ANNEX I

Manual on parameters, monitoring methods and data formats for harmonised monitoring of air pollution effects on forests

Structure of the Manual

This manual consists of the following 15 chapters:

Chapter 1	COMMON METHODS FOR THE SELECTION OF LEVEL II PLOTS
Chapter 2	COMMON METHODS FOR THE SURVEY OF THE CROWN CONDITION ON LEVEL I AND LEVEL II PLOTS
Chapter 3	COMMON METHODS FOR FOLIAR CHEMISTRY MEASUREMENTS ON LEVEL II PLOTS
Chapter 4	COMMON METHODS FOR MEASUREMENTS OF INCREMENT CHANGES ON LEVEL II PLOTS
Chapter 5	COMMON METHODS FOR DEPOSITION MEASUREMENTS ON THE LEVEL II PLOTS
Chapter 6	COMMON METHODS FOR MEASUREMENTS OF METEOROLOGY ON LEVEL II PLOTS
Chapter 7	COMMON METHODS FOR SOIL SOLUTION MONITORING ON LEVEL II PLOTS
Chapter 8	COMMON METHODS FOR GROUND VEGETATION ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS
Chapter 9	COMMON METHODS FOR LITTERFALL ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS
Chapter 10	COMMON METHODS FOR AMBIENT AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS
Chapter 11	COMMON METHODS FOR VISIBLE OZONE INJURY ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS
Chapter 12	COMMON METHODS FOR PHENOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ON LEVEL II PLOTS
Chapter 13	DETAILS FOR THE SUBMISSION OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE MONITORING METHODS APPLIED AND THE RESULTS OF EVALUATION/INTERPRETATION OBTAINED ON NATIONAL LEVEL
Chapter 14	COMMON INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE REPORTING OF THE RESULTS AND THE DATA FORMATS
Chapter 15	CODE LIST AND EXPLANATORY ITEMS FOR SURVEY DATA OF LEVEL I AND LEVEL II PLOTS

The specific provisions established by each chapter are based on technical recommendations of Expert Panels of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe International Co-operative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests). A distinction is made between mandatory and optional monitoring activities (parameters, methods, etc.).

The chapters 1 to 8 and 14 to 15 build on the technical descriptions made in the Annexes of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1091/94 and in addition on sub-manuals concerning litterfall, ambient air quality, visible ozone injury and phenological assessments, which have not been covered by the above mentioned Regulation.

Chapter 2 provides for the technical details concerning the monitoring of crown condition on Level I points as well as on Level II plots as this is the only survey to be carried out regularly on both networks. Apart from this, only the two chapters on data submission and data formats (chapters 14 and 15) cover both Level I and Level II.

CHAPTER 1

COMMON METHODS FOR THE SELECTION OF LEVEL II PLOTS

I.   Selection of Level II plots

The selection of monitoring plots is under the responsibility of the Member States, although the following criteria for the selection shall apply:

—	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 this 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 trees in the plot,

—	the plots shall be easily accessible at all times and no restrictions with regard to the access and sampling should exist,

—	there shall be no differences in the management of the plot, its buffer zone and the surrounding forest,

—	disturbance caused by the monitoring shall be kept to a minimum,

—	direct pollution from known local sources shall be avoided

—	the plots shall be located sufficiently far away from the forest edge, up to five times the potential maximum height of the trees in the plot.

II.   Installation and documentation of plots

Each installed plot shall be described in detail. General data concerning new or additional plots shall be determined and reported to the Commission in the framework of the next regular data submission. The detailed description of the plot shall include: the exact location of the plot (positioning of the centre and the corners of the plot), a sketch map showing the permanent marking of the plot corners and/or boundaries, the number of trees in the plot and any other relevant permanent identifiable elements in or nearby the plot (e. g. access road, rivers, ditches, large trees). The location of samplers and sample sites (e.g. deposition samplers or soil pits) shall be positioned (GPS or distance and direction from the centre of the plot) and recorded on this map as well.

III.   Definition of a sub-plot

In principle all trees in the total plot are to be included in the sample for the tree assessments (e.g. crown inventory, increment assessment). In the case that the plot has many trees (i.e. dense stands), a sub-plot may be defined to be used for these surveys. The size of the sub-plot 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 sub-plot should be available in this period.

IV.   General information on each plot

The following general information on each permanent observation plot for the intensive and continuous monitoring shall be collected during the installation of a new plot and the first surveys:

Installation	First surveys
— Descriptive code
	Country
	Observation plot number
	Actual latitude and longitude
— Site data
	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)
— Stand data
	Mean age of dominant storey
	Main tree species
	Yield (estimate)
— Other observations
	History of the plot
	Other monitoring stations situated nearby

Where additional plots are installed in order to complete the national intensive monitoring programme, the Member States shall forward to the European Commission for each installed plot the information collected during the installation using a data file and reports (by the end of the same year in which the installation took place).

All changes during the years concerning the monitoring set-up and other important information (e.g. forest operations, storms and pests incidents) shall be submitted yearly.

V.   Replacement of destroyed plots and additional plots

Destroyed and additional plots should be selected among the existing Level I plots and following the selection criteria set out in this Chapter. The re-installed or additional plots shall be given a new number. Member States shall submit to the Commission, together with the next regular data submission, information on the reason for the plot replacement or the need for additional plots, the results of last observations/measurements made and the criteria applied for the selection of the new plots.

VI.   Data transfer

Member States shall forward the information referred to in this Chapter to the Commission for each Level II plot using the formats established by forms 1 and 2 set out in Chapter 14.

CHAPTER 2

COMMON METHODS FOR THE SURVEY OF CROWN CONDITION ON LEVEL I POINTS AND LEVEL II PLOTS

I.   General remarks

The survey of crown condition pursuant to Article 2 and Article 6(a) is mandatory and shall be carried out on all Level I points and Level II plots and shall be repeated annually. The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of Expert Panel on Crown Condition of the UNECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests).

II.   Selection of sample trees

II.1.   Selection of sample trees on Level I points

At each sampling point, sample trees shall be selected according to a stringently defined, objective and unbiased statistical procedure (e.g. four point cross cluster orientated along the main compass directions with corner points at 25 m distance from the grid point using a six-tree sampling process on each subplot or sample trees chosen following a spiral from the plot centre). In younger dense stands where individual crowns are not assessable, the selection of sample trees should be based on a defined geometrical process. This process shall be repeated until a sufficient number of trees with assessable crowns have been found. The following selection criteria are to be taken into account:

—	Member States may decide on the number of trees to be assessed at each point; however, the sample shall not consist of less than 20 trees or more than 30 and the number shall remain constant,

—

all tree species shall be included in the assessment. Sample trees should have a minimum height of 60 cm. Only predominant, dominant and co-dominant trees corresponding to the Kraft tree classes 1, 2, and 3 respectively, qualify as sample trees for the purpose of crown condition assessment. Trees of these social classes with broken tops cannot qualify as sample trees,

—

trees removed as part of management operations, fallen trees (e.g. blown over by the wind or broken) and dead trees must be replaced by new sample trees selected according to an unbiased procedure. A tree is defined as dead if all conductive tissues in the stem have died. A dead tree must be recorded but only once. Clear-cutting of the stands imply that the sample point ceases to exist until a new stand has been established,

—	the centre of a sampling unit must be marked for reassessment of subsequent inventories. Sample trees should be identifiable for the following year's assessment, if possible without permanent labeling.

II.2.   Selection of sample trees on Level II plots

All pre-dominant, dominant and co-dominant trees corresponding to the Kraft tree classes 1, 2, and 3 respectively, 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 can be reduced by using a sub-plot. In the case of a sub-plot all the pre-dominant, dominant and co-dominant trees corresponding to the Kraft tree classes 1, 2, and 3 respectively, in the sub-plot are to be monitored. In certain cases it can 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.

III.   Date of assessment

The inventory shall be undertaken between the end of the formation of new needles and leaves and before the autumnal leaf discoloration.

IV.   General background information

The following plot and tree parameters must be assessed on Level I points:

—

for each plot: — descriptive code, — country, — date of observation, — observation point number, — actual latitude and longitude coordinates, — availability of water to principal species, — humus type, — altitude, — orientation, — stand data, — mean age of dominant storey, — soil data, — soil unit, — additional plot information specific for the current year (operations, events),

—	for each tree in the plot: — plot number, — sample tree data: — tree number, — tree species, — defoliation, — discoloration, — damage due to easily identifiable causes (insect, fungi, abiotic agents…), — identification of damage type, — observations on the tree in the plot.

The following plot and tree information must be collected on Level II plots:

—

country,

—	plot number,

—	date of assessment

—	number of trees

—	tree species

—	orientation,

—	information on removals and mortality,

—

exposure,

—	social class,

—	crown shading,

—	visibility.

V.   Assessment of sample trees

V.1.   Visual assessment of defoliation

Defoliation shall be estimated annually 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 a defoliation between 95 % and 100 %, which is still alive, is scored as 99. The score 100 is reserved for dead trees.

Class	Degree of defoliation	Percentage of needle/leaf loss
0	not defoliated	0 - 10
1	slightly defoliated	11 - 25
2	moderately defoliated	26 - 60
3	severely defoliated	61 - 99
4	Dead	100

V.2.   Visual assessment of discoloration

The classification of trees into degrees of discoloration shall be carried out.

