.3.aid applied for from the Community 3.Costs of analysis and evaluation for each survey 4(b) to 4(i) 3.1.costs per plot 3.2.total costs 3.3.aid applied for from the Community 4.Total project costs (sum of costs for 1.2 (establishment), 2.2 (observations and/or sampling), and 3.2 (analysis and evaluation)) 5.Total aid applied for from the Community (sum of costs for 1.3 (establishment), 2.3 (observations and/or sampling), and 3.3 (analysis and evaluation)) 6.Complete forms 2a and 2b Date and signature ANNEX III COMMON METHODS FOR THE INVENTORY OF THE CROWN CONDITION ON THE PERMANENT OBSERVATION PLOTS I.General remarks The inventory shall be carried out on all permanent observation plots in 1994 and shall be repeated annually. II.Inventory methodology II.1.Selection of sample trees In principle all pre-dominant, dominant and co-dominant trees (Kraft: class 1 to 3) in the total plot are to be monitored. In the case that the plot has many trees (e.g. dense stands), the number of sample trees for the crown assessment could be reduced by using a sub-plot (see Annex I (II.3)). In the case of a sub-plot all the pre-dominant, dominant and co-dominant trees (Kraft: class 1 to 3) in the sub-plot are to be monitored. In certain cases it could be allowed that a different, but objective and unbiased system is used to reduce or to select the number of trees to be sampled. The same methods shall be applied every year and a minimum of 20 trees shall be assessed each survey. II.2.Date of assessment The inventory is to be undertaken between the end of the formation of new needles and leaves and before the autumnal leaf discolouration. II.3.General background information The following plot and tree information shall be collected: plot number, exposure, tree number, information on removals and mortality, tree species, social class, crown shading, visibility, and the date of assessment. II.4.Assessment of sample trees 1.Visual assessment of defoliation Defoliation shall be estimated in 5 % steps in relation to a tree with full foliage in local condition. The classification of trees into degrees of defoliation shall be carried out during the observation and shall be registered in 5 % steps.A tree with between 95 % and 100 % defoliation, which is still alive, is scored as 99. The score 100 is reserved for dead trees. 2.Visual assessment of discolouration The classification of trees into degrees of discolouration shall be carried out after the observations have been made.The degrees of discolouration are defined as follows:
Class Discolouration Indicative percentage of leaves discoloured
0 None or negligible 0—10
1 Slight discolouration 11—25
2 Moderate discolouration 26—60
3 Severe discolouration > 60
4 Dead
3.Additional parameters The additional parameters are listed below: damage due to easily identifiable causes (insect, fungi, abiotic agents…), identification of damage type, observations on the tree in the plot. II.5.Methods In the sub-manual on visual assessment of tree condition on intensive monitoring plots (ICP Forests) additional details on the selection of trees and the execution of assessments are laid down. Moreover, the sub-manual contains technical information on the additional parameters to be assessed as well as on the submission of these parameters. It is advised to follow the technical details laid down in this sub-manual and to submit on optional basis the results of the assessments of the optional parameters to the Commission by applying the relevant details of the sub-manual. II.6.Data transfer The Member States shall forward to the Commission for each plot this information in standardized forms (see Annex VII, Form 3a and 3b). ANNEX IV COMMON METHODS FOR THE SOIL INVENTORY ON THE PERMANENT OBSERVATION PLOTS I.General remarks The inventory is to be carried out on all permanent observation plots in the period between 1994 and 1996. Soil condition data, which were collected and analysed before 1994, but after 1 January 1991 could also be used if the methods as described below have been applied. The inventory will be repeated on each individual sample plot every 10 years. This Annex is based on results of the soil expert panel of UN-ECE/ICP on assessment and monitoring of air pollution effects on forests (ICP forests). Reference is made to the manual (1992) prepared by this expert panel. After two sampling periods a review of the parameters to be analysed in future soil samples shall be made. II.Inventory methodology II.1.Selection of sample location Soil samples will be statistically representative for the situation of the plot. The soil samples will be collected from a profile pit and/or taken from bores. Care should be taken to avoid any disturbance of roots belonging to sample trees. II.2.General background information The following general information shall be collected: plot number, date of sampling and analysis. II.3.Pedological and physical characterization of the sample plots A pedological characterization shall be made for each sample plot. It is advised to make the profile description according to the FAO-guidelines (FAO guidelines for soil description, third edition (revised), Rome 1990) in the buffer zone. Care should be taken that the profile description(s) is/are made on a location which is representative for the actual sampling area. It is recommended that the dry bulk density is determined from undisturbed soil to enable the calculation of the total nutrient contents. If the dry bulk density is not determined, a reasonable estimate of this parameter should be made. The determination of the soil granulometry is mandatory. The particle size fractions are: < 2 μm, 2-63 μm, 63-2000 μm (FAO). If 50 μm is used to separate silt and sand fractions, conversion to 63 μm limit has to be done. II.4.Method of sampling The soil samples shall be collected by depth or by horizon. For every sampled layer or horizon, at least one representative composite sample will be collected or several samples; the number of subsamples collected for the composite sample and the sampling date shall be reported.The organic layers (O- and H-)The soil expert panel of the UN-ECE/ICP has agreed to use the definitions as given in the FAO-guidelines for soil description (1990), and the definitions of the organic layers (O- and H-) are as follows: H-horizons or layers: layers dominated by organic material, formed from accumulations of undecomposed or partially decomposed organic material at the soil surface which may be underwater. All H-horizons are saturated with water for prolonged periods or were once saturated but are now artificially drained. An H-horizon may be on the top of mineral soils or at any depth beneath the surface if it is buried. O-horizons or layers: layers dominated by organic material, consisting of undecomposed or partially decomposed litter, such as leaves, needles, twigs, moss and lichens, which has accumulated on the surface; they may be on top of either mineral or organic soils. O-horizons are not saturated with water for prolonged periods. The mineral fraction of such material is only a small percentage of the volume of the material and generally is much less than half of the weight. An O-layer may be at the surface of a soil or at any depth beneath the surface if it is buried. An horizon formed by illuviation of organic material into a mineral subsoil is not an O-horizon, though some horizons formed in this matter contain much organic matter. are sampled separately. In case the sampling is done by fixed depth, the following layers are to be used: 0 — 10 cm (it is advised to sample 0 — 5 and 5 — 10 separately), 10 — 20 cm, 20 — 40 cm, 40 — 80 cm. II.5.Transport storage and preparation The samples shall be transported and stored in such a way that chemical changes are minimized. The procedures of this transport and storage (including waiting periods) shall be reported. Where applicable the problems and deviations of these procedures shall be reported in detail. It is advised to store part of the sample in a soil bank for comparative use with future sampling (e. g in 10 years). Before the samples are analysed the samples have to be prepared. Large items (> 2 mm) have to be removed, the samples have to be dried (at a maximum of 40 °C), and milled or sieved. II.6.Analysis methods In the "Manual on methodologies of forest soil sampling and analysis" prepared by the soil expert panel of the ICP forests, the approved methods for the analysis of the various soil parameters are described. It is advised to use the approved methods. In case other (national) methods are applied, the comparability of the analysis results shall be reported in detail together with the presentation of the analysis results. The inventory of the forest soil condition will distinguish between mandatory and optional parameters (see list).Mandatory and optional parameters and their respective approved method for analysis:
Parameter Units H/O Min Approved methods Remarks
pH (CaCl2) Mandatory Mandatory Labex 8703-01-1-1 and ISO/TC190/SC3/GT8
Carbon organic (C-org) (g/kg) Mandatory Mandatory Dry combustion
Nitrogen (N) (g/kg) Mandatory Mandatory Dry combustion
Phosphorus (P) (mg/kg) Mandatory Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Potassium (K) (mg/kg) Mandatory Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Calcium (Ca) (mg/kg) Mandatory Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Magnesium (Mg) (mg/kg) Mandatory Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Organic layer (OrgLay) (kg/m2) Mandatory Volume (cylindric)-dry-weight
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) (g/kg) Optional Mandatory AFNOR X 31-105 if pH (CaCl2) >6
Exchangeable acidity (Ac-Exc) (cmol+/kg) Optional Mandatory Titration
Base cations exchangeable (BCE) (cmol+/kg)) Optional Mandatory Extractant: BaCl2
Acid cations exchangeable (ACE) (cmol+/kg) Optional Mandatory Extractant: BaCl2
Cation exchange capacity (CEC) (cmol+/kg) Optional Mandatory Bascomb
Base saturation (BaseSat) (%) Optional Mandatory Labex L8703-26-1-1
