TREND (PSRF) vegetation plot data 2011 

The TREND (PSRF)- Terrestrial Ecosystems project initiated a landscape-scale monitoring transect along the Adelaide Geosyncline region in southern Australia, initially spanning approximately 550 km. The aim was to examine spatial drivers of species composition and to isolate the influence of climate on whole vegetation community composition and therefore inform on-going monitoring of the impact of climate change. Specific questions were: 1. What are the most important spatial drivers of species and phylogenetic composition along landscape-scale environmental gradients? 2. Can the answer to Question 1. inform selection of suitable spatial analogues for climate change? 3. How can a framework for assessing spatial drivers be used to monitor and interpret shifts in species composition due to climate change? The dataset consists of site and species records (see attachments) for plots established along the Adelaide Geosyncline for the TREND project. Data consist of vascular plant species composition (presence-abundance/absence) within 900m² plots plus site data, including aspect and soil properties. Data have been used to analyze changes in composition with geographic and environmental differences and as a baseline for monitoring. 

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 South Australian 'Transects for Environmental Monitoring and Decision Making' (TREND) is a collaboration between University and Government (University of Adelaide, Primary Industries and Resources SA, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources). TREND was established with funding from the South Australian Government through the Premier's Science and Research Fund (PSRF) and later expanded by the Australia-wide Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN), which has since integrated TREND into a national network of ecosystem transects (the Australian Transect Network). The broad aim and scope of TREND was determined at its inception: to establish baseline monitoring transects in South Australia to assess the impact of climate change on the composition of the states natural systems, primarily through the concept that space can be used as a proxy for time. Data were collected to assist natural resource managers to better incorporate climate change into their planning. 

1) Site Establishment: 30 x 30 m quadrat oriented NESW- 45 cm sprayed angle peg marking SW corner - plot marked for survey by laying measuring tapes directed by a compass, marked temporarily with flagging tape - five replicates (separate data and data sheets) located within a confined spatial area (e.g. within 500 m radius) on visually similar topography, soil and broad vegetation, absolute minimum of 1 plot width between each, generally more. Replicates scattered haphazardly except where space is limited in habitat sampling unit replicates are spaced from each other as much as possible - a photograph is taken of the site from the SW corner of the plot facing NE. Sometimes the point at which the photograph is taken is adjusted slightly due vegetation obstructing the field of view, or a second photo is taken from a slightly different angle if view of the plot is highly obscured by nearby vegetation. Photograph numbers are read from the camera and refer to the file name - plots are identified using a plot photopoint disc marker (number on S.A. Government photopoint tag, which is wired to the plot marker). - the location of the plot is recorded at the SW corner marker. The longitude and latitude are taken by GPS (WGS84) with an accuracy of ± 3 m. - the initials of the observers making the observation at the plot are recorded. - visual estimates are made for the percent cover of surface stones and outcropping rock as well as the prevailing slope (with aid of pole and digital level) and aspect (with compass). - the observer visually estimates in metres from the SW corner of the plot the distance to the nearest non-uniform vegetation. This is a conservative estimate, especially where visibility is low. - the landscape position of the plot is recorded with free text (e.g. ridge, lower slopes of gully etc). - the observer also records any other relevant comments about the location of the plot. - the observer make free text description of general signs of disturbance such as fire evidence, animal scats or signs of grazing/observations in immediate area (e.g. presence of goats, kangaroos), notes any disturbance such as tracks etc. - soil samples are gathered: 4 x ~10 cm depth holes (beneath crust) randomly across plot with samples mixed and sub-sampled for soil assays (i.e. to generate 1 sample per plot); rocks removed from soil and soil subsequently air dried - for analysis of soil texture the following protocol was performed on collected soil samples: for each plot sample, 35 mL of soil was cleaned of coarse material and lightly rolled to break up soil lumps. Soil was mixed with 100 mL of 1%w/w sodium metahexaphosphate (Calgon) and agitated for five minutes in a cylinder, which was then topped up with water. Cylinders were left for settling min. overnight. The percent sand by volume of the settled soil was measured. - the soil properties NH₄, N₃, P, K, electrical conductivity, pH measured externally on soil samples sent to the CSBP soil and plant analysis laboratory, W.A. (Job 0000235513; Date Rec'd 7/02/2013). - the observer prepares a vegetation structural description based on NVIS Level V Association level of description and with NVIS height, cover and growth form classes/codes (National Vegetation Information System, see https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/land/native-vegetation/national-vegetation-information-system). 2) Vegetation Survey (Species migration): All visible, living vascular plant species, detected through exhaustive visual search of plot; includes anything rooted in, or with foliage overhanging, the plot. - Field identification verified later using literature and herbarium resources based on vouchers (including photos). - First occurrences of any taxon within a set of 5 replicate plots vouchered, plus additional material if appropriate later. Single herbarium specimen/sheet plus silica-dried leaf tissue for genetic analysis. - Visual estimate of cover (projected foliage cover) to nearest 5% or scored 1% as present but low cover. - For selected plots, cover and composition are also estimated using a point-intercept method in which a 50 x 50 m quadrat is established over the 30 x 30 m plot by matching the SW corner and orientation. The larger plot is surveyed with 1000 step point-intercepts using a 1200 x 9.5 mm dowel for hits and and a click counter: 5 north-south lines and 5 east-west lines spaced 10 m apart, intercepts at 0.5 m intervals. Additional species to initial visual survey of the nested plot are vouchered. Cover score is percent for each species hit (number of hits/1000*100) - For first (vouchered) occurrence of each species within a set of replicate plots, the approximate height (visual estimate) is recorded as is the presence of any of the following (under phenology and maturity fields): buds (no flowers), flowers (±buds), fruits, senescent flowers only, senescent fruits only, seedlings, saplings. Presence of these categories is recorded whether observed in all or a subset of individuals. This is a casual observation usually at the time of vouchering and not systematically collected.