The degrees of discoloration shall be defined as follows:

Class	Discoloration	Indicative percentage of needles/leaves discolored
0	None or negligible	0 - 10
1	Slight	11 - 25
2	Moderate	26 - 60
3	Severe	> 60

If, in addition, defoliation and discoloration classes are combined, the following combined damage classes shall be used:

Defoliation class	Discoloration class
	1	2	3
	Resulting damage class
0	0	I	II
1	I	II	II
2	II	III	III
3	III	III	III
4	IV	IV	IV
0 = not damaged, I = slightly damaged, II = moderately damaged, III = severely damaged, IV = dead

VI.   Assessment of damage causes

VI.1.   Selection of sample trees

The assessment of damage causes is optional in order to complement the annual crown condition survey.

VI.2.   Frequency and timing

Level I + Level II: assessment of damage causes shall be carried out during normal crown condition assessment in summer.

In Level II plots where the complete programme is carried out, the so-called ‘key-plots’’, an additional visit for damage assessment shall be made if important damage is observed outside the period of crown condition assessment. The observations of the staff responsible for deposition sampling or phenological observations may act as an early warning system. This additional visit shall be made at the time when the main damage cause is supposed to be at its maximum (e.g. spring for defoliators).

VI.3.   Parameters to be assessed

The following table sets out an overview of parameters in Level I points/Level II plots.

Symptom description
	Specification of affected part
	Symptom
	Specification of symptom
	Location in crown
1.1. Cause
1.2. Extent

VII.   Data transfer

Member States shall use forms 3-8 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of the information for each plot

CHAPTER 3

COMMON METHODS FOR FOLIAR CHEMISTRY MEASUREMENTS ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I.   General remarks

The inventory of foliar chemistry in accordance with Article 6(a) shall be carried out on all Level II plots and shall be repeated on each individual plot in a two year interval. The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of Expert Panel on Foliar Chemistry of the UNECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests).

II.   Inventory methodology

II.1.   Date of sampling

Deciduous species and larch: sampling shall be done when the new leaves are fully developed, and before the very beginning of the autumnal yellowing and senescence.

Evergreen species: sampling shall 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.

The foliage inventory shall be carried out for deciduous species and larch in summer 2005 and for evergreen species in winter 2005/2006. The inventory shall be repeated on each individual plot in a two years interval.

II.2.   Selection of trees

Every second year, at least five trees of each main species present in the plot shall be sampled.

The numbers of trees needed for the sampling shall be 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,

—	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 analysis; however care shall 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 shall be numbered. To avoid damage to the sample trees, it is allowed to alternate between two sets of five trees, when necessary. Each set shall respond to the above conditions.

Only trees of the main species shall be sampled (see Annex I, Chapter 15, item 16).

Trees which are used for the sampling of foliage shall be assessed on crown condition, using the existing or the specially assigned numbers.

II.3.   General 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 shall not 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.

The sampled leaves or needles shall be taken from the upper third of crown, but not from the very first whorls in the conifers;

For deciduous species, sampling shall be done on current year leaves or needles.

For evergreen species, sampling shall be done of both the current year needles or leaves and the second year needles or leaves (current + 1).

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 shall 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.   Pre-treatment 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 shall be 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).

Great care shall 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 shall be given outside the bag (directly on the bag by indelible ink, or by clasping a label on the bag).

II.7.   Treatment before analysis

The determination of the mass of 100 leaves or 1 000 needles, as well as the shoot mass, shall be used 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 necessary 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 shall 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.

II.8.   Chemical analyses

Only the total element concentration is determined.

Each country is allowed to use its national methods. But it is necessary to certify 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)

Mandatory parameters	Optional parameters
Nitrogen (N)	Zinc (Zn)
Sulphur (S)	Manganese (Mn)
Phosphorus (P)	Iron (Fe)
Calcium (Ca)	Copper (Cu)
Magnesium (Mg)	Lead (Pb)
Potassium (K)	Boron (B)

III.   Data transfer

Member States shall use formats established by forms 9, 10 and 11 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of the information for each plot.

CHAPTER 4

COMMON METHODS FOR MEASUREMENTS OF INCREMENT CHANGES ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I.   General remarks

The measurements of increment changes in accordance with Article 6(a) shall be carried out on all plots in the dormancy period. The reference for the first inventory under Regulation (EC) 2152/2003 shall be dormancy period of the winter 2004/2005 and shall be repeated in a five year interval.

The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of Expert Panel on Forest growth of the UN/ECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests). The measurement of the growth is divided into two parts:

—	periodic measurements on tree parameters (mandatory all five years),

—	tree ring analysis by means of increment cores and stem discs (optional).

The methodologies described here are inappropriate for maquis and similar vegetation types.

Member States are free to carry out, in addition to the periodic measurements on tree parameters, permanent continuous girth band measurements.

II.   Inventory methodology

II.1.   Date of measurements

Measurements shall be done during the dormancy period.

II.2.   Selection of sample trees

In principle all trees in the total plot shall 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. In this case the trees in the sub-plot shall 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.

All trees with at least 5 cm diameter over bark shall be individually identifiable by numbering.

II.3.   General information

The following information shall be collected:

—	plot number,

—	data of sampling and analysis,

—	tree number.

II.4.   Parameters to be measured

	Mandatory parameters	Optional parameters
Periodic measurements	Tree species	Bark
	Diameter at breast height (DBH)	Tree height (on all trees)
	Tree height	Crown height (on all trees)
	Height to crown base on a sub-sample of trees in the plot	Crown width
	Information on management operations	Volume estimates
Tree ring analysis		Ring width
		History of the tree diameter under bark in five years intervals
		Basal area and volume estimates

III.   Data transfer

Member States shall use forms 12 to 16 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of the information for each plot

CHAPTER 5

COMMON METHODS FOR DEPOSITION MEASUREMENTS ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I.   General remarks

The measurements of deposition in accordance with Article 6(b) shall be carried out on at least 10 % of the Level II plots.

The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of Expert Panel on Deposition of the UNECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests).

II.   Monitoring methodology

Each deposition plot shall be described in detail. Some of the information is already included in the descriptions of the forest monitoring plots (longitude, latitude, altitude, exposure, tree species, etc.). Other information needs to be documented with special consideration to the deposition situation (exposition to local emission sources and local land use, location in relation to forest edges etc.). For interpretation and understanding of the deposition processes, information on factors such as canopy roughness, leaf area index, etc. is valuable.

II.1.   Monitoring throughfall

Deposition monitoring shall be site specific. Measurements shall be made in such a way that they are spatially well distributed over the country, if necessary on all Level II plots. Throughfall deposition measurements shall be made on the plot itself. If this is not possible, the measurements shall be made close to the plot and in the same stand. The measurements shall in no way interfere with other measurements of soil and vegetation. Caution shall be taken not to cause any damage to the forest plot.

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 shall be selected in such a way that the surrounding objects are not closer than two times their height.

II.3.   Monitoring air pollution

Air pollution measurements shall be site specific, but could for practical reasons, or for reasons of co-ordination with other projects, be made at some distance. The measurement site shall not be influenced by local emission sources.

II.4.   Measurement period

The measuring will be made 4-weekly, weekly or at a time interval between the two depending mainly on the general weather conditions at the specific plot.

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. Within one monitoring period the length 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.5.   Sampling, sample handling

Clean collection gauges and containers shall 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.6.   Pre-treatment of samples, transport and storage

The volume of each collected sample from each individual throughfall, stemflow or open air collector shall be determined. The samples may be analysed separately or pooled with samples collected from the same plot in the same time interval. Throughfall, stemflow or open air samples shall be analysed 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 analysed 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 analysed.

II.7.   General 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 may be collected, where it is useful for the interpretation of the results, such as canopy roughness, leaf area index etc.

II.8.   Chemical analysis

Mandatory and optional parameters to be analysed on bulk deposition, throughfall, stemflow and fog samples are provided for in the following table:

Sample type	Mandatory	Optional
Bulk deposition, throughfall, stemflow	Amount of precipitation
	pH and conductivity at 25 °C
	Na, K, Mg, Ca, NH4	Al, Mn, Fe, and other heavy metals, e.g. Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb, Cd, Co, Mo
	Cl, NO3 SO4	P total, PO4
	Total alkalinity Mandatory for individual samples if pH > 5
	DOC, Ntotal (N total is not mandatory for bulk deposition, but is highly recommended)	S total, HCO3 HCO3 can either be obtained by calculation (from pH, total alkalinity, temperature and ionic strength) or by direct measurement
Fog, frozen fog (rime)		pH, conductivity
		Na, K, Mg, Ca, NH4
		Cl, NO3, SO4, P total
		Alkalinity
		Al, Mn, Fe, and other heavy metals, e.g. Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb, Cd, Co, Mo
DOC = dissolved organic carbon, and N total = total nitrogen.

III.   Data transfer

Member States shall use forms 17 to 19 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of the information for each plot.

CHAPTER 6

COMMON METHODS FOR MEASUREMENTS OF METEOROLOGY ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I.   General remarks

The measurements of meteorology in accordance with Article 6(b) shall be carried out on at least 10 % of the observation plots. The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of Expert Panel on Meteorology and Phenology of the UNECE International Cooperative Programmed on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests).

II.   Inventory methodology

II.1.   Location of sampling equipment

To represent the specific climatic conditions of woodlands the measurements shall 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 shall be measured inside the stand of the permanent observation plot.

Whenever possible a combination with the equipment for deposition shall be made. To avoid disturbances to the roots and soil situation, the equipment shall be placed so that it can be reached and maintained without actually passing through the plot.

II.2.   Methods to measure the actual meteorological 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 shall be monitored continuously. The technical equipment, sensors and their placement are to be in accordance with the international meteorological standards. The following variables are to be obtained.

Mandatory	Optional
Precipitation	UVB radiation
Air temperature	Soil temperatures
Air humidity	Soil moisture
Wind speed	(matric potential, water content)
Wind direction	Stand precipitation (quantity of through fall and stem flow)
Solar radiation

II.3.   Collection, aggregation, storage and submission of information

Data shall be aggregated to daily values (sum or average/mean, minimum and maximum respectively) before submission.