Sodium (Na) (mg/kg) Optional Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Aluminium (Al) (mg/kg) Optional Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Iron (Fe) (mg/kg) Optional Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Chromium (Cr) (mg/kg) Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Nickel (Ni) (mg/kg) Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Manganese (Mn) (mg/kg) Optional Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Zinc (Zn) (mg/kg) Optional Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Copper (Cu) (mg/kg) Optional Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Lead (Pb) (mg/kg) Optional Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Cadmium (Cd) (mg/kg) Optional Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Mercurium (Hg) (mg/kg) Optional Extractant: aqua regia
Sulphur (S) (mg/kg) Optional Optional Extractant: aqua regia
pH (H2O) Optional Optional pH-electrode
Electric conductivity (EC) (mS/m) Optional Optional EC-metre
Member States are free to analyse more, all, or part of the optional parameters. II.7.Data transfer The Member States shall forward to the Commission for each plot this information in a standardized form (see Annex VII, Form 4a, 4b, and 4c). ANNEX V COMMON METHODS FOR THE FOLIAGE INVENTORY ON THE PERMANENT OBSERVATION PLOTS I.General remarks The inventory is to be carried out on all permanent observation plots. The first common inventory shall be completed before the summer of 1996. Although it is recommended to carry out the foliage inventory in the indicated periods of summer 1995 and winter 1995/96, it could be allowed that the inventory is split over two years. The inventory will be repeated on each individual plot in a two year interval. The following technical details are based on the results of the expert panel for foliar analysis of ICP forests. Reference is made to the manual (1993) prepared by this expert panel. II.Inventory methodology II.1.Date of sampling Deciduous species (including larch): sampling must be done when the new leaves are fully developed, and before the very beginning of the autumnal yellowing and senescence. Evergreen species: sampling must be done during the dormancy period. Member States are requested to define for each region, and inside each region for plains and mountains, the most convenient period for the sampling and analysis of the various species, and to keep to this period. II.2.Selection of trees Every second year, at least five trees of each main species present in the plot are sampled.The number of trees needed for the sampling are selected in such a way that: the trees are different from those used for the crown assessment, in order to avoid that successive samplings introduce loss of foliage, in case the vitality assessment is restricted to the trees in the sub-plot, the trees for the foliage sampling shall be selected from the remaining part of the total plot. If no sub-plot is used the trees for sampling shall be selected from the trees in the buffer zone. In this case the trees selected for sampling in the buffer zone shall be given a special number (see Annex VII), the trees belong to the predominant and dominant classes (forest with closed canopy) or to the trees with average height ± 20 % (forest with open canopy), the trees are in the vicinity of the locations where soil samples were taken for anaylsis; however care must be taken that the main roots of the sample trees have not been damaged by soil sampling, the trees are representative of the mean defoliation level of the plot (± 5 % of the mean foliage loss), the trees are representative of the sanitary status of the plot. The same sample trees shall be sampled over the years; the trees must be numbered. For species with small crowns and too few needles (or leaves) per year, it is allowed (but not recommended) to alternate between two sets of five trees, when necessry to avoid damage to the sample trees. Each set mut respond to the above conditions.Only trees of the main species of the Community are to be sampled (see Annex VII, item 15).Trees which are used for the sampling of foliage, shall be assessed on crown condition (see Annex III), using the existing or the specially assigned numbers. II.3.General background information The following information shall be collected: plot number, data of sampling and analysis; tree species. II.4.Selection and quantity of leaves and needles The trees in the plot cannot be felled, which may influence the sampling method of leaves or needles. It is important that sampled leaves or needles have developed in full light. Generally speaking the current year needles or leaves of evergreen species are most convenient for judging the nutrition level but, for a number of elements, comparing element concentration in older needles with that in current year needles may be interesting.The sampled leaves or needles must be taken from the upper third of crown, but not from the very first whorls in the conifers; in stands where the different whorls can be clearly identified, it is advisable to sample between the seventh and the 15th whorl.For deciduous species, sampling is done on current year leaves or needles.For evergreen species, sampling of both the current year needles or leaves and the second year needles or leaves (current + 1) is recommended.For all species it is necessary to take care that leaves or needles which are sampled are mature ones, especially for species which have several flushes per year (e.g. Pinus Halepensis, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Eucalyptus sp. Quercus sp., For Larix sp. and Cedrus sp. samples are taken of the short twigs of the previous year.In general sampling must be carried out in such a way that all the orientations are represented in the set of sample trees. If necessary it is allowed to sample different orientations on each tree of the sample set. In special sites with evident influence of one orientation (e.g. steep slopes or strong dominant wind) only one orientation is sampled, which always has to be the same. In such cases, it is necessary to document the orientation.For the analysis of major elements and Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, the recommended quantity is 30 grams of fresh needles or leaves for each sampled age class.Each country may decide to sample a larger quantity of leaf material, according to the need of its own analytical methods, or in order to conserve samples for the future. II.5.Means of sampling As trees cannot be felled, any convenient way of sampling, taking into consideration kind and size of stands etc., is acceptable, provided that it does not lead to contamination of the sample, to heavy tree damage, or to risks for the sampling team. II.6.Pretreatment before sending the samples to the laboratories for analysis At least five trees of each main species present in the plot are sampled; the five samples are individually preserved in bags; for analysis, a composite sample is made by mixing equal quantities of each of the five samples (in case the five trees are analysed individually, the mean value is calculated for each element).For broadleaves, it may be advisable to detach the leaves from the twigs (and even, in certain species, the small leaves from the axis) bus this is not necessary for the conifer needles. The shoots of the current year and those of the second year are separated and preserved in separate bags. The use ofpierced high density polyethylene bags is recommended. If possible, samples are dried in a clean room and stored in a cool place in pierced polyethylene bags.Great care must be taken to clearly mark each sample (forest, number of plot, species, age of needles, etc.) before sending it to the laboratory for analysis. These identifications must be given outside the bag (directly on the bag by indelible ink, or by clasping a label on the bag). It is recommended to repeat these identifications inside the bag on a paper label written with indelible ink. The label should be folded in order to avoid leaves or needle contamination by contact with ink. II.7.Treatment before analysis The determination of the mass of 100 leaves or 1000 needles, as well as the shoot mass, are recommended for the intensive and continuous surveillance on the permanent observation plots and the current year shoot.It is not necessary to cut the petioles of the leaves but in case of compound leaves it may be advisable to detach the small leaves from the axis if this has not been done in the forest. To avoid contamination, no powdered plastic gloves shall be used.It is not necessry to systematically wash the samples, but it may be advisable in regions with a high level of air pollution or near the sea. The samples shall be washed with water without any additions.Oven drying must be done at no more than 80 °C for at least 24 hours. The needles shall be removed from the twigs with the same precautions as for detaching the small leaves from their axis.Dry samples shall be ground in order to obtain a fine powder, as homogeneous as possible. There will always remain some fibres, depending on the tree species; this is not a major inconvenience if they are small and if the powder is mixed carefully before taking samples for analysis. For Mn, Fe, Cu, Cd, Al and Pb determination, it has to be assured that the grinder does not contaminate the samples. The grinder may be tested by grinding dried fibrous cellulose and analysing it for these elements before and after the grinding. II.8.Chemical analyses Only the total element concentration is determined.In the "Manual on methodologies for leaf and needle sampling and analyses" prepared by the foliar expert panel of the ICP forests, the indicative methods for the analysis of the various foliar parameters are described.Each country is allowed to use its national methods. But is is necessary to compare the total element concentrations obtained by national methods with those certified on the reference standard samples. The foliage inventory will distinguish between mandatory and optional parameters (see list below).Parameters
Mandatory parameters Optional parameters
Nitrogen (N)Sulphur (S)Phosphorus (P)Calcium (Ca)Magnesium (Mg)Potassium (K) Sodium (Na)Zinc (Zn)Manganese (Mn)Iron (Fe)Copper (Cu)Lead (Pb)Aluminium (Al)Borium (B)
