TERN Ausplots Forest Monitoring Network - Forest Fuel Survey, 2014-2016 

The forest fuel survey dataset comprises site-level summary data from the well-designed fuel load surveys across 48 AusPlots Forests- 1-ha monitoring plots across Australia. Data presented here includes data on the surface, near-surface, and elevated fuel loads for each of the Forest Ausplots. It includes iButton data on 1) temperature and humidity, 2) data on litterfall and 3) decomposition rates. We also provide additional information on soil nutrient data, species composition of the understorey and midstorey, and panorama photos from the plot centre. This dataset is the second version of the AusPlots Forest Fuel Survey site-level data summary, 2014 - 2015. Version 1.0.0. Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network. (dataset). https://doi.org/10.25901/efnh-sk06 

We at TERN acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians throughout Australia, New Zealand and all nations. We honour their profound connections to land, water, biodiversity and culture and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. 

The TERN AusPlots Forest Monitoring Network aims to establish a continental scale plot based monitoring network that improves our understanding of tree growth, forest productivity and carbon dynamics in tall eucalypt forests in relation to continental scale environmental gradients. This permanent plot network provides the infrastructure and data for tracking all aspects of forest dynamics over long periods of time. Between October 2014 and March 2015, fuel load surveys were conducted in the 48 large 1 ha Ausplots Forest Monitoring Network plots in mature, highly productive tall eucalypt forests across the Australian continent. Then, Between October 2015 and February 2016, the plots were returned to to collect litterfall traps, decomposition bags, and iButtons, as well as to measure the topography of each plot and to take panoramic photos. TERN AusPlots is a plot-based surveillance monitoring program, undertaking baseline assessments of ecosystems across the country. The aim of AusPlots is to establish and maintain a national network of plots that enables consistent ecological assessment and ongoing monitoring. The AusPlots network collects a range of field data for integration with other existing data sources and current knowledge. 

1) Fuel and grass height measurements : The height of fuel (litter or woody fuels) and grass above the mineral soil are measured at eighteen points along the transect (nine 10 cm increments from each 7.0 m and 22.0 m) using a builders’ ruler [see Manual].
2) Woody fuel counts: Woody fuels were measured in four size classes [(1) 0-6 mm; (2) 6-25 mm; (3) 25-76 mm; and (4) >76 mm] at varying scales along the 28.3 m transect. Woody fuels were measured as counts of vertical planar intercepts. Size classes (1) and (2) were counted along two 2 m sub-transects between 6-8 m and 20-22 m. Size class (3) is counted in two 4m sub-transects between 5-9 m and 19-23 m. Size class (4) is counted along the entire 28.3 m transect. The diameter at intercept is also recorded for size class (4), as well as the estimated diameter of the hollow centre (if present) [see Manual].
3) Fine litter, grass, herbs and vines measurement: The projective cover and mass of fine litter, grass, herbs and vines were recorded separately from two 1x1 m quadrats at 7-8 m and 22-21 m along the transect. A representative sample of each component from the site was collected, taken to the lab, weighed, dried to a constant weight at 70°C and re-weighed to estimate moisture content [see Manual].
4) Duff depth measurement: The depth of duff (where present) was recorded from two soil cores per 1 x 1 m quadrat, totalling 16 across the site [see Manual].
5) Soil Sampling : Soil samples were collected from 1 x 1 m quadrats, with four 10 cm soil cores being collected from each transect (two from each quadrat). Soil cores were bulked for each transect, kept in a cooler bag during the day, and dried in an oven for 48 hours at 105 degrees celsius on return to the lab.
6) Installation of litterfall traps: The litterfall traps used for the TERN AusPlots Forest Monitoring Network sites are 0.75 x 0.75 m in dimension and have an input area of 0.56 m2. Four litterfall traps were placed across the site. One corner of the litterfall trap aligned with a steel dropper. The frame for each litterfall trap has constructed from 32mm diameter PVC pipe, including four 57 cm lengths and four 6.8 cm lengths (which form the sides), and four 47 cm lengths (which form the legs). These are joined with four right-angle elbow joins and four ‘T’ joins. The net for the litterfall trap was manufactured from a 1.8 x 1.8 m piece of shadecloth, which has splits along each side through which the side lengths of PVC pipe were threaded. The frame was assembled and secured with PVC cement solvent on- site. The legs have pre-drilled holes at the base, and have been pinned to the ground using tent pegs. They were left at the site for one year, then the litter accumulated in the trap was removed, dried to a constant mass, and weighed.
7) Installation of temperature and humidity data loggers : Three iButton data loggers have been installed at each site. Two are Thermochron DS1922L, which record temperature at four-hourly intervals, and one is a Hygrochron DS1923, which records both temperature and humidity at four-hourly intervals. iButtons have been attached to plastic fobs, which were wired on to the top of a steel dropper and placed inside the yellow safety cap.
8) Measurement of Shrubs: In each of four 7m subsections along the 28m transect, the five shrubs that were perpendicularly closest to the transect tape were selected. The height of each shrub was measured as well as the length and width of the rectangle bounding the 5 shrubs [see manual].
9) Installation of Decomposition Bags: At each site, 21 decomposition bags, 20 x 20 cm in dimension, were installed. They were constructed from two pieces of fine nylon mesh. Three sides were sewn together, the bag filled with approximately 10 g dried fine litter (see Section9.6) and the fourth side sewn shut. Six bags per site are filled with a 10 x 10 cm piece of unbleached, organic cotton calico instead of leaf litter, to act as a standard for decomposition rates across all sites. The bags were kept in place using weed-matting pins. They were collected after one year, each entire bag was dried to a constant mass, and weighed.
10) Vegetative species composition: Representative specimens of the three most dominant species in the ground cover and midstorey were taken and the species and estimated percent cover were recorded.