The following plot information shall be collected and submitted:

—

country,

—	plot number,

—	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).

LIST OF PARAMETERS

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 potential in soil	(hPa)
Soil moisture: Water content in soil	(Vol %)	(*)		(*)	(*)
Stand precipitation (through fall and stem flow)	(mm)		(*)
Others						To be specified in the data accompanying Report
(*) = To be submitted.

III.   Data transfer

Member States shall use the formats established by forms 20 to 23 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of the information for each plot.

CHAPTER 7

COMMON METHODS FOR SOIL SOLUTION MONITORING ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I.   General remarks

Monitoring of soil solution in accordance with Article 6(b) shall be carried out on at least 10 % of Level II plots.

The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of the Soil Expert Panel of the UNECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests).

II.   Inventory methodology

II.1.   Selection of sampler location

Soil solution samplers shall be installed close to where crown condition assessment is conducted. Lysimeters may be distributed randomly or systematically 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 shall 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 may be maintained, but new installations shall be made as proposed above.

II.2.   Sampling depths

Lysimeters shall be installed at fixed depths but installation by horizons is also acceptable.

—	Soil solution collectors

Where appropriate lysimeters shall be placed 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). A third lysimeter may also be placed immediately below the humus layer.

II.3.   Sampling frequency

On plots where other intensive monitoring programmes are carried out, e.g. deposition and meteorological measurements, the sampling of the soil solution shall be done monthly or bi-weekly. Sampling shall be done at the same month of the year.

II.4.   Transport, 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 shall be transported to the laboratory in acid washed bottles.

If soil samples are collected, they shall 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 shall take place within one day (18 - 30 hours) after collection of the soil samples.

II.5.   General background information

The following information shall be collected:

—

country,

—	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.6.   Analysis methods

The inventory of the forest soil solution monitoring distinguishes between mandatory and optional parameters (See list below).

LIST OF PARAMETERS

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 (1)
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 (2)
Chlorine (Cl)	mg/l	Opt (1)
Chromium (Cr)	μg/l	Opt
Nickel (Ni)	μg/l	Opt
Zinc (Zn)	μg/l	Opt (3)
Copper (Cu)	μg/l	Opt (3)
Lead (Pb)	μg/l	Opt
Cadmium (Cd)	μg/l	Opt
Silicon (Si)	mg/l	Opt
Man. = Mandatory Opt. = Optional

III.   Data transfer

Member States shall use the formats established by forms 24, 25 and 26 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of information for each plot.

CHAPTER 8

COMMON METHODS FOR GROUND VEGETATION ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I.   General remarks

The inventory of ground vegetation in accordance with Article 6(b) shall be carried out on at least 10 % of the Level II plots.

The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of Expert Panel on Ground Vegetation condition of the UNECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests).

II.   Inventory methodology

II.1.   Sampling design

Two different sampling designs may be used, which either lead to a more qualitative or to a more quantitative characterization:

—	in the first case, the dynamics are assessed by monitoring changes in the species composition over a large area, utilizing sampling units greater than 100 m2, with a low to medium accuracy in estimates of changes in cover for each of these species,

—	in the second case, the study concentrates on population dynamics (expansion or regression) on a smaller area. Small sampling units (in general fewer than 10 m2) are used for a more accurate estimation of species cover.

The area selected for vegetation assessment shall be representative for the plot, in order to allow the comparison with other parameters recorded on the same plot. Several sampling units shall be used in order to obtain statistical replication.

According to phytosociological usage, the minimal requirement is to map the species at the plot level. In order to achieve comparability of results between countries, a common sampling area (CSA) of 400 m2, representative for the ground vegetation of the Level II plot, is mandatory. This area can be reached as the sum of smaller sub-plots within the Level II plot area. Data shall be submitted for the total CSA area, not per sub plot (aggregated data). Member States shall keep the results of separate sub-plots in their national databases.

Countries are free to select the number and shape of the sampling units.

If sampling units are not contiguous, they shall be placed as far apart as possible within the Level II plot or in its buffer zone in order to minimize spatial correlation between the sampling units within a plot. They shall also exclude major heterogeneities at any scale of sampling (boulders and cliffs, tracks and paths, fire places, streams and ponds, ditches and channels, peaty pools).

A permanent marking system has to be installed for the sampling units.

II.2.   General information

The following general information shall be collected:

—

country

—	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 phanerogams, vascular cryptogams, terricolous bryophytes and lichens shall be taken into account. The list of species shall be complete for these groups. Non-terricolous species and fungi can be noted additionally, but should ideally be the subject of separate surveys. Unidentified species should be noted as such, and, if not rare within the sampling units, should be sampled and stored in a herbarium for subsequent identification.

Species only encountered in special places (e.g. rocks, tree stumps, tracks and paths, dead wood, etc.) should be noted separately.

II.5.   Frequency and assessment time

Every five years, vegetation studies shall be undertaken on at least 10 % of the plots. 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

The assessed information on sampling units shall be aggregated to plot level.

III.   Data transfer

Member States shall use the formats established by forms 27 and 28 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of the results of the ground vegetation assessment.

CHAPTER 9

COMMON METHODS FOR LITTERFALL ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I.   General remarks

Monitoring of litterfall in accordance with Article 6(c) shall be carried out on optional basis on Level II plots from the year 2005 onwards. Where litterfall monitoring is carried out the following provisions shall be applicable.

The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of the ad hoc Working group on Litterfall of the UNECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests).

II.   Inventory methodology

II.1.   Sampling

For all aims of litterfall assessment it is suggested that the sampling design of plots represents a wide range of soils, climates and stand structure of a given species.

Litterfall assessment shall be carried only on Level II monitoring plots where intensive monitoring of meteorology, deposition, soil water, and phenology are also performed.

II.2.   Siting and number of litterfall traps

Litterfall traps shall be set up in a design enabling comparisons with deposition and soil water results. The traps are fixed and may be placed randomly or systematically e.g. at regular intervals and in a sufficient number to represent the whole plot and not only the dominant tree species

Litterfall traps should be distributed all over the plot area. Litterfall shall be sampled from at least 10 collectors per plot and even up to 20 collectors depending on plot size and tree species involved in the assessment.

The countries are free to select the type of traps for the monitoring of litterfall.

II.3.   Frequency of sampling

Litterfall shall be collected at least monthly and even bi-weekly in periods of heavy litterfall. The samples may be pooled to periodic samples for chemical analyses. In regions with snow and frost in wintertime and in remote areas it may be necessary to let the traps stay over winter in the forest. Litterfall may then be collected once before the winter period and once after snowmelt, as frost limits drainage and litter decomposition.

II.4.   Parameters and analysis

Litterfall assessment distinguishes between mandatory and optional parameters (See list below).

LIST OF PARAMETERS

Mandatory	Optional
Ca, K, Mg, C, N, P, S	Na, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, Pb, Al, B

For chemical analysis the litterfall samples are dried to constant weight in an oven at maximum 80 °C, preferably at 65 °C. After this drying, the mass of 100 leaves or 1 000 needles is determined at 105 °C. Knowing the percentage of moisture in the sub samples, the whole amount of each fraction can be converted to dried mass at 80 °C. The samples dried at max 80 °C are grounded to a homogeneous powder. The chemical analysis of litter is similar to the foliar chemical analysis. The results of litterfall chemical analysis are reported to 80 °C just like the litterfall mass.

III.   Data transfer

Member States shall use the formats established by forms 29, 30 and 31 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of the information for each plot

CHAPTER 10

COMMON METHODS FOR AMBIENT AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I.   General remarks

Assessment of ambient air quality is to be carried out on an optional basis on Level II plots. Where ambient air quality is assessed the following provisions shall be applicable.

The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of the Working Group on Ambient Air Quality of the UN/ECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests).

II.   Choice of method and Equipment

Passive sampling shall be applied on sites that do not currently monitor main air pollutants using active samplers.

Individual countries are free to select the type of passive sampling device that is used. However, it has to be shown that both the samplers and procedure that are used, comply with measurements made using a reference method (active sampler).

III.   Measurement period

Sampling shall preferably be carried out at least on a 2-weekly basis. At remote sites, the measurement period can be extended to four weeks if necessary, and at highly polluted sites, shortened to one week. Measurements of ozone shall be limited to the leafed period for deciduous species, but shall be continued for the rest of the year for other pollutants.

IV.   Selection of plots and location

Ambient air quality monitoring shall be site specific and shall be carried out on plots where meteorology and deposition data are available. Sites with variable exposure should be chosen i.e. sites where high exposure is expected in addition to a few background stations.

Air pollution concentrations shall be measured near, but outside the forest, in a place representative of the plot. Monitoring can be carried out in an open field, preferably where the samplers for wet deposition and the meteorological equipment are installed.

V.   Parameters

The following parameters are part of the optional ambient air quality monitoring.

Compounds	Parameters	Comment
Gaseous compounds	O3, SO2, NO2, NO, HNO3, HNO2, NH3, VOC	With regard to direct effect on vegetation, ozone is in most areas in Europe the most important pollutant.
Particulate compounds	SO4 2-, NO3-, NH4+, base cations	For calculating the dry deposition of particulate compounds, measurements should preferably be made with consideration to particle size distribution.

	O3	NH3	NO2	SO2
mean concentration	X	X	X	X
max (*1). concentration	X	X	X	X
AOT 40 (*1)	X

VI.   Data transfer

Member States shall use formats established by forms 32, 33 and 34 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of the information for each plot.