Member States are free to analyse more, all, or part of the optional parameters. II.9.Data transfer The Member States shall forward to the Commission for each plot this information in a standardized form (see Annex VII, Form 5a, 5b, and 5c). ANNEX VI COMMON METHODS FOR INCREMENT CHANGE MEASUREMENTS ON THE PERMANENT OBSERVATION PLOTS I.General remarks The first measurement is to be carried out on all permanent observation plots in the period 1994 until 1996.The measurement of the growth is divided into two parts: periodic measurements on tree parameters, tree ring analysis by means of increment cores and stem discs (optional). The periodic measurements will be repeated on each individual plot in the dormancy period 1999 to 2000 and will then be repeated in a five year interval. The sampling and analysis of increment cores and stem discs could be carried out once preferably during the installation or soon after.The following technical details are based on the results of the expert panel on increment of ICP forests. Reference is made to the manual prepared by this expert panel.The methodologies described here are inappropriate for maquis and similar vegetation types. II.Inventory methodology II.1.Date of measurements Measurements should be done during the dormancy period. II.2.Selection of sample trees In principle all trees in the total plot are to be monitored. In the case that the plot has many trees (e.g. dense stands), a sub-plot may have been defined to be used for the tree assessment (e.g. crown assessment and increment). In this case the trees in the sub-plot are to be monitored. The size of the sub-plot at the time of the inventory should be large enough to give reliable estimates for stand increment over the entire measurement period. The exact size of this sub-plot shall be determined and reported. II.3.Methods Periodic measurementsEvery five years, all trees in the (sub-)plot are measured.Tree ring analysis (increment cores and stem disc)As the sampling of increment cores could influence other measurements these samples are taken from trees outside the plot. As trees for stem disc sampling have to be felled, the trees selected have to be so far away from the plot that no effects of this removal can affect the monitored trees in the plot. At the same time the sample trees shall be representative to the trees in the plot. Whenever possible, maximum use shall be made of trees felled during normal management operations. II.4.General background information The following information shall be collected: plot number, data of sampling and analysis, tree number. II.5.Parameters to be measured
Mandatory parameters Optional parameters
Periodic measurements Tree speciesDiameter at breast height (DBH)Information on management operations BarkTree heightCrown heightCrown widthVolume estimates
Tree ring analysis Ring widthHistory of the tree diameter under bark in five years intervalsBasal area and volume estimates
Member States are free to analyse more, or part of the optional parameters.Member States are allowed to use their own national system and methods. Suggested methods and details on measurements procedures are described in the "Submanual on increment" prepared by the increment panel of the ICP forests. II.6.Data transfer The Member States shall forward to the Commission for each plot this information in a standardized form (see Annex VII, Forms 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d). ANNEX VII COMMON GUIDELINES FOR THE REPORTING OF THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEILLANCE ON THE PERMANENT OBSERVATION PLOTS AND THEIR INTERPRETATION I.General remarks The purpose of the network of permanent observation plots is to obtain detailed data on the evolution of forest ecosystems in the Community and to try to correlate the variation of environmental factors, especially atmospheric pollution, and the reaction of the forest ecosystems.This purpose can only be reached by evaluating the results on the plot level. Comparison between the results of different permanent plots on regional or Community level will have to be done with great care. It is recommended that the validated data of each survey (or completed part) is submitted to the Commission as soon as the data become available, using the standardized forms in this Annex.Member States shall forward to the Commission the data collected from the different inventories carried out between 1991 and 1996 for each permanent plot together with an interpretation of the results per plot. By 31 December 1996, all data and the national interpretation shall be available at the Commission in a standardized form for further evaluation.The validated data from the inventories after 1996 will be forwarded to the Commission upon completion of the surveys, with new deadlines every five years (e.g. 31 December 2001, 2006, etc.).In this Annex the detail on the submission of the inventory results and their interpretation are presented. II.General technical information for the submission of data II.1.Hardware requirements As medium for the data submission, the 3,5″ floppy disk (DSDD or HD) has been selected. This floppy has become a worldwide standard and is cheap and durable. Diskettes of good quality are to be used. II.2.Software requirements The diskettes are to be formatted on the appropriate density (DSDD = low density and HD = high density), using DOS 2.1 or higher, and should be 100 % IBM compatible. All information on the diskette shall be in ASCII characters. II.3.Data files Each diskette (or set of diskettes) shall contain the plot and data files; the file with the summarized information of the plots (plot file), and file(s) with the inventoried results per survey (data files). Details on the names and the contents of these files are presented in Annex VIIa. II.4.Example on diskette On request a diskette with an example of the structure and contents of the files can be supplied. ANNEX VIIa SUBMISSION OF DATA PER PERMANENT PLOT IN A DIGITAL FORMAT Review of file names per survey In the Annexes before, the details have been desribed of the inventory methods. After assessment, sampling/analysis, validation and evaluation, the data are to be submitted to the Commission in a standardized form. In this Annex the standardized form for each assessment is defined.For each assessment the validated data are to be presented in one or more files with a standard format.
Assessment Annex Frequency File name(s)
Installation I Once XXGENER.PLT
Crown assessment III Yearly XX1995.PLT,XX1995.TRE
Soil inventory IV Five or 10 yearly XX1995.PLS,XX1995.SOM,XX1995.SOO
Foliage inventory V Two yearly XX1995.PLF,XX1995.FOM,XX1995.FOO
Increment VI Five yearly XX1995.PLI,XX1995.IPM,XX1995.IRA,XX1995.IEV
Deposition VIII Continuous XX1995.PLD, XX1995.DEM, XX1995.DEO, XX1995.DEA
Meteorology IX Continuous XX1995.PLM, XX1995.MEM, XX1995.MEC, Form 8d, XX1995.MEO et XX1995.MED
Soil solution X Continuous XX1996.PSS, XX1996.SSM, XX1996.SSO
Ground vegetation XI Five yearly XX1996.PLV, XX1996.VEM
 Each file name consists of a two-letter country code (represented by XX in the list of names), followed by the year of assessment (in the example 1996) or GENER when the information is given once, a dot (.) and in the extension a three-letter code. This three letter code for the plot files consists of the letters PL and the first letter(s) of the assessment soil, foliage increment, deposition, meteorology, soil solution and ground vegetation. The three-letter code for the datafiles consists of two (or one) letters) for soil, foliage, increment, deposition, meteorology, soil solution or ground vegetation and one (or two) letters) to indicate mandatory, optional or the different parts of the increment assessment (evaluation), deposition assessment (air). Form 1aXXGENER.PLT Contents of file with the information on plot level to be completed during installation (See Annex I) Form 1b Form 4aXX1993.PLS Contents of reduced plot file to be used in combination with the forest soil inventory (see Annex IV) Form 4bXX1993.SOM Contents of file with soil analysis information (mandatory) Form 4cXX1993.SOO Contents of file with soil analysis information (optional) Form 5aXX1993.PLF Contents of reduced plot file to be used in combination with the survey of chemical content of needles and leaves (see Annex V) Form 5cXX1993.FOO Contents of file with foliar analysis information (optional) Form 6aXX1993.PLI Contents of reduced plot file to be used for increment (see Annex VI) Form 6bXX1993.IPM Contents of file with increment information — periodic measurements Form 6cXX1993.IRA Contents of file of increment information — ring analysis and stem disc analysis (optional) Form 6dXX1993.IEV Contents of evaluated data on increment (optional) Form 7aXX1995.PLD Contents of reduced plot file to be used in combination with the deposition measurements Form 7bXX1995.DEM Contents of datafile with deposition measurements (mandatory parameters) Form 7cXX1995.DEO Contents of datafile with deposition measurements (Optional) Form 7dXX1995.DEA Contents of datafile with air concentration measurements (Optional) Form 8d Form 8eXX1995.MEO Contents of datafile with occurrences of identified events/phenomena Form 8fXX1995.MED Contents of plot file with observed damage caused by meteorologic events/phenomena CODE LISTS FOR THE SURVEY DATA OF THE PERMANENT OBSERVATION PLOTS TO BE FORWARDED TO THE COMMISSION The following instructions and codes are to be adopted by the Member States to complete the common observation Information on plot level (1)Country 01France 02BelgiëBelgique 03Nederland 04Deutschland 05Italia 06United Kingdom 07Ireland 08Danmark 09Ellas 10Portugal 11España 12Luxembourg 13Sverige 14Österreich 15Suomi-Finland (2)Observation plot number The observation plot number corresponds to a unique number given to the permanent plot during the selection or installation. (3)Date of observation, date of assessment, date of analysis Dates shall be completed in the following order day, month and year:
Day Month Year
08 09 94
 (4)Latitude-/ longitude coordinates Fill in the full six figure latitude and longitude coordinates of the centre of the observation plot.e.g.