CHAPTER 11

COMMON METHODS FOR VISIBLE OZONE INJURY ASSESSMENT ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I.   General remarks

Assessment of ozone injury in accordance with Article 6(c) shall be carried out on an optional basis on Level II plots. Where ozone injury is assessed the following provisions shall be applicable.

The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of the Working Group on Ambient Air Quality of the UNECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests). [Reference is made to the sub-manual prepared by this Working Group where additional information is made available.]

II.   Scope

The assessment of the symptoms of visible ozone injury shall be conducted preferably on the plots where the passive ozone sampling is carried out.

III.   Assessment and Evaluation

III.1.   Assessment within the Level II plots

The assessment for visible ozone injury on main tree species within the Intensive Monitoring Plot (IMP) shall be conducted at least on the branches from the same 5 individual trees where foliar sampling for chemical analysis is carried out.

The samples for foliar injury should be collected every second year from the upper sun exposed crown.

An annual assessment is preferred but optional.

III.2.   Assessment within the Light Exposed Sampling Site (LESS)

A Light Exposed Sampling Site (hereinafter referred to as LESS) shall be established within the vicinity of the location where the ozone passive sampler is installed. The aim of the assessment within the LESS is to provide estimates of ozone foliar injury on the vegetation at the light exposed forest edge closest to the ozone measurement device within a maximum radius of 500 m. The suggested sampling scheme is a random sampling design as described in Appendix I of the sub-manual prepared by the Working Group where additional information is made available.

The assessment is done on trees, shrubs, vines and perennial herbs (annual herbs are optional);

Only monocots are excluded from the assessment.

III.3.   Evaluation period

Identification and quantification of visible ozone injury within Level II plot shall be carried out during: for conifers between October and February, and for broadleaves between July and beginning of September.

In general, identification of visible ozone injury on trees, shrubs and herbs within the LESS and for the ground vegetation within the IMP (optional) shall be carried out at least once during late summer (and in early summer if feasible) before natural leaf discoloration sets in and senescence and/or drought leads to leaf loss.

III.4.   Evaluation for the main broadleaf tree species

For the main tree species, five branches (as small as possible, but with all leaf age stages present) from each tree shall be pruned from the sun exposed portion of the upper third of the crown, simultaneously with the biannual foliar sampling for the chemical analysis of needles and leaves or according to the local symptoms phenology if possible. Once collected, a representative number of leaves per branch (i.e. approximately 30 leaves in the case of Fagus sylvatica) shall be examined under best light conditions and scored for occurrence of ozone-injury (yes/no).

Score	Percentage, definition
0	No injury, none of the leaves injured.
1	1 %-5 % of the leaves show ozone symptoms
2	6 %-50 % of the leaves show ozone symptoms
3	51 %-100 % of leaves show ozone symptoms

III.5.   Evaluation for the conifer main tree species

Following the leaf-sampling procedure, from each tree several branches (5 branches as small as possible but having at least the current year's needles (C-needles) and previous year's needles (C+1-needles)) shall be pruned from the sun-exposed portion of the upper part of the crown. If this part of the tree is not accessible, use part of the branches collected for foliar analysis.

The chlorotic mottling will be scored for each needle age class (from current year's (C) to 3-year old (C+2) needles) in percentage of total surface affected by locating all needles of one age class forming a surface, and then the corresponding score (classes) for that percentage will be assigned, according to the following table.

Score	Definition
0	No injury present.
1	1-5 % of the surface is affected
2	6- 50 % of the surface is affected
3	51 – 100 % of the surface is affected.

The scores shall be produced per needle class; thus trees (and species) will have separate scores for the needles of age-classes C, C+1, C+2, etc. The final score of an individual tree shall be the score corresponding to the average injury percentage of a given needle year-class for that tree (this is obtained by averaging the injury percentages of all individual needle-whorls of a given age-class on that tree); similarly, the final score for the plot shall be the score corresponding to the average of the injury percentages of all sampled trees.

III.6.   Identification of visible ozone on (small) tree, shrub, and perennial species within the LESS and (optional) the ground vegetation within the Level II plot

For the symptom assessment of small tree, shrub, and herbs species within the LESS and the ground vegetation (optional) within the Level II plot the following information is required for each of the randomly selected sampling spatial unit:

—	The scientific name and code of the present (small) tree, shrub, and herbs species with the indication whether they show symptoms or not.

—	Trees and shrubs shall be assessed singularly, vines and herbs as populations;

—

Estimates are therefore resulting in terms of frequency, means and totals: — frequency of quadrates including symptomatic plants (% of forest edge vegetation area affected), — frequency of symptomatic species (% of symptomatic species over the total number of species of the forest edge), — mean number of symptomatic species, — total number of symptomatic species, — estimates should be reported with confidence intervals at a 95 % probability level.

Soil moisture conditions shall be recorded within the LESS and the optional subplots. Samples and pictures of each injured are to taken of species in accordance with the technical recommendations of the Working Group on Ambient Air Quality.

IV.   Data transfer

Member States shall use forms 35, 36 and 37 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of the information for each plot.

CHAPTER 12

COMMON METHODS FOR PHENOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ON LEVEL II PLOTS

I.   General remarks

Assessment of phenology in accordance with Article 6(c) shall be carried out on an optional basis on Level II plots. Where phenology is assessed the following provisions shall apply.

The following provisions are based on technical recommendations of Expert Panel on Meteorology and Phenology of the UNECE International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests). [Reference is made to the sub-manual prepared by this Expert Panel where additional information is made available.]

II.   Scope

A cursory examination on the plot and the buffer zone shall only be performed on those Level II plots where meteorological observations, deposition and litterfall measurement are being carried out.

III.   Observation and recording at the plot level

Further background information on ecological processes on the plot, as well as an early warning system on events affecting the condition of the trees, could be obtained by recording the most obvious effects of biotic and abiotic (damaging) events and phenological phenomena. This is of special interest for the evaluation of Level II data at the national level.

The observations and recordings should be easy and simple, and limited to:

—	Occurrence of flushing, color change and leaf/needle fall

—	Biotic damage (pests and/or diseases)

—	Abiotic damage (e.g. frost, wind, hail).

III.1.   Location

The observations should be made on the plot and/or the buffer zone of all those Level II plots where continuous measurements are carried out.

III.2.   Frequency

Observation dates may coincide with the collection of deposition samples or soil solution. A frequency of at least once every second week during the growing period is needed to follow the phenological changes.

III.3.   Observation and recording

All species on the intensive monitoring plots are of interest; however priority should be given to the main tree species on the plot. Member States are free to include more species. In this case, however, each species should be recorded separately. Only events that have occurred and/or have changed their frequency/intensity since the last visit should be recorded. As the individual phases of phenological phenomena occur, assessments shall be repeated until the phase is completed.

IV.   Intensive phenological monitoring at the individual tree level

The phases to be monitored (whenever applicable on the species) are: leaf/needle appearance, appearance of Lammas shoots, secondary flushing, flowering, autumn coloring, leaf/needle death and leaf/needle fall.

IV.1.   Selection of species and plots

Priority should be given to:

—	those plots where (at least) meteorological measurements are carried out,

—	the most important species on the plot, which is already reported as the main species (other species on the same plot may be added).

IV.2.   Criteria for the selection of sample trees

Criteria for selecting trees are:

Trees should be selected from those on which crown condition assessments are carried out. Preference should be given to trees that are clearly visible when standing outside the plot, because the high frequency of the observation may affect the condition of the ground vegetation on the plot.

If there is an insufficient number of crown condition trees visible, it will be necessary to select additional trees from the plot or from the buffer zone. In this case:

—	trees should be dominant or co-dominant,

—	trees on which periodical measurement of DBH and height is (planned to be) made should be preferred,

—	trees selected for leaf/needle sampling and analysis are not to be included.

Between 10 and 20 trees per species on a plot are selected for the sampling. All trees should be numbered. If they already have numbers (e.g. for crown condition or increment assessment) these numbers shall be kept and used.

If a selected tree dies or is removed it can be replaced. The newly selected tree should be given a new number and it shall be registered and reported to the Commission.

IV.3.   Crown to be assessed

Preferably the top of the crown (light crown) should be visible from one observation point. If this is not possible, then the middle part of the crown is also acceptable. The same part of the crown should be considered for subsequent phenological observations throughout the whole year, as well as for subsequent years.

IV.4.   Direction of assessment

The direction from which the observations on individual trees are made should be the same every time. It should be recorded using an eight-class system at the time the trees are selected and reported on form 12a. Any change in this position should be recorded and reported as well.

IV.5.   Frequency of observations

During the periods from the beginning to the end of the phenological phases in question, weekly observations shall be made on the same day of the week.

IV.6.   Phases to be monitored

In principle, all phenological phases are of interest for phenological monitoring. However, from the practical point of view (e.g. financial input, ease and reliability of the monitoring, European-wide comparability, compatibility with other surveys like Crown Condition) it is necessary to concentrate on a limited set of phases and on the major species or groups of species.

A distinction is made between conifers and broad-leaved species:

Conifers	Broad-leaved species
Needle appearance	Leaf unfolding
Lammas shoots	Secondary flushing
Flowering	Flowering
	Autumn coloring
	Leaf death and leaf fall

For the flowering phase, only the beginning of opening of the male flowers (characterised by pollen shed) is to be recorded, whereas the other phases are to be recorded quantitatively. In addition, damage to needles, leaves or flowers caused by late frost in spring should also be recorded, as well as its intensity. The definitions and determinations of the individual phases are described hereafter.

V.   Additional monitoring techniques

Additional techniques (such as litterfall collection or girth band measurements) can provide supporting and supplementary information.

Litterfall sampling provides quantitative data, e.g. about flowering, seed production, leaf/needle shedding etc.