+/- Degrees Minutes Seconds
—latitude + 5 0 1 0 2 7
—longitude - 0 1 1 5 3 2
the first box is used to indicate a + or - coordinate (5)Availability of water to principal species (estimate) 1Insufficient 2Sufficient 3Excessive (6)Humus type 1Mull 2Moder 3Mor 4Anmor 5Peat 6Other 7Raw (Roh) (7)Altitude 1≤ 50 m 251— 100 m 3101— 150 m 4151— 200 m 5201— 250 m 6251— 300 m 7301— 350 m 8351— 400 m 9401— 450 m 10451— 500 m 11501— 550 m 12551— 600 m 13601— 650 m 14651— 700 m 15701— 750 m 16751— 800 m 17801— 850 m 18851— 900 m 19901— 950 m 20951—1000 m 211001—1050 m 221051—1100 m 231101—1150 m 241151—1200 m 251201—1250 m 261251—1300 m 271301—1350 m 281351—1400 m 291401—1450 m 301451—1500 m 311501—1550 m 321551—1600 m 331601—1650 m 341651—1700 m 351701—1750 m 361751—1800 m 371801—1850 m 381851—1900 m 391901—1950 m 401951—2000 m 412001—2050 m 422051—2100 m 432101—2150 m 442151—2200 m 452201—2250 m 462251—2300 m 472301—2350 m 482351—2400 m 492401—2450 m 502451—2500 m 51>2500 m (8)Orientation 1N 2NE 3E 4SE 5S 6SW 7W 8NW 9flat (9)Mean age of dominant storey (years) 1≤ 20 221— 40 341— 60 461— 80 581—100 6101—120 7> 20 8Irregular stands (10)Soil unit Fluvisols 101Eutric Fluvisols 102Calcaric Fluvisols 103Dystric Fluvisols 104Mollic Fluvisols 105Umbric Fluvisols 106Thionic Fluvisols 107Salic Fluvisols Gleysols 108Eutric Gleysols 109Calcic Gleysols 110Dystric Gleysols 111Andic Gleysols 112Mollic Gleysols 113Umbric Gleysols 114Thionic Gleysols 115Gelic Gleysols Regosols 116Eutric Regosols 117Calcaric Regosols 118Gypsic Regosols 119Dystric Regosols 120Umbric Regosols 121Gelic Regosols Leptosols 122Eutric Leptosols 123Dystric Leptosols 124Rendzic Leptosols 125Mollic Leptosols 126Umbric Leptosols 127Lithic Leptosols 128Gelic Leptosols Arenosols 129Haplic Arenosols 130Cambic Arenosols 131Luvic Arenosols 132Ferralic Arenosols 133Albic Arenosols 134Calcaric Arenosols 135Gleyic Arenosols Andosols 136Haplic Andosols 137Mollic Andosols 138Umbric Andosols 139Vitric Andosols 140Gleyic Andosols 141Gelic Andosols Vertisols 142Eutric Vertisols 143Dystric Vertisols 144Calcic Vertisols 145Gypsic Vertisols Cambisols 146Eutric Cambisols 147Dystric Cambisols 148Humic Cambisols 149Calcaric Cambisols 150Chromic Cambisols 151Vertic Cambisols 152Ferralic Cambisols 153Gleyic Cambisols 154Gelic Cambisols Calcisols 155Haplic Calcisols 156Luvic Calcisols 157Petric Calcisols Gypsisols 158Haplic Gypsisols 159Calcic Gypsisols 160Luvic Gypsisols 161Petric Gypsisols Solonetz 162Haplic Solonetz 163Mollic Solonetz 164Calcic Solonetz 165Gypsic Solonetz 166Stagnic Solonetz 167Gleyic Solonetz Solonchaks 168Haplic Solonchaks 169Mollic Solonchaks 170Calcic Solonchaks 171Gypsic Solonchaks 172Sodic Solonchaks 173Gleyic Solonchaks 174Gelic Solonchaks Kastanozems 175Haplic Kastanozems 176Luvic Kastanozems 177Calcic Kastanozems 178Gypsic Kastanozems Chernozems 179Haplic Chernozems 180Calcic Chernozems 181Luvic Chernozems 182Glossic Chernozems 183Gleyic Chernozems Phaeozems 184Haplic Phaeozems 185Calcaric Phaeozems 186Luvic Phaeozems 187Stagnic Phaeozems 188Gleyic Phaeozems Greyzems 189Haplic Greyzems 190Gleyic Greyzems Luvisols 191Haplic Luvisols 192Ferric Luvisols 193Chromic Luvisols 194Calcic Luvisols 195Vertic Luvisols 196Albic Luvisols 197Stagnic Luvisols 198Gleyic Luvisols Lixisols 199Haplic Lixisols 200Ferric Lixisols 201Plinthic Lixisols 202Albic Lixisols 203Stagnic Lixisols 204Gleyic Lixisols Planosols 205Eutric Planosols 206Dystric Planosols 207Mollic Planosols 208Umbric Planosols 209Gelic Planosols Podzoluvisols 210Eutric Podzoluvisols 211Dystric Podzoluvisols 212Stagnic Podzoluvisols 213Gleyic Podzoluvisols 214Gelic Podzoluvisols Podzols 215Haplic Podzols 216Cambic Podzols 217Ferric Podzols 218Carbic Podzols 219Gleyic Podzols 220Gelic Podzols Acrisols 221Haplic Acrisols 222Ferric Acrisols 223Humic Acrisols 224Plinthic Acrisols 225Gleyic Acrisols Alisols 226Haplic Alisols 227Ferric Alisols 228Humic Alisols 229Plinthic Alisols 230Stagnic Alisols 231Gleyic Alisols Nitisols 232Haplic Nitisols 233Rhodic Nitisols 234Humic Nitisols Ferralsols 235Haplic Ferralsols 236Xanthic Ferralsols 237Rhodic Ferralsols 238Humic Ferralsols 239Geric Ferralsols 240Plinthic Ferralsols Plinthosols 241Eutric Plinthosols 242Dystric Plinthosols 243Humic Plinthosols 244Albic Plinthosols Histosols 245Folic Histosols 246Terric Histosols 247Fibric Histosols 248Thionic Histosols 249Gelic Histosols Anthrosols 250Aric Anthrosols 251Fimic Anthrosols 252Cumulic Anthrosols 253Urbic Anthrosols (11)Size of total plot, size of sub-plot The size of the total plot, or sub-plot shall be stated in 0,0001 ha. (12)Number of trees in total plot The total number of trees in the total plot. All trees from 5 cm (DBH) and more are counted. (13)Yield estimates The yield estimates consist of an absolute and a relative yield estimate. The absolute estimate will be the estimated average yield over the total life period of the stand. The relative yield will indicate whether the absolute yield estimate is considered to be low, normal or high for the stand. The following codes will be used:
Absolute yield code Relative yield code
00,0— 2,5 m3 per hectare per year 12,5— 7,5 m3 per hectare per year 27,5—12,5 m3 per hectare per year 312,5—17,5 m3 per hectare per year 417,5—22,5 m3 per hectare per year 5>22,5 m3 per hectare per year 1Low 2Normal 3High
 (99)Other Observations Relevant information concerning the plot shall be stated here.Information on tree levelto be used in the crown assessment (14)Sample tree number The tree number is the number which has been assigned to the tree during the installation of the plot. (15)Species (Reference Flora Europaea) Broadleaves (* = species to be used for the foliage inventory) 001Acer campestre * 002Acer monspessulanum * 003Acer opalus 004Acer platanoides 005Acer pseudoplatanus * 006Alnus cordata * 007Alnus glutinosa * 008Alnus incana 009Alnus viridis 010Betula pendula * 011Betula pubescens * 012Buxus sempervirens 013Carpinus betulus * 014Carpinus orientalis 015Castanea sativa (C. vesca) * 016Corylus avellana * 017Eucalyptus sp. * 018Fagus moesiaca * 019Fagus orientalis 020Fagus sylvatica * 021Fraxinus angustifoliaspp. oxycarpa (F. oxyphylla) * 022Fraxinus excelsior * 023Fraxius ornus * 024Ilex aquifolium 025Juglans nigra 026Juglans regia 027Malus domestica 028Olea europaea * 029Ostrya carpinifolia * 030Platanus orientalis 031Populus alba 032Populus canescens 033Populus hybrides * 034Populus nigra * 035Populus tremula * 036Prunus avium * 037Prunus dulcis (Amygdalus communis) 038Prunus padus 039Prunus serotina 040Pyrus communis 041Quercus cerris * 042Quercus coccifera (Q. calliprinos) * 043Quercus faginea * 044Quercus frainetto (Q. conferta) * 045Quercus fruticosa (Q. lusitanica) 046Quercus ilex * 047Quercus macrolepis (Q. aegilops) 048Quercus petraea * 049Quercus pubescens * 050Quercus pyrenaica (Q. toza) * 051Quercus robur (Q. peduculata) * 052Quercus rotundifolia * 053Quercus rubra * 054Quercus suber * 055Quercus trojana 056Robinia pseudoacacia * 057Salix alba 058Salix caprea 059Salix cinerea 060Salix eleagnos 061Salix fragilis 062Salix sp. 063Sorbus aria 064Sorbus aucuparia 065Sorbus domestica 066Sorbus torminalis 067Tamarix africana 068Tilia cordata 069Tilia platyphyllos 070Ulmus glabra (U. scabra, U. montana) 071Ulmus laevis (U. effusa) 072Ulmus minor (U. campestris, U. carpinifolia) 073Arbutus unedo 074Arbutus andrachne 075Ceratonia siliqua 076Cercis siliquastrum 077Erica arborea 078Erica scoparia 079Erica manipuliflora 080Laurus nobilis 081Myrtus communis 082Phillyrea latifolia 083Phillyrea angustifolia 084Pistacia lentiscus 085Pistacia terebinthus 086Rhamnus oleoides 087Rhamnus alaternus 099Other broadleaves Conifers (* = species to be used for the foliage inventory) 100Abies alba * 101Abies borisii-regis * 102Abies cephalonica * 103Abies grandis 104Abies nordmanniana 105Abies pinsapo 106Abies procera 107Cedrus atlantica 108Cedrus deodara 109Cupressus lusitanica 110Cupressus sempervirens 111Juniperus communis 112Juniperus oxycedrus * 113Juniperus phoenicea 114Juniperus sabina 115Juniperus thurifera * 116Larix decidua * 117Larix kaempferi (L. leptolepis) 118Picea abies (P. excelsa) * 119Picea omorika 120Picea sitchensis * 121Pinus brutia * 122Pinus canariensis 123Pinus cembra 124Pinus contorta * 125Pinus halepensis * 126Pinus heldreichii 127Pinus leucodermis 128Pinus mugo (P. montana) 129Pinus nigra * 130Pinus pinaster * 131Pinus pinea * 132Pinus radiata (P. insignis) * 133Pinus strobus 134Pinus sylvestris * 135Pinus uncinata * 136Pseudotsuga menziesii * 137Taxus baccata 138Thuya sp. 139Tsuga sp. 199Other conifers (16)Defoliation Defoliation figure for each sample tree expressed as a percentage (in steps of 5 %) compared with a tree with complete foliage. The actual percentage is used. 00 % 51- 5 % 106-10 % 1511-15 % etc. (17)Discolouration codes 0no discolouration (0-10 %) 1slight discolouration (11-25 %) 2moderate discolouration (26-60 %) 3severe discolouration (>60 %) 4dead (18)Easily identifiable causes of damage Add a mark (1) in the corresponding column(s). T1game and grazing T2presence or traces of an excessive number of insects T3fungi T4abiotic agents (wind, snow, frost, drought, …) T5direct action of man T6fire T7known local/regional pollutant T8other (19)Identification of damage type Where possible, further identification of the damage type should be added, e.g. for insects: the species or group (e.g. "bark beetles"). (20)Other observations on tree level Any additional observations which may be of interest shall be clearly noted on the form, (e.g. possible influencing factors (recent drought, temperature extremes); other damage/stress symtoms).to be used in the soil condition inventory (21)Code for depth level OOrganic layer (see footnote in paragraph II.4 for definition) HOrganic layer (see footnote in paragraph II.4 for definition) M05Mineral soil between 0 and 5 cm (optional) M51Mineral soil between 5 and 10 cm (optional) M01Mineral soil between 0 and 10 cm (mandatory) M12Mineral soil between 10 and 20 cm (mandatory) M24Mineral soil between 20 and 40 cm (mandatory) M48Mineral soil between 40 and 80 cm (mandatory) (22)Code of sampling analysis method (SAM) For each parameter that has been determined in one or more soil samples, one of the following codes is included in the first dataline, and used to indicate the sample type under sample code: 0no deviation from approved method 1parameters have been determined through an alternative method (details to be included in an annex to the soil condition report), or first (sub)sample 2-8codes to be used for any subsequent subsamples 9parameters have been determined through recomputation of data determined through a different method (details to be included in the annex to the soil condition report) to be used in the foliage inventory (23)Sample code The sample code for the foliage inventory consists of the tree species code (see explanation item 15) followed by the code for leaves/needles of the current year (=0) or of the current + 1 leaves/needles (1). e.g. the sample of the needles of last year (1) of the Picea abies (118) is thus: 118.1 (24)Tree numbers of the sample As in some samplings (foliage, increment) trees outside the normal plot (or sub-plot) have to be used, special numbers have to be applied. The numbers of these trees will start with a letter (F = foliage, R = ring analysis by increment borings, D = discs analysis) followed with a sequence number (e.g. F001). The numbers are to be reported. (25)Mass of 100 leaves or 1000 needles The mass is determined of 100 leaves or 1000 needles (oven-dry) in grams. (26)Shoot mass The mass of the shoot is determined (oven-dry) in grams.to be used in the increment assessment (27)Diameter at breast height (DBH) The diameter at breast height (1,30 m) over bark in 0,1 centimetres.When a diameter tape is used a single value will be needed. When calipers are used the maximum and the minimum diameter (over bark) shall be determined and reported (diameter 1 and diameter 2). (28)Bark The thickness of the bark at 1,30 m, expressed in centimetres with one decimal. (29)Height of the tree The height of the tree expressed in metres and rounded off to the nearest 0,5 metres. (30)Tree volume Based on the measured diameter(s) and height, the tree volume can be estimated using locally known form factors or through the use of valid volume tables. The tree volume shall be expressed in cubic metres (m3) with three decimals. (31)Crown length The length of the crown rounded off to the nearest 0,5 metres is determined from the tip of the stem to the lowest live branch excluding water shoots. (32)Crown width The average crown width is determined by the average of at least four crown radii, multiplied by two, and rounded off to the nearest 0,5 metres. (33)Diameter under bark The actual diameter under bark is calculated as the diameter over bark deducted with the width of the bark at the two sides. The diameter under bark of five years ago is calculated as the actual diameter under bark less the increment of the last five years of the tree at both sides. The diameter under bark is expressed in 0,1 centimeters. (34)Basal area per plot The actual basal area per plot is calculated as the total basal areas of all the trees in the plot. The basal area per plot of five years ago is calculated on the basis of the estimated diameter under bark of five years ago of all the trees in the plot. Basal area per plot is expressed in 0,1 m2. (35)Volume per plot The actual volume per plot is calculated as the total volume of all the trees in the plot. The volume per plot of five years ago is calculated on the basis of the estimated diameter under bark of five years ago of all the trees in the plot. Volume per plot is expressed in 0,1 m3. (36)Thinnings If a thinning has taken place in the five-year period between the two years of determination of diameter, basal area per plot and volume per plot, this will be indicated (Yes = 1, No = 0). In an additional part the details of this thinning will be described as detailed as possible (including: thinning method, exact year of thinning, thinning intensity expressed as number of trees, basal area/ha, volume/ha). (99)Other observations Relevant information shall be stated here and explained in the corresponding evaluation report (see Annex VIIb). Information with regard to the deposition monitoring (37)Sampler code The following codes shall be used for the samplers for deposition. 1throughfall 2bulk deposition 3wet-only deposition 4stemflow 5fog 6frozen fog (rime) 7air concentration 9others Details on the equipment used shall be stated in an Annex to the document with the background information. (37a)Sample quantity The total collected quantity of the sample(s) shall be divided by the catchment area of the collectors) and shall be reported in mm. (38)First and final dates of the monitoring period The first and final dates of each monitoring period shall be stated on the forms, using the same format as the date of observation, assessment and analysis (see item 3).A monitoring period shall consist of one or more measuring periods. The measuring periods within one monitoring period should have the same length. The minimum length of a measuring period is one week, the maximum one month.When it is necessary to use different measuring periods during the year (e.g. weekly in summer and monthly in winter), two separate monitoring periods shall be identified and the results shall be reported separately on the forms. (39)Number of measuring periods The number of measuring periods in each monitoring period shall be indicated in the forms. (40)Period The measuring period number in which the sample has been collected shall be stated. Each year (on or around 1 January) a new set of measuring periods will be started. When samples from several measuring periods are combined before analysis, the exact details of the mixing shall be stated in the annex to the document with background information. The number of the first measuring period shall be used to indicate the period for analysis (e.g. when the samples from period 9, 10, 11 and 12 are combined into a single sample for the analysis, this sample will be given the period number 9). (41)Plot/instrument code All instruments that are installed in or near the plot are given an observation plot/instrument code. This code consists of the plot number (up to four digits) and a sequential number for all instruments (up to 99). When instruments are replaced or added, new codes are applied. (e.g. the fifth instrument in plot 1234 will thus receive code 1234.05). (42)Location The location of the instrument is indicated: Sinstrument is located on site, i.e. in (the buffer zone) of the plot. This could be under the canopy, above the canopy or in the forest soil Finstrument is located in a (nearby) open field in the forest area Winstrument is located at a weather station (in general outside the forest area) Oinstrument is located elsewhere. (43)Variable Indication of the variable that is measured with the instrument ATair temperature PRprecipitation RHrelative humidity WSwindspeed WDwind direction SRsolar radiation URUVb radiation TFthroughfall SFstemflow STsoil temperature MPmatric potential in the soil WCwater content in the soil XXother codes for additional parameters may be used, but should be specified in the DAR. (44)Instrument information Vertical position The vertical position (height or depth) of the instruments shall be indicated in metres with a plus (= height above the ground) or a minus sign (depth below the ground) using the format of two digits and two decimals. Instrument code The following codes shall be used for the samplers and recording method of data: 10manual reading and recording on paper 20mechanical recording (manual reading and recording on paper) 30direct paper recording 40digital recording (in stand alone situation) 50digital recording (integrated datalogger) Details of the equipment shall be given in the data accompanying report (DAR). Scanning interval (automatic instruments only) The interval between two consecutive assessments shall be given stated in seconds. Storing interval (automatic instruments only) The interval between two consecutive data storage moments shall be given in minutes (45)Parameters to be assessed in the meteorological monitoring Precipitation and throughfall The precipitation will be given as the daily sum, using the format of up to four digits and one decimal. Temperature (air and soil) The temperature will given in °C, using the format of a plus/minus and two digits plus one decimal. The daily mean, daily minimum and daily maximum are to be submitted. Relative Humidity The relative humidity will be given as the daily mean, the minimum and the maximum value reached per day, using the format of two digits and one decimal. Windspeed The windspeed will be given as the daily mean and the maximum value reached per day, using the format of two digits and one decimal. Wind direction The wind direction will be given as the prevailing wind per day. The wind rose will be split into eight sections of 45° starting form 22,5° onwards (NE (=45°), E (=90°), SE (=135°)… N (=0°). The most frequent wind direction is reported by its middle value. Solur radiation and UVb radiation The solar radiation and the UVb radiation will be given as the daily mean value, using the format of up to four digits and one decimal. Stem flow The stem flow will be calculated to mm precipitation and will be given as the daily sum, using the format of up to four digits and one decimal. Matric potential in the soil The matric potential in the soil will be given in hPa, as the daily mean, the minimum and the maximum value reached per day, using the format of up to four digits and one decimal. Water content in the soil The water content in the soil will be given in Vol. % as the daily mean, the minimum and the maximum value reached per day, using the format of up to four digits and one decimal. (46)Completeness The completeness is an indicator of the coverage of the scanning and storing procedures and is given in percentages using the format of up to three digits ( l00 % = complete). (47)Solar Radiation The global solar radiation over the period will be stated in Watts per sq. metre (W/m2). (48)Occurrence weeks The occurrences will be stated in weeks using the standard week numbering. Week 1 starts on or around 1 January. For the occurrence of an event on a single day, the week numbers "from" and "to" are the same. (49)Extremity The extremity of an occurrence will be given a code: 1(Very) close according to the definition of the event/phenomena 2Extremely long in duration 3Extremely intensive. 