Girth bands: Continuous measurement of changes in girth can provide information on the onset and cessation of growth and on the response of trees to stress phenomena.

Throughfall chemistry can provide additional information on the occurrence of phenological phases through changes in nutrient fluxes.

VI.   Data transfer

Member States shall use forms 38, 39 and 40 set out in Chapter 14 for the transmission to the Commission of information for each plot.

CHAPTER 13

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 data in accordance with Article 15(1) of Regulation (EC) No 2152/2003, Member States shall prepare and submit to the Commission a document with the background information on the monitoring methods applied on Level I and Level II plots (Data Accompanying Report, DAR).

The DAR consists of two parts: the part describing the actually applied methods of the sampling layout, 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).

II.   Data Accompanying Report

II.1.   Part of the DAR describing the methods actually applied, etc.

This part of the DAR describes the sampling layout methods actually applied, the equipment used, the assessment, the analysis, etc. The following details are given:

Inventory/Sampling methods

In many surveys of the Forest Focus scheme there is considerable freedom given to 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. Exact details on the used 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.

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.2.   Part 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, data management and data quality

The procedures applied for data checks 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.

Furthermore a description of the methods applied in view of the quality assurance and quality control has to be given.

The Commission may request further information from Member States if needed on the basis of annual DAR-Questionnaires.

CHAPTER 14

COMMON INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE REPORTING OF THE RESULTS AND THE DATA FORMATS

I.   General technical information for the submission of data

I.1.   Hardware requirements

As medium for the data submission, the 3,5″ floppy disk (DSDD or HD) or CD-ROM has been selected. If the facilities for electronic data transfer are available such means should be used by Member States from 2005 onwards.

I.2.   Software requirements, data format

The diskettes are to be formatted on the appropriate density (DSDD = low density and HD = high density), using DOS 2.1 or higher, and shall be 100 % IBM compatible. All information on the diskette or CD-ROM shall be in ASCII characters following the structure defined in tables as set-up under point V.

I.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).

II.   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:

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.

IV.   Timing for the submission of the DAR and the report on progress made in the interpretation/evaluation of results on national level

IV.1.   Timing 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.2.   Timing 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.

V.   Submission of data in a digital format - forms

Assessment/Information content	Form No/Name		Network
Installation	1	XXGENER. PLT: Information on plot level	II
Installation	2	Other observations on the plots of the intensive monitoring of the forest ecosystems	II
Crown	3	XX1993.PLO: Information on plot level	I
Crown	4	XX1993.TRE NEW: Information on tree level	I
Crown	5	Contents of file with information on plot level to be used in combination with the tree vitality inventory on Level I	I
Crown	6	XX1996.PLT (TCP): Contents of file with the information on Plot level to be used with the crown assessment	II
Crown	7	XX1996.TRM (TC1): Contents of file with the information on Tree level (Mandatory) to be used with the tree condition assessment	II
Crown	8	XX2004.TRO: Contents of file with the information on Tree level (Optional) to be used with the tree condition assessment	II
Foliar	9	XX1996.PLF: Contents of reduced plot file to be used in combination with the survey of chemical content of needles and leaves	II
Foliar	10	XX1996.FOM: Contents of file with foliar analysis information (mandatory)	II
Foliar	11	XX1996.FOO: Contents of file with foliar analysis information (optional)	II
Increment	12	XX1993.PLI: Contents of reduced plot file to be used for increment	II
Increment	13	XX1996.IPM: Contents of file with increment information - periodic measurements	II
Increment	14	XX1996.IRA: Contents of file of increment information - ring analysis and stem disk analysis (optional)	II
Increment	15	XX1996.IEV: Contents of evaluated data on increment (optional)	II
Increment	16	XX2002.INV: Contents of reduced plot file to be used to report the plot volumes	II
Deposition	17	XX1996.PLD: Contents of reduced plot file to be used in combination with the deposition measurements	II
Deposition	18	XX1996.DEM: Contents of data file with deposition measurements (mandatory)	II
Deposition	19	XX1996.DEO: Contents of data file with deposition measurements (optional)	II
Meteorology	20	XX1996.PLM: Contents of reduced plot file to be used in combination with the meteorological measurements	II
Meteorology	21	XX1996.MEM: Contents of data file with meteorological measurements (mandatory)	II
Meteorology	22	XX1996.MEO: Contents of data file with meteorological measurements (optional)	II
Meteorology	23	XX1996.MEC: Contents of data file with climatic information (optional)	II
Soil solution	24	XX1996.PSS: Contents of reduced plot file to be used in combination with the soil solution measurements	II
Soil solution	25	XX1996.SSM: Contents of data file with soil solution measurements (mandatory)	II
Soil solution	26	XX1996.SSO: Contents of data file with soil solution measurements (optional)	II
Ground vegetation	27	XX1997.PLV: Contents of reduced plot file to be used in combination with the survey of ground vegetation	II
Ground vegetation	28	XX1996.VEM: Contents of data file with ground vegetation assessment	II
Litterfall	29	XX1996.LFP: Contents of reduced plot file to be used in combination with the survey on litterfall	II
Litterfall	30	XX2002.LFM: Contents of data file with litterfall analysis information (mandatory)	II
Litterfall	31	XX2002.LFO: Contents of data file with litterfall analysis information (optional)	II
Ozone	32	XX2000.pac: Ambient air quality: Ozone	II
Ozone	33	XX2000.pps: Ambient air quality: Ozone	II
Ozone	34	XX2000.aqm: Ambient air quality: Ozone	II
Ozone injury	35	XX2004.PLL: Ozone injury assessment	II
Ozone injury	36	XX2004.LTF: Ozone injury assessment	II
Ozone injury	37	XX2004.LSS: Ozone injury assessment	II
Phenology	38	XX2004.PLP: Form for registration of trees selected for intensive phenological monitoring	II
Phenology	39	XX2004.PHE: Phenological phenomena and biotic and abiotic (damaging) events (plot level - extensive)	II
Phenology	40	XX2004.PHI: Recording of phenological phenomena and biotic and abiotic (damaging) events (tree level - intensive)	II

Forms:

[Forms are only available in Excel-format]

CHAPTER 15

CODE LIST AND EXPLANATORY ITEMS FOR SURVEY DATA OF LEVEL I AND LEVEL II

The following instructions and codes shall be used for the transmission of data collected on the Level I and Level II networks in the framework of Regulation (EC) N 2152/2003. Amendments for particular reporting years are provided in Technical Specifications reports issued by DG JRC.

General information on plot

(1)   Country

01	:	France
02	:	Belgium
03	:	Netherlands
04	:	Germany
05	:	Italy
06	:	United Kingdom
07	:	Ireland
08	:	Denmark
09	:	Greece
10	:	Portugal
11	:	Spain
12	:	Luxembourg
13	:	Sweden
14	:	Austria
15	:	Finland
50	:	Switzerland
51	:	Hungary
52	:	Romania
53	:	Poland
54	:	Slovak Republic
55	:	Norway
56	:	Lithuania
57	:	Croatia
58	:	Czech Republic
59	:	Estonia
60	:	Slovenia
61	:	Republic of Moldova
62	:	Russia
63	:	Bulgaria
64	:	Latvia
66	:	Cyprus

(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	04

(4)   Latitude-/longitude coordinates

Fill in the full six figures 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)

1	:	Insufficient
2	:	Sufficient
3	:	Excessive

(6)   Humus type

1	:	Mull
2	:	Moder
3	:	Mor
4	:	Anmor
5	:	Peat
6	:	Other
7	:	Raw (Roh)

(7)   Altitude

1	≤ 50 m
2	51—100 m
3	101—150 m
4	151—200 m
5	201—250 m
6	251—300 m
7	301—350 m
8	351—400 m
9	401—450 m
10	451—500 m
11	501—550 m
12	551—600 m
13	601—650 m
14	651—700 m
15	701—750 m
16	751—800 m
17	801—850 m
18	851—900 m
19	901—950 m
20	951—1 000 m
21	1 001—1 050 m
22	1 051—1 100 m
23	1 101—1 150 m
24	1 151—1 200 m
25	1 201—1 250 m
26	1 251—1 300 m
27	1 301—1 350 m
28	1 351—1 400 m
29	1 401—1 450 m
30	1 451—1 500 m
31	1 501—1 550 m
32	1 551—1 600 m
33	1 601—1 650 m
34	1 651—1 700 m
35	1 701—1 750 m
36	1 751—1 800 m
37	1 801—1 850 m
38	1 851—1 900 m
39	1 901—1 950 m
40	1 951—2 000 m
41	2 001—2 050 m
42	2 051—2 100 m
43	2 101—2 150 m
44	2 151—2 200 m
45	2 201—2 250 m
46	2 251—2 300 m
47	2 301—2 350 m
48	2 351—2 400 m
49	2 401—2 450 m
50	2 451—2 500 m
51	>2 500 m

(8)   Orientation

1	:	N
2	:	NE
3	:	E
4	:	SE
5	:	S
6	:	SW
7	:	W
8	:	NW
9	:	flat

(9)   Mean age of dominant storey (years)

1	:	≤ 20
2	:	21—40
3	:	41—60
4	:	61—80
5	:	81—100
6	:	101—120
7	:	> 120
8	:	Irregular stands

(10)   Soil unit

Fluvisols

101	Eutric Fluvisols
102	Calcaric Fluvisols
103	Dystric Fluvisols
104	Mollic Fluvisols
105	Umbric Fluvisols
106	Thionic Fluvisols
107	Salic Fluvisols

Gleysols

108	Eutric Gleysols
109	Calcic Gleysols
110	Dystric Gleysols
111	Andic Gleysols
112	Mollic Gleysols
113	Umbric Gleysols
114	Thionic Gleysols
115	Gelic Gleysols

Regosols

116	Eutric Regosols
117	Calcaric Regosols
118	Gypsic Regosols
119	Dystric Regosols
120	Umbric Regosols
121	Gelic Regosols

Leptosols

122	Eutric Leptosols
123	Dystric Leptosols
124	Rendzic Leptosols
125	Mollic Leptosols
126	Umbric Leptosols
127	Lithic Leptosols
128	Gelic Leptosols

Arenosols

129	Haplic Arenosols
130	Cambic Arenosols
131	Luvic Arenosols
132	Ferralic Arenosols
133	Albic Arenosols
134	Calcaric Arenosols
135	Gleyic Arenosols

Andosols

136	Haplic Andosols
137	Mollic Andosols
138	Umbric Andosols
139	Vitric Andosols
140	Gleyic Andosols
141	Gelic Andosols

Vertisols

142	Eutric Vertisols
143	Dystric Vertisols
144	Calcic Vertisols
145	Gypsic Vertisols

Cambisols

146	Eutric Cambisols
147	Dystric Cambisols
148	Humic Cambisols
149	Calcaric Cambisols
150	Chromic Cambisols
151	Vertic Cambisols
152	Ferralic Cambisols
153	Gleyic Cambisols
154	Gelic Cambisols

Calcisols

155	Haplic Calcisols
156	Luvic Calcisols
157	Petric Calcisols

Gypsisols

158	Haplic Gypsisols
159	Calcic Gypsisols
160	Luvic Gypsisols
161	Petric Gypsisols

Solonetz

162	Haplic Solonetz
163	Mollic Solonetz
164	Calcic Solonetz
165	Gypsic Solonetz
166	Stagnic Solonetz
167	Gleyic Solonetz

Solonchaks

168	Haplic Solonchaks
169	Mollic Solonchaks
170	Calcic Solonchaks
171	Gypsic Solonchaks
172	Sodic Solonchaks
173	Gleyic Solonchaks
174	Gelic Solonchaks

Kastanozems

175	Haplic Kastanozems
176	Luvic Kastanozems
177	Calcic Kastanozems
178	Gypsic Kastanozems

Chernozems

179	Haplic Chernozems
180	Calcic Chernozems
181	Luvic Chernozems
182	Glossic Chernozems
183	Gleyic Chernozems

Phaeozems

184	Haplic Phaeozems
185	Calcaric Phaeozems
186	Luvic Phaeozems
187	Stagnic Phaeozems
188	Gleyic Phaeozems

Greyzems

189	Haplic Greyzems
190	Gleyic Greyzems

Luvisols

191	Haplic Luvisols
192	Ferric Luvisols
193	Chromic Luvisols
194	Calcic Luvisols
195	Vertic Luvisols
196	Albic Luvisols
197	Stagnic Luvisols
198	Gleyic Luvisols

Lixisols

199	Haplic Lixisols
200	Ferric Lixisols
201	Plinthic Lixisols
202	Albic Lixisols
203	Stagnic Lixisols
204	Gleyic Lixisols

Planosols

205	Eutric Planosols
206	Dystric Planosols
207	Mollic Planosols
208	Umbric Planosols
209	Gelic Planosols

Podzoluvisols

210	Eutric Podzoluvisols
211	Dystric Podzoluvisols
212	Stagnic Podzoluvisols
213	Gleyic Podzoluvisols
214	Gelic Podzoluvisols

Podzols

215	Haplic Podzols
216	Cambic Podzols
217	Ferric Podzols
218	Carbic Podzols
219	Gleyic Podzols
220	Gelic Podzols

Acrisols

221	Haplic Acrisols
222	Ferric Acrisols
223	Humic Acrisols
224	Plinthic Acrisols
225	Gleyic Acrisols

Alisols

226	Haplic Alisols
227	Ferric Alisols
228	Humic Alisols
229	Plinthic Alisols
230	Stagnic Alisols
231	Gleyic Alisols

Nitisols

232	Haplic Nitisols
233	Rhodic Nitisols
234	Humic Nitisols

Ferralsols

235	Haplic Ferralsols
236	Xanthic Ferralsols
237	Rhodic Ferralsols
238	Humic Ferralsols
239	Geric Ferralsols
240	Plinthic Ferralsols

Plinthosols

241	Eutric Plinthosols
242	Dystric Plinthosols
243	Humic Plinthosols
244	Albic Plinthosols

Histosols

245	Folic Histosols
246	Terric Histosols
247	Fibric Histosols
248	Thionic Histosols
249	Gelic Histosols

Anthrosols

250	Aric Anthrosols
251	Fimic Anthrosols
252	Cumulic Anthrosols
253	Urbic 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 tree sample on both Levels includes all tree species, provided the trees have a minimum height of 60 cm.

(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
0 = 0,0—2,5 m3 per hectare per year	1 = Low
1 = 2,5—7,5 m3 per hectare per year	2 = Normal
2 = 7,5—12,5 m3 per hectare per year	3 = High
3 = 12,5—17,5 m3 per hectare per year
4 = 17,5—22,5 m3 per hectare per year
5 = >22,5 m3 per hectare per year

(14)   Other Observations

Relevant information concerning the plot shall be stated here.

General information on tree level

(15)   Sample tree number

The tree number is the number which has been assigned to the tree during the installation of the plot.

(16)   Species (Reference Flora Europaea)

Broadleaves (* = species to be used for the foliage inventory)

001	:	Acer campestre *
002	:	Acer monspessulanum *
003	:	Acer opalus
004	:	Acer platanoides
005	:	Acer pseudoplatanus *
006	:	Alnus cordata *
007	:	Alnus glutinosa *
008	:	Alnus incana
009	:	Alnus viridis
010	:	Betula pendula *
011	:	Betula pubescens *
012	:	Buxus sempervirens
013	:	Carpinus betulus *
014	:	Carpinus orientalis
015	:	Castanea sativa (C. vesca) *
016	:	Corylus avellana *
017	:	Eucalyptus sp. *
018	:	Fagus moesiaca *
019	:	Fagus orientalis
020	:	Fagus sylvatica *
021	:	Fraxinus angustifolia spp. oxycarpa (F. oxyphylla) *
022	:	Fraxinus excelsior *
023	:	Fraxius ornus *
024	:	Ilex aquifolium
025	:	Juglans nigra
026	:	Juglans regia
027	:	Malus domestica
028	:	Olea europaea *
029	:	Ostrya carpinifolia *
030	:	Platanus orientalis
031	:	Populus alba
032	:	Populus canescens
033	:	Populus hybrides *
034	:	Populus nigra *
035	:	Populus tremula *
036	:	Prunus avium *
037	:	Prunus dulcis (Amygdalus communis)
038	:	Prunus padus
039	:	Prunus serotina
040	:	Pyrus communis
041	:	Quercus cerris *
042	:	Quercus coccifera (Q. calliprinos) *
043	:	Quercus faginea *
044	:	Quercus frainetto (Q. conferta) *
045	:	Quercus fruticosa (Q. lusitanica)
046	:	Quercus ilex *
047	:	Quercus macrolepis (Q. aegilops)
048	:	Quercus petraea *
049	:	Quercus pubescens *
050	:	Quercus pyrenaica (Q. toza) *
051	:	Quercus robur (Q. peduculata) *
052	:	Quercus rotundifolia *
053	:	Quercus rubra *
054	:	Quercus suber *
055	:	Quercus trojana
056	:	Robinia pseudoacacia *
057	:	Salix alba
058	:	Salix caprea
059	:	Salix cinerea
060	:	Salix eleagnos
061	:	Salix fragilis
062	:	Salix sp.
063	:	Sorbus aria
064	:	Sorbus aucuparia
065	:	Sorbus domestica
066	:	Sorbus torminalis
067	:	Tamarix africana
068	:	Tilia cordata
069	:	Tilia platyphyllos
070	:	Ulmus glabra (U. scabra, U. montana)
071	:	Ulmus laevis (U. effusa)
072	:	Ulmus minor (U. campestris, U. carpinifolia)
073	:	Arbutus unedo
074	:	Arbutus andrachne
075	:	Ceratonia siliqua
076	:	Cercis siliquastrum
077	:	Erica arborea
078	:	Erica scoparia
079	:	Erica manipuliflora
080	:	Laurus nobilis
081	:	Myrtus communis
082	:	Phillyrea latifolia
083	:	Phillyrea angustifolia
084	:	Pistacia lentiscus
085	:	Pistacia terebinthus
086	:	Rhamnus oleoides
087	:	Rhamnus alaternus
099	:	Other broadleaves

Conifers (* = species to be used for the foliage inventory)

100	:	Abies alba *
101	:	Abies borisii-regis *
102	:	Abies cephalonica *
103	:	Abies grandis
104	:	Abies nordmanniana
105	:	Abies pinsapo
106	:	Abies procera
107	:	Cedrus atlantica
108	:	Cedrus deodara
109	:	Cupressus lusitanica
110	:	Cupressus sempervirens
111	:	Juniperus communis
112	:	Juniperus oxycedrus *
113	:	Juniperus phoenicea
114	:	Juniperus sabina
115	:	Juniperus thurifera *
116	:	Larix decidua *
117	:	Larix kaempferi (L. leptolepis)
118	:	Picea abies (P. excelsa) *
119	:	Picea omorika
120	:	Picea sitchensis *
121	:	Pinus brutia *
122	:	Pinus canariensis
123	:	Pinus cembra
124	:	Pinus contorta *
125	:	Pinus halepensis *
126	:	Pinus heldreichii
127	:	Pinus leucodermis
128	:	Pinus mugo (P. montana)
129	:	Pinus nigra *
130	:	Pinus pinaster *
131	:	Pinus pinea *
132	:	Pinus radiata (P. insignis) *
133	:	Pinus strobus
134	:	Pinus sylvestris *
135	:	Pinus uncinata *
136	:	Pseudotsuga menziesii *
137	:	Taxus baccata
138	:	Thuya sp.
139	:	Tsuga sp.
199	:	Other conifers

Information with regard to the crown condition survey and increment measurement

(17)   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.