4Extremely long and extremely intensive. (50)Observed damage The number and name under which the damage is mentioned in the Form 8d (if applicable) or a short indication and a reference to a more extensive explanation in the survey or evaluation report (see Annex IX, paragraph II.8) shall be stated. The same report should also include details on extremity, symptoms and spreading of the damage. Information with regard to the soil solution monitoring (51)Sampler number The samplers in the plot shall be numbered in a permanent way (1 — 99). (52)Sampler code The following codes shall be used for the samplers for soil solution: 1Tension lysimeter 2Zero tension lysimeter 3Centrifugation 4Saturation extraction (53)Sampling depth The sampling depth in metres below the surface (e.g. -0.40) Information with regard to the tree condition assessment (54)Exposure 1No special exposure (plot located within a larger forest area with no or gentle relief) 2Limited exposure (plots near forest edge, on slopes, etc.) 3Severely exposed plots (on mountain tops, etc.) (55)Removals & Mortality Notes: class 22 is only applicable in those countries that do not record trees with more than 50 % crown damage class 23 is only applicable in those countries who restrict sampling to Kraft classes 1, 2 and 3 The tree has been cut and removed, only its stump has been left 11planned utilization, e.g. thinning 12utilization for biotic reasons, e.g. insect damage 13utilization for abiotic reasons, e.g. windthrow 18reason for disappearance unknown Tree is still standing and alive, but condition parameters are no longer assessed 21lop-sided or hanging tree 22heavy crown break (over 50 % of the crown) or broken stem 23tree is no longer in Kraft class 1, 2 or 3 (not applicable to the first inventory in a plot) 29other reason (specify) Standing dead tree 31biotic reason, e.g. bark beetle attack 32abiotic reason, e.g. drought, lightning 38unknown cause of death Trees that have fallen (living or dead) 41abiotic reason, e.g. storm 42biotic reason, e.g. beavers 48unknown cause (56)Social Class 1pre-dominant (including free standing trees) trees with upper crown standing above the general level of the canopy 2dominant — trees with crowns forming the general level of the canopy 3co-dominant — trees extending into the canopy and receiving some light from above but shorter than 1 or 2 4suppressed — trees with crowns below the general level of the canopy, receiving no direct light from above (57)Crown shading 1crown significantly affected (shaded or physical interactions) on one side 2crown significantly affected (shaded or physical interactions) on two sides 3crown significantly affected (shaded or physical interactions) on three sides 4crown significantly affected (shaded or physical interactions) on four sides 5crown open-grown or with no evidence of shading effects 6suppressed trees (58)Visibility 1whole crown is visible 2crown only partially visible 3crown only visible with backlighting (i.e. in outline) 4crown not visible Information with regard to the ground vegetation assessment (61)Plot/survey number Each time (day), or situation (inside outside fence), that an assessment of the ground vegetation is made on a given plot, a survey number is given. By combining the plot number with the survey number a unique plot/survey number is created. (62)Fencing As the vegetation can be very different inside and outside a fence, it was decided that in principle the ground vegetation is always surveyed outside the fence. When a survey inside the fence is carried out this should be reported as a separate survey and the fencing code indicated: 1Yes, survey within the fence, 2No, survey was outside fenced area. (63)Total sampled area The total sample area shall be given in m2 in up to four digits. In the data accompanying report (or DAR-Q) the exact details of the number of repetitions, the location/orientation of the ground vegetation plots and the sizes) of these plots shall be given. (64)Height and cover of layers The average height and estimated cover of the total ground vegetation layer, the shrub layer, the herb layer and the moss layer shall be submitted as follows:
*to be submitted.
Height(in m) Cover(in %)
Total ground vegetation layer *
Shurb layer * *
Herb layer * *
Moss layer *
The average height of the layers shall be given in metres in one digit and two decimals. The estimated cover shall be given as a % of the total sampled area. (65)Layers The following layers are defined.
1free layer 2shrub layer 3herb layer 4moss layer to be defined in DAR-Q
 (66)Species code A species code is to be applied, which consists of three groups of number codes for the family, genus and species separated by dots (.). Most codes consist of a three-digit number. Unfortunately one genus consists of a three-digit code plus the letters "bis". The species code can be extended with l letter to indicate a variety. The total list consists of over 11000 species. This list will be made available in digital format by the Commission for use by the NFC's.In cases where the Flora Europaea is not complete enough, a special list of nationally important species could be prepared by the NFC. These national species codes will consist of a new code number (family, genus and species), plus the country code (2 letters) separated by dots (.). The NFC will maintain a complete list with all codes, including relevant details of the species (full name, aliases, etc.) and shall include this fist in the DAR. (67)Cover of plant species Countries are free in the assessment of the abundance/cover of the plant species. The submission of this cover is in % using up to five digits and two decimals (999.99). In the DAR the complete assessment methods, as well as the conversion to % shall be specified. ANNEX VIIb DETAILS FOR THE SUBMISSION OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE MONITORING METHODS APPLIED AND THE RESULTS OF EVALUATION/INTERPRETATION OBTAINED ON NATIONAL LEVEL I.General remarks In addition to the submission of the data from the intensive monitoring of forest ecosystems, Member States shall prepare and submit to the Commission a document with the background information on the monitoring methods applied (Data Accompanying Report, DAR) and an annual report on the progress made in the interpretation/evaluation of results on national level (annual progress report).The DAR consists of two parts: the part describing the actually applied methods of the sampling lay-out, the equipment used, the assessment, the analysis, etc. (for details see paragraph II.1) and the part on exceptions and disturbances encountered (for details see paragraph II.2).Member States shall submit to the Commission every year a report on progress made in the interpretation/evaluation of results on national level, starting from 1997 onwards. This report shall comprise information on the achievements of the National Focal Centre (NFC) itself, an (up-dated) description of the national evaluation strategy, a summary of the results achieved on national level, and information on publications made in this field on national or international level by the NFC or other institutions involved. Recommendations for interpretation and evaluation of results on national level are given below in paragraph III. II.Data Accompanying Report II.1Part of the DAR describing the methods actually applied, etc. This part of the DAR describes the sampling lay-out methods actually applied, the equipment used, the assessment, the analysis, etc. The following details are given: Inventory/Sampling methods In many surveys of the intensive monitoring of forest ecosystems there is a large freedom in the selection of equipment, sampling depths, timing, intensity of the survey, etc. The details of the equipment actually applied, the actual depth, timing and frequency of the survey/sampling shall be stated. Whenever samples have been taken, details on this sampling including the storage and transport, shall be stated.Any applied control measurements shall be described in short. Methods for analysis and calculation of results With regard to the analysis of samples, details of the preparation of the samples and methods applied in the analysis shall be given. In most surveys, certain methods for preparation and analysis are recommended. Whenever methods different from the recommended methods have been applied, exact details of these methods shall be given including possibilities for (re-) calculation of the obtained data. Any applied control measurements (participation in ring tests, etc.) shall be described in short.As a basis for the description of the methods, the DAR questionnaires that have been developed by Forest Intensive Monitoring Coordination Institute of the European Commission, in close collaboration with the chairmen of the expert panels of ICP Forests (UN/ECE), can be used for the general description of the data assessment. The information submitted with the help of the DAR questionnaires will remain valid over the years until the applied methods are changed.Special attention shall be given to observe and document changes in the applied methods of the inventory, transport and analysis. Regional differences shall be stated and explained in full detail (e.g. different laboratories used for analysis). II.2Part of the DAR dealing with exceptions and disturbances encountered (annual DAR) In addition to the general information on the methods described by using the DAR questionnaire, the specific problems, exceptions, disturbances and validation problems of the data submitted each year, are to be described. Exceptions and disturbances Exceptional situations and important disturbances from the routine shall be reported. Besides the description of the applied methods for the sampling, analysis, etc., as presented in the DAR questionnaires, good documentation of the exceptions, exceptional situations and disturbances is needed. This will be documented in an annual DAR report and submitted to the Commission together with the submitted data. Data validation and data management The procedures applied for data quality control shall be given, including limits of data rejection (plausibility checks) as well as the procedures that have been applied to check the consistency of the national data sets.When gaps exist in the data, estimates based on results from other sources can be made in certain cases. These estimated data shall be indicated and the used assumptions shall be carefully documented. III.Annual report on progress made in the interpretation/evaluation of results on national level This report provides information on progress made in the interpretation/evaluation of results on national level. For the interpretation/evaluation of results on national level the following details are given: General information Member States shall execute an evaluation and interpretation of the monitoring data on national level.Member States are free to decide which evaluation and interpretation is carried out on national level and reported to the Commission. However, the following suggestions are given for this evaluation: Single survey evaluation and interpretation Whenever results from earlier surveys are available an attempt should be made to determine trends. The results of the single survey should be reviewed and compared to results from other (similar) surveys carried out in the (same) region/country. Differences and similarities are to be indicated and when applicable the differences should be evaluated. Also relevant data from other sources, which could explain certain relations in parameters should be included in the evaluation here. Integrated evaluation and interpretation With the completion of the different surveys, possibilities arise for integrated evaluation. In the NFC, all survey results and evaluation reports