0	=	0 %
5	=	1-5 %
10	=	6-10 %
15	=	11-15 %

etc.

(18)   Discoloration codes

0	:	no discoloration (0-10 %)
1	:	slight discoloration (11-25 %)
2	:	moderate discoloration (26-60 %)
3	:	severe discoloration (>60 %)
4	:	dead

(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)   Exposure

1	:	No special exposure (plot located within a larger forest area with no or gentle relief)
2	:	Limited exposure (plots near forest edge, on slopes, etc.)
3	:	Severely exposed plots (on mountain tops, etc.)

(21)   Removals and mortality

Code 0: tree alive and measurable (new, note this is different than a missing value)

01	tree alive, in current and previous inventory (formerly blank)
02	new alive tree
03	alive tree (present but not assessed in previous inventory)

Code 1-: tree removed, disappeared

11	planned utilization (as in CC)
12	utilization for biotic reason (as in CC)
13	utilization for abiotic reason (as in CC)
14	cut, reason unknown
18	reason for disappearance unknown (as in CC)

Code 2-: tree still alive and standing, but no tree crown measurements taken or height measurements should not be used in stand or growth calculations.

21	lop-sided or hanging tree (as in CC)
22	not applicable, use 24 or 25 instead
23	not applicable
24	breakage of the tip(s) of the tree (shoot)
25	tree not in height growth sample
29	other reasons, specify

Code 3-: Standing dead (at least 1,3 m in height)

31	tree with intact crown, biotic reason (as in CC)
32	tree with intact crown, abiotic reason (as in CC)
33	crown breakage
34	stem breakage, below crown base and above 1,3 m
38	tree with intact crown, unknown cause of death (as in CC)

Code 4-: fallen alive or dead, (height below 1,3 m or tree stem or crown touches the ground at one place)

41	abiotic reasons (as in CC)
42	biotic reasons (as in CC)
48	unknown cause (as in CC)

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 that restrict sampling to Kraft classes 1, 2 and 3

(22)   Social class

1	pre-dominant (including free standing trees) trees with upper crown standing above the general level of the canopy
2	dominant — trees with crowns forming the general level of the canopy
3	co-dominant — trees extending into the canopy and receiving some light from above but shorter than 1 or 2
4	suppressed — trees with crowns below the general level of the canopy, receiving no direct light from above

(23)   Crown shading

1	:	crown significantly affected (shaded or physical interactions) on one side
2	:	crown significantly affected (shaded or physical interactions) on two sides
3	:	crown significantly affected (shaded or physical interactions) on three sides
4	:	crown significantly affected (shaded or physical interactions) on four sides
5	:	crown open-grown or with no evidence of shading effects
6	:	suppressed trees

(24)   Visibility

1	:	whole crown is visible
2	:	crown only partially visible
3	:	crown only visible with backlighting (i.e. in outline)
4	:	crown not visible

(25)   Diameter at breast height (DBH)

The diameter at breast height (1,30 m) over bark in 0,1 centimetre.

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).

(26)   Bark

The thickness of the bark at 1,30 m, expressed in centimetres with one decimal.

(27)   Height of the tree

The height of the tree expressed in meters and rounded off to the nearest 0,1 metre.

(28)   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 meters (m3) with three decimals.

(29)   Height up to crown

The height up to crown rounded off to the nearest 0,1 meter is determined up to the lowest live branch excluding water shoots.

(30)   Crown length

The length of the crown rounded off to the nearest 0,1 meter is determined from the tip of the stem to the lowest live branch excluding water shoots.

(31)   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 0,1 meter.

(32)   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 centimetre.

(33)   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.

(34)   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.

(35)   Thinning

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).

Information with regard to foliar chemistry measurements and litterfall assessment

(36)   Sample code

The sample code for the foliage inventory consists of the tree species code (see explanation item 15) followed (after a dot) by the code for leaves/needles of the current year (=0) or in the case of needles of the last year (current + 1 needles) use the code (1), e.g. the sample of needles of last year of the Picea abies (118) is thus: 118.1

(37)   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.

(38)   Mass of 100 leaves or 1 000 needles

The mass is determined of 100 leaves or 1 000 needles (oven-dry) in grams.

Information with regard to the deposition monitoring and meteorological monitoring

(39)   Sampler code

The following codes shall be used for the samplers for deposition.

1	:	throughfall
2	:	bulk deposition
3	:	wet-only deposition
4	:	stemflow
5	:	fog
6	:	frozen fog (rime)
7	:	air concentration
9	:	others

Details on the equipment used shall be stated in an Annex to the document with the background information.

(40)   Sample quantity

The total collected quantity of the sample(s) shall be divided by the catchment area(s) of the collector(s) and shall be reported in millimeters.

(41)   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.

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.

(42)   Number of measuring periods

The number of measuring periods in each monitoring period shall be indicated in the forms.

(43)   Measuring 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).

Parameters to be assessed in the 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).

(44)   Location

The location of the instrument is indicated:

S	:	instrument 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
F	:	instrument is located in a (nearby) open field in the forest area
W	:	instrument is located at a weather station (in general outside the forest area)
O	:	instrument is located elsewhere.

(45)   Variable

Indication of the variable that is measured with the instrument

AT	=	air temperature
PR	=	precipitation
RH	=	relative humidity
WS	=	wind speed
WD	=	wind direction
SR	=	solar radiation
UR	=	UVb radiation
TF	=	throughfall
SF	=	stemflow
ST	=	soil temperature
MP	=	matric potential in the soil
WC	=	water content in the soil
XX	=	other codes for additional parameters may be used, but should be specified in the DAR.

Instrument information

(46)   Vertical position

The vertical position (height or depth) of the instruments shall be indicated in meters with a plus (= height above the ground) or a minus sign (depth below the ground) using the format of a plus/minus two digits and one decimal (+/–99,9).

(47)   Instrument code

The following codes shall be used for the samplers and recording method of data:

10	:	manual reading and recording on paper
20	:	mechanical recording (manual reading and recording on paper)
30	:	direct paper recording
40	:	digital recording (in stand alone situation)
50	:	digital recording (integrated data logger)

Details of the equipment shall be given in the data accompanying report (DAR).

(48)   Scanning interval (automatic instruments only)

The interval between two consecutive assessments shall be given stated in seconds.

(49)   Storing interval (automatic instruments only)

The interval between two consecutive data storage moments shall be given in minutes

(50)   Precipitation and throughfall

The precipitation shall be given as the daily sum, using the format of up to four digits and one decimal (9999,9)

(51)   Temperature (air and soil)

The temperature shall be given in °C, using the format of a plus/minus and two digits plus one decimal (+/–99,9). The daily mean, daily minimum and daily maximum are to be submitted.

(52)   Relative Humidity

The relative humidity shall be given as the daily mean, the minimum and the maximum value reached per day, using the format of three digits and one decimal (999,9).

(53)   Wind speed

The wind speed shall be given as the daily mean and the maximum value reached per day, using the format of two digits and one decimal (99,9).

(54)   Wind direction

The wind direction shall be given as the prevailing wind per day. The wind rose shall 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.

(55)   Solar radiation and UVb radiation

The solar radiation and the UVb radiation shall be given as the daily mean value, using the format of up to four digits and one decimal (9999,9).

(56)   Stem flow

The stem flow shall be calculated to mm precipitation and shall be given as the daily sum, using the format of up to four digits and one decimal (9999,9).

(57)   Matric potential in the soil

The matric potential in the soil shall be given in hPa, as the daily mean, minimum and maximum value reached per day, using the format of up to four digits and one decimal (9999,9).

(58)   Water content in the soil

The water content in the soil shall be given in Volume % as the daily mean, the minimum and the maximum value reached per day, using the format of up to two digits and one decimal (99,9).

(59)   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).

Information with regard to the soil solution monitoring

(60)   Sampler number

The samplers in the plot shall be numbered in a permanent way (1 — 99)

(61)   Sampler code

The following codes shall be used for the samplers for soil solution:

1	:	Tension lysimeter
2	:	Zero tension lysimeter
3	:	Centrifugation
4	:	Saturation extraction

(62)   Sampling depth

The sampling depth in meters below the surface (e.g. –0,40)

Information with regard to the ground vegetation assessment

(63)   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.

(64)   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:

1	=	Yes, survey within the fence,
2	=	No, survey was outside fenced area.

(65)   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.

(66)   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:

	Height (in m)	Cover (in %)
Total ground vegetation layer		(*)
Shrub layer	(*)	(*)
Herb layer	(*)	(*)
Moss layer		(*)
(*) = To be submitted.

The average height of the layers shall be given in meters in one digit and two decimals (9.99). The estimated cover shall be given as a % of the total sampled area.

(67)   Layers

The following layers are defined.

1	=	tree layer (only ligneous, incl. climbers) > 5 m height
2	=	shrub layer (only ligneous, incl. climbers) > 0,5 m height
3	=	herb layer (all non-ligneous, and ligneous < 0,5m height)
4	=	moss layer (i.e. terricolous bryophytes and lichens).

Seedlings and browsed trees below 0,5 m should be part of the herb layer.

(68)   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.

(69)   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 three digits and two decimals (999,99). In the DAR the complete assessment methods, as well as the conversion to % shall be specified.