are collected. The NFC shall coordinate the integrated evaluation and the interpretation of the different survey results on national level. Evaluation and interpretation with external data The results of the integrated evaluation and interpretation found should be reviewed and compared to results from other sources. Differences and similarities should be noted and explained whenever possible. IV.Timing for the submission of the DAR and the report on progress made in the interpretation/evaluation of results on national level IV.1Timing for the DAR The DAR questionnaire shall be completed and submitted to the Commission with the first data submission. If the methods are changed the information on the changes shall be submitted. The part of the DAR dealing with descriptions of noted disturbances and exceptions shall be submitted to the Commission together with the annually submitted data. IV.2Timing for the report on progress made in the interpretation/evaluation of results on national level Progress reports on evaluations and interpretations carried out on national level shall be forwarded to the Commission before 31 December each year. ANNEX VIII COMMON METHODS FOR DEPOSITION MEASUREMENTS ON THE PERMANENT OBSERVATION PLOTS I.Generals remarks The measurements are to be carried out on a selection of the permanent observation plots in a continous way. At least 10 % of the permanent observation plot shall be selected for the monitoring of deposition by the Member States. Measurements on throughfall (under canopy), stem flow (under canopy, in beech) and wet-only or bulk deposition (in an open area in the forest) will be mandatory. The installation of the equipment for the mandatory items shall be completed by December 1995. All other measurements such as: stemflow (in other species than beech), fog and air-concentrations are optional.The depositions monitoring will be done on a fixed period basis (for example monthly or weekly). To reduce analysis costs samples may be combined from a number of consecutive periods.The following technical details are based on the results of the Expert Panel on Deposition of ICP Forests. Reference is made to the manual prepared by this Expert Panel especially regarding specific details of sampling equipment, sampling techniques, quality assurance and data handling. II.Monitoring methodology II.1.Monitoring under the forest canopy Whenever possible the measuring equipment for throughfall shall be installed in the actual plot. To avoid damage to root systems, the parts that have to be installed in pits (collectors, recorders, etc.) could be installed outside the actual plot in the bufferzone. In beech forest equipment shall also be installed for the collection of stemflow. As these collectors should also be stored in a (or the same) pit, it is recommended to select trees outside the actual plot, in for example the bufferzone.The measurements of throughfall and stemflow should be made in such a way that the results are representative for the plot area. This means that a sufficient number of samples should be used. II.2.Monitoring in an open area in the forest At a location near the actual plot (within a distance of 2 km), wet-only and/or bulk deposition collectors shall be installed. The location should be selected in such a way that the surrounding objects are not closer than two times their height. II.3.Measurement period The measuring will be made monthly, weekly or at a time interval between the two, e. g. every two or three weeks, depending mainly on the general weather conditions at the specific plot (evaporation and growth of algae in the sample containers should be avoided).When it is necessary to use different measuring periods during the year (e. g. weekly in summer and monthly in winter), two separate monitoring periods shall be identified and the results shall be reported separately on the forms. Within one monitoring period the lenght of the measuring period shall be constant. The same measuring period shall be used for the monitoring under the forest canopy and the open area monitoring. II.4.Sampling, sample handling Clean collection gauges and containers are to be used for the collection of samples. Deionized water shall be used to rinse the equipment. It is important that the containers are kept away from light and kept cool during the sampling and transport. In sunny and warm conditions preservatives may be added to prevent the growth of algae. In this case only such preservatives should be used that do not interfere with the analysis of any ion of interest. II.5.Pretreatment of samples, transport and storage The volume of each collected sample form each individual throughfall, stemflow or open air collector shall be determined. The samples may be analyzed separately or mixed with samples from parallelly installed equipment of the same type. Throughfall, stemflow or open air samples shall be analyzed separately. Samples from stemflow measurements can only be pooled for trees of the same species and similar size and dominance.Samples from short periods may be analyzed as they are, or can be mixed to monthly samples before analysis. If samples are mixed they should be mixed in proportion to the total sample volume.The samples shall be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible (preferably in cold boxes) and kept in a cold (4 °C) and dark store until analyzed. II.6.General background information The following information shall be collected: plot number, sampler code, first date of monitoring period, last date of monitoring period, number of (equal) measuring periods in monitoring period. Additional optional information can be collected, which is useful for the interpretation of the results, such as canopy roughness, leaf area index etc. II.7.Chemical Analysis In each sample the following parameters shall be determined mandatory (Man) or optional (Opt.):
Parameter Throughfall Bulk/Wet-only Stemflow Fog Air
beech other spec.
pH Man Man Man Opt. Opt.
Conductivity Man Man Man Opt. Opt.
K Man Man Man Opt. Opt. Opt.
Ca Man Man Man Opt. Opt. Opt.
Mg Man Man Man Opt. Opt. Opt.
Na Man Man Man Opt. Opt. Opt.
N-NH4 Man Man Man Opt. Opt.
Cl Man Man Man Opt. Opt.
N-NO3 Man Man Man Opt. Opt.
S-SO4 Man Man Man Opt. Opt. Opt.
Alkalinity Man Man Man Opt. Opt.
Ntotal Man Opt. Man Opt. Opt.
Al3+ Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Mn2+ Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Fe3+ Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
PO43 - Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Cu Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Zn Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Hg Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Pb Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Co Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Mo Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Cd Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Stotal Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
Norg Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
CTOC Opt. Opt. Opt.
CDOC Opt. Opt. Opt.
Ptotal Opt. Opt. Opt. Opt.
O3 Opt.
SO2 Opt.
SO4 Opt.
NO2 Opt.
NO Opt.
HNO2 Opt.
HNO3 Opt.
NH4NO3 Opt.
NH3 Opt.
V.O.C. Opt.
 II.8.Data transfer The Member States shall forward this information in a standardized form to the Commission for each plot where deposition has been monitored (see Annex VII, Forms 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d). ANNEX IX COMMON METHODS FOR MEASUREMENTS OF METEOROLOGY ON THE PERMANENT OBSERVATION PLOTS I.General remarks The measurement of meteorology is to be carried out on at least 10 % of permanent observation plots. It is recommended to monitor meteorology on plots where deposition is also monitored. The installation of the equipment for the meteorologic measurements shall be completed by 30 June 1999.This Annex is based on technical recommendations of the ad hoc expert group on meteorology (EU/ICP Forests). Reference is made to the submanual (1996/1997) prepared by this expert group. II.Inventory methodology II.1.Location of sampling equipment To represent the specific climatic conditions of woodlands the measurements should be carried out inside the forest area concerned. In general the measurements (with the exception of soil temperatures, soil moisture and stand precipitation) may be taken either above the forest stand canopy at the plot or at an open field station within the forest area in close proximity (in general not more than 2 km distance) to the stand of the plot. The distance from the measuring point at open field stations to the surrounding stands or other obstacles shall be at least two times the height of a mature tree/obstacle. Soil temperature, soil moisture and stand precipitation are to be measured inside the stand of the permanent observation plotWhenever possible a combination with the equipment for deposition should be made. To avoid disturbances to the roots and soil situation, the equipment should be placed so that it can be reached and maintained without actually passing through the plot. II.2.Methods to measure the actual meteorologic situation in or close to the plot By installation of a meteorological station in an open area close to the plot or the installation of a tower in the stand near the plot, the weather situation should be monitored continuously. The technical equipment, sensors and their placement are to be in accordance with the international World Meteorological Organisation standard and should also be compatible with national weather service networks. The following variables are to be obtained.
If there are local technical problems at the permanent observation plots wind speed, wind direction and solar radiation may be omitted at these plots.
Mandatory Optional
Precipitation UVb radiation
Air temperature Soil temperatures
Air humidity Soil moisture
Wind speed (matric potential, water content)
Wind direction Stand precipitation
Solar radiation (quantity of throughfall and stemflow)
Automatic stations with quasi-continuous (≈ 1 s) sensing variables and electronic storage of aggregated values for periods of one hour or parts of it are recommended. II.3.Collection, aggregation, storage and submission of information Data are to be aggregated to daily values (sum or average/mean, minimum and maximum respectively) before submission.The following plot information shall be collected and submitted: plot No, exact details of the used equipment, location of the plots (longitude, latitude, altitude) and of equipment (relative to the plot), start and end dates of the measurements, frequency (number of periods). The information on the variables is submitted on a daily basis.
LIST OF PARAMETERS *to be submitted.
Parameter Units Mean Sum Minimum Maximum Remarks
Precipitation (mm) * Total precipitation including snow, etc.)
Air temperature (°C) * * *
Relative humidity (%) * * *
Wind speed (m/s) * *
Wind direction (°) * Prevailing wind direction
Solar radiation (W/m2) *
UVb radiation (W/m2) *
Soil temperature (°C) * * *
Soil moisture (matric pot. Water content) (hPa) * * *
Stand precipitation (mm) *
Others To be specified in the data accompanying Report
For each plot where the measurements are executed a summary of the collected measurements shall be compiled and submitted to the Commission on a yearly basis, using the forms XX1996.PLM, XX1996.MEM and XX1996.MEO (forms 8a, 8b, 8c) ANNEX X COMMON METHODS FOR SOIL SOLUTION MONITORING ON THE PERMANENT OBSERVATION PLOTS I.General remarks Monitoring of soil solution is to be carried out on at least 10 % of permanent observation plots. It is recommended that soil solution be monitored on plots where deposition is also monitored. Installation of the soil solution equipment shall be completed by 30 June 1998.This Annex is based on technical recommendations of the Soil Expert Panel of the UN/ECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests). Reference is made to the sub-manual (1996) prepared by this expert panel. II.Inventory methodology II.1Selection of sample location Soil solution samplers should be installed close to where crown condition assessment is conducted. It is recommended that the lysimeters be randomly or systematically distributed over the whole plot although this may be limited by the presence of stones or stems (distance from a tree is not specified). Because of disturbances to the soil, zero-tension lysimeters should not be installed in the central part of the plot where tree parameters are monitored. For practical reasons, a representative subplot can be used. Lysimeters that have already been installed can be maintained, but new installations should be made as proposed above. II.2Sampling depths It is recommended that the lysimeters be installed at fixed depths but installation by horizons is also acceptable. Soil solution collectorsIt is strongly advised that lysimeters be placed at at least two depths, i.e one within the rooting zone (suggested depth is 10 to 20 cm) to gain insight into concentrations of nutrients and toxic elements near the fine roots (aim 1) and one below the rooting zone (suggested depth is 40-80 cm), to estimate the element output (aim 2). It is also advised that a third lysimeter be placed immediately below the humus layer. Soil samplesIf centrifugation or saturation extract methods are used, the soil layers to be sampled are those mentioned in the soil manual: humus layer, 0 — 10, 10 — 20, 20 — 40 and 40 — 80 cm. A selection or aggregation of some layers can be made. II.3Sampling frequency On plots where other intensive monitoring programmes are carried out, e.g. deposition and meteorological measurements, the sampling of the soil solution should be done monthly or bi-weekly. In case of soil sampling followed by extraction of the soil solution, four times per year is a maximum because of the destructive sampling procedure. Sampling should be done at the same month of the year. II.4Transport, storage and preparation The samples shall be transported and stored in such a way that chemical changes are minimized.Cool (4 °C) and dark storage of the soil solution within the lysimeter system will diminish biological activity. In many cases, and especially during colder season, keeping the bottle dark is sufficient. Organic or inorganic preservatives may be used, but they may interfere with the analysis. To diminish possible changes in the samples, the soil solution should be collected as soon as possible after the suction has been applied.Transport and storage procedures (including waiting periods) shall be reported. Where applicable the problems and deviations of these procedures shall be reported in detail.For determination of trace metals, aliquots of the sample should be transported to the laboratory in acid washed bottles.If soil samples are collected, they should be kept cool in plastic or polyethylene bags and stored at 4 °C until centrifugation or the preparation of the saturation extract. Centrifugation or extraction should take place within one day (18 - 30 hours) after collection of the soil samples. II.5General background Information The following information shall be collected: plot number, information on sampler (type, depth), first date of monitoring period, last date of monitoring period, number of (equal) measuring periods in monitoring period. II.6Analysis methods In the "Sub-manual on soil solution collection and analysis" prepared by the Soil Expert Panel of the ICP-Forests, the approved methods for the analysis of the various soil solution parameters are described.It is advised that the approved methods be used. If other (national) methods are applied, comparability of the analysis results shall be reported in detail together with the presentation of the analysis results. The inventory of the forest soil solution monitoring will distinguish between mandatory and optional parameters (See list below).List of parameters
Man. = Mandatory Opt. = Optional Member States are free to analyse more, all, or part of the optional parameters. Measurement is advisable when acid base budgets are calculated. Measurement of NH4 is advised in areas with high NHx deposition (above 20 kg NHx per ha per year). Advised since these are minor nutrients.
Parameter unit Mandatory/Optional
Conductivity μS/cm Opt.
pH Man.
Alkalinity μmolc/l Opt. (if pH > 5)
DOC mg/l Man.
Sodium (Na) mg/l Opt
Potassium (K) mg/l Man.
Calcium (Ca) mg/l Man.
Magnesium (Mg) mg/l Man.
Aluminium (total) mg/l Man. (if pH < 5)
Aluminium (labile) mg/l Opt.
Iron (Fe) mg/l Opt.
Manganese (Mn) mg/l Opt.
Total Phosphorus (P) mg/l Opt.
NO3-N mg/l Man.
SO4-S mg/l Man.
NH4-N mg/l Opt.
Chlorine (Cl) mg/l Opt.
Chromium (Cr) μg/l Opt.
Nickel (Ni) μg/l Opt.
Zinc (Zn) μg/l Opt.
Copper (Cu) μg/l Opt.
Lead (Pb) μg/l Opt.
Cadmium (Cd) μg/l Opt.
Silicon (Si) mg/l Opt.
 II.7Data transfer The Member States shall forward to the Commission for each plot this information in a standardized form (see Annex VIIa, Form 9a, 9b, and 9c). ANNEX XI COMMON METHODS FOR GROUND VEGETATION ASSESSMENT IN PERMANENT OBSERVATION PLOTS I.General remarks The ground vegetation assessment is to be carried out on at least 10 % of the permanent observation plots. The first common assessment shall be completed before the autumn of 1999. The objectives of the ground vegetation assessment are two fold: characterisation of the current state of the forest ecosystems on the basis of their composition, monitoring of vegetation changes due to natural and anthropogenic environmental factors. Ground vegetation data, which were collected and analysed before 1997 can also be used if the methods as described below have been applied.This Annex is based on technical recommendations of the ad-hoc expert group on ground vegetation assessment (EU/ICP Forests). Reference is made to the submanual (1997) prepared by this group. II.Inventory methodology II.1.Selection of sample location The ground vegetation assessment will be carried out on the permanent observation plots. The area selected for the ground vegetation assessment must be representative of the plot. Several sampling units can be used in order to obtain statistical replication. Member States are free to select the number and shape of the sampling units. If the plot has been fenced, the sampling units are to be located outside the fence. In addition sampling units inside the fence can also be assessed. Disturbed areas are to be avoided (e.g. soil pits, soil solution monitoring areas, tracks). The location of the sampling units has to be marked in a permanent way. The precise method of marking is left to the Member States, but the material used should be inert to avoid contamination. II.2.General background information The following general information shall be collected: plot number date of sampling and analysis fencing total area sampled information on the total ground vegetation layer (cover), the shrub and herbs layer (cover and average height) and the moss layer (cover). II.3.Measurement of species abundance or cover Member States are free to apply in the assessment their own scaling system as long as it can be directly converted into percentage cover ranking from 0,01 % (very rare) to 100 % (complete cover). II.4.Species All phanerograms, vascular cryptograms and the major species of terricolous mosses (bryophytes) are to be included in the assessment. It is recommended to include terricolous lichens. Non-terricolous species and fungi may be noted on an optional basis. The nomenclature shall follow the Flora Europaea. In situations where the Flora Europaea is not valid, where more accurate taxonomic identification is available, an extension of this standard species list may be elaborated by the NFC involved. The Commission shall be kept informed of these extended species lists. II.5.Frequency and assessment time Every five years, vegetation studies must be undertaken on all plots. It is recommended to do the ground vegetation assessment on an annual basis on a limited number of plots (e.g. 10 %). In the case of a seasonally complex vegetation composition, a second assessment during the year may be needed to assess the full vegetation cover. The subsequent ground vegetation assessments shall be carried out around the same date of the year. II.6.Analysis and submission The assessed information on sampling units shall be aggregated to plot level. Where sampling units have been assessed inside and outside the fences two aggregations shall be made. The results of the ground vegetation assessment shall be submitted on a yearly basis to the Commission in a standardised format, as indicated in forms 10a and 10b. (file specification XX1996.PLV and XX1996.VEM).The submission of the ground vegetation assessment results shall include on plot level: the plot/survey number, the coordinates of the plot, fencing, and the information on the main layers. Information on assessment level shall include; the plot/survey number, the standard code of the species, using the eight-letter abbreviation as given in attached list, or as extended list for additional species, as well as the cover indicator expressed in a percentage on plot level. III.Data accompanying information III.1.Data accompanying information on applied methods (DAR-Q) In a separate document details shall be given of: sampling lay-out of the sampling units (number and area of the subplots) definition of layers applied (moss, herbs, shrubs, tree) scales applied and conversion of these scales to percentages information on deviations from the standard species list and their codes aggregation methods applied to arrive at plot level information. It is recommended to submit this information to the Commission by using the DAR-questionnaires referred to in Annex C. III.2.Data accompanying report on deviations from standard methods (DAR) Any important deviation from the standards which may have influenced the assessment and any relevant disturbances, which may have occurred shall be recorded and reported separately. III.3.Data accompanying information on evaluation and interpretation (annual progress report) Information on evaluations and interpretation of ground vegetation data (whether or not in combination with other data) shall be reported to the Commission in the annual progress report.