Information with regards to ozone injury

(70)   Scoring and definition for the percentage of symptomatic leaves on a branch with approximately 30 leaves

0	No injury, none of the leaves injured.
1	1 %-5 % of the leaves show ozone symptoms
2	6 %-50 % of the leaves show ozone symptoms
3	51 %-100 % of leaves show ozone symptoms

(71)   Scoring and scoring definition for visible ozone injury as it is expressed on the respective needle years for the collected branch lets of conifer species

0	No injury present
1	1-5 % of the surface is affected
2	6- 50 % of the surface is affected
3	51 – 100 % of the surface is affected.

(72)   Code and definition for the classification of the soil moisture conditions within the LESS and subplots

1	Wet or damp (riparian zones and wet or damp areas along a stream, meadow or bottom land)

2	Moderately dry (grassland or meadow, and North or East facing slopes)

3	Very dry (exposed rocky edges)

Information with regard to phenological observations

(73)   Event codes for the monitored effects and phenological phenomena

1	Needle appearance or leaf unfolding
2	Lammas shoots/secondary flushing
3	Flowering
4	Color changes
5	Leaf/needle fall
6	Significant signs of leaf or crown damage (e.g., eaten leaves or bare crown parts)
7	Other damage (breakage, uprooted trees).

(74)   Occurrence of the events and phenomena

0	=	0 %
1	=	>0 – 33 %
2	=	>33 – 66 %
3	=	>66 - <100 %
4	=	100 %.

In case significant signs of leaf or crown damage (event code 6) or other damage (event code 7) are observed, an additional assessment should be made according to the submanual on crown condition and its guidelines for the assessment of the cause of damage.

(75)   Part of the crown observed

1	=	top of the crown
2	=	middle of the crown
3	=	top and middle of the crown

(76)   Flowering phases

The number of male flowers that are in the described stage or have already passed this stage is to be recorded using the following classification:

0	=	the phase is absent
1	=	the phase is present (e.g. three or more male (staminate) inflorescences).

(77)   Needle appearance, leaf unfolding, autumn coloring and leaf fall

The proportion of needles or leaves of the visible part of the crown that are in the described stage or have already passed this stage is to be recorded using the following classification:

0	=	0 %
1	=	>0 – 33 %
2	=	>33 – 66 %
3	=	>66 - <100 %
4	=	100 %.

(78)   Shedding of green leaves

Shedding of green leaves caused by e.g. hail, windstorms, insects or drought should be recorded using the following classification (according to the ‘recording of biotic and abiotic (damaging) events’, but on the individual tree level):

0	=	0 %
1	=	>0 – 33 %
2	=	>33 – 66 %
3	=	>66 - <100 %
4	=	100.

(79)   Frost damage of needles, leaves or flowers

Damage of needles, leaves or flowers caused by late frost in spring should be recorded using the following classification:

0	=	0 %
1	=	>0 – 33 %
2	=	>33 – 66 %
3	=	>66 - <100 %
4	=	100

If significant signs of leaf or crown damage (event code 6) or other damage (event code 7) are observed, then an additional assessment should be made according to the submanual on crown condition and its guidelines for the assessment of the causes of damage.

Information with regard to additional information on damages causes

(80)   Location in crown

1	:	Upper crown
2	:	Lower crown
3	:	Patches/by branches
4	:	Total crown

(81)   Affected parts of a tree and location in the crown

Affected part		Specification of affected part		Symptom		Symptom specification		Location in crown
Leaves/needles	1	Current year needles	11	Partly or totally devoured/missing	01	holes or partly devoured/missing	31	Upper crown	1
		Older needles	12			notches (leaf/needle margins affected)	32	Lower crown	2
		Needles of all ages	13			totally devoured/missing	33	Patches/branchwise	3
		Broadleaves (incl. evergreen spec.)	14			Skeletonised	34	Total crown	4
						Mined	35
						Premature falling	36
				Light green to yellow discoloration	02	Overall	37
				Red to brown discoloration (incl. necrosis)	03	flecking, spots	38
				Bronzing	04	Marginal	39
				Other color	05	Banding	40
						Interveinal	41
						tip, apical	42
						Partial	43
						along veins	44
				microfilia (small leaves)	06
				other abnormal size	07
Leaves/needles				Deformations	08	Curling	45
						Bending	46
						Rolling	47
						stalk twisting	48
						Folding	49
						Galls	50
						Wilting	51
						other deformations	52
				other symptom	09
				Signs of insects	10	black coverage on leaves	53
						Nest	54
						adults, larvae, nymph, pupae, egg masses	55
				Signs of fungi	11	white coverage on leaves	56
						fungal fruiting bodies	57
				Other signs	12
Branches/shoots & buds	2	Current year shoots	21	devoured/missing	01			Upper crown	1
		diameter < 2 cm (twigs)	22	Broken	13			Lower crown	2
		diameter 2 - < 10 cm	23	Dead/dying	14			Patches	3
		diameter >= 10 cm	24	Abortion	15			Total crown	4
		varying size	25	Necrosis	16
		Top leader shoot	26	Wounds (debarking, cracks etc.)	17	Debarking	58
		Buds	27			Cracks	59
						other wounds	60
				Resin flow (conifers)	18
				Slime flux (broadleaves)	19
				Decay/rot	20
Branches/shoots & buds				Deformations	08	Wilting	51
						bending, drooping, curving	61
						Cankers	62
						Tumours	63
						witches broom	64
						other deformations	52
				other symptom	09
				Signs of insects	10	boring holes, boring dust	65
						Nest	54
						white dots or covers	66
						adults, larvae, nymph, pupae, egg masses	55
				Signs of fungi	11	fungal fruiting bodies	57
				Other signs	12
Stem/collar	3	Crown stem	31	Wounds (debarking, cracks etc.)	17	Debarking	58
		Bole	32			cracks (frost cracks, …)	59
		Roots (exposed) & collar	33			other wounds	60
		Whole trunk	34	Resin flow (conifers)	18
				Slime flux (broadleaves)	19
				Decay/rot	20
				Deformations	08	Cankers	62
						Tumours	63
						Longitudinal ridges (frost ribs, …)
						other deformations	52
Stem/collar				tilted	21
				fallen (with roots)	22
				broken	13
				Necrosis	16
				other symptom	09
				Signs of insects	10	boring holes, boring dust	65
						white dots or covers	66
						adults, larvae, nymph, pupae, egg masses	55
				Signs of fungi	11	fungal fruiting bodies	57
						yellow to orange blisters	67
Dead tree	4
No symptoms on any part of tree	0
No assessment	9

(82)   Main categories of causal agents/factors

Agent group	Code
Game and grazing	100
Insects	200
Fungi	300
Abiotic agents	400
Direct action of men	500
Fire	600
Atmospheric pollutants	700
Other factors	800
(Investigated but) unidentified	999

(83)   Agent group

Game & grazing	100
Insects	200
Fungi	300
Abiotic agents	400
Direct action of men	500
Fire	600
Atmospheric pollutants	700
Other	800
(Investigated but) unidentified	999

(84)   Agent group - Game and grazing

Class	Code	Type	Code
Cervidae	110	Roe deer	111
		Red deer	112
		Reindeer	113
		Elk/Moose (Alces alces)	114
		Other Cervidae	119
Suidae	120	Wild boar	121
		Other Suidae	129
Rodentia	130	Rabbit	131
		Hare	132
		Squirrel etc.	133
		Vole	134
		Beaver	135
		Other Rodentia	139
Aves	140	Tetraonidae	141
		Corvidae	142
		Picidae	143
		Fringillidae	144
		Other Aves	149
Domestic animals	150	Cattle	151
		Goats	152
		Sheeps	153
		Other domestic	159
Other vertebrates	190	Bear	191
		Other vertebrate	199

(85)   Agent group – Insects

Class	Code
Defoliators	210
Stem, branch and twig borers (incl. shoot miners)	220
Bud boring insects	230
Fruit boring insects	240
Sucking insects	250
Mining insects	260
Gall makers	270
Other insects	290

(86)   Agent group – Fungi

Class	Code
Needle casts and needle- rust fungi	301
Stem and shoot rusts	302
Dieback and canker fungi	309
Blight	303
Decay & root rot fungi	304
Other fungi	390

(87)   Agent group- abiotic

Class	Code	Type	Code	Specific factor	Code
Chemical factors	410	Nutritional disorders- nutrient deficiencies	411	Cu - deficiency	41101
				Fe - deficiency	41102
				Mg - deficiency	41103
				Mn - deficiency	41104
				K - deficiency	41105
				N - deficiency	41106
				B-deficiency	41107
				Mn - toxicity	41108
				Other	41109
		marine salt + surfactants	412
Physical factors	420	Avalanche	421
		Drought	422
		Flooding/High water	423
		Frost	424	Winter frost	42401
				Late frost	42402
		Hail	425
		Heat/Sun scald	426
		Lightning	427
		Mud/land slide	429
		Snow/Ice	430
		Wind/Tornado	431
		Winter injury - winter desiccation	432
		Shallow/poor soil	433
Other abiotic factor	490

(88)   Agent group - Direct action of men

Class	Code	Type	Code
Imbedded objects	510
Improper planting technique	520
Land use conversion	530
Silvicultural operations or forest harvesting	540	Cuts	541
		Pruning	542
		Resin tapping	543
		Cork stripping	544
		Silvicultural operations in close trees and other silvicultural operations	545
Mechanical/vehicle damage	550
Road construction	560
Soil compaction	570
Improper use of chemicals	580	Pesticides	546
		Deicing salt	547
Other direct action of men	590

(89)   Agent group - Atmospheric pollutants

Class	Code
SO2	701
H2S	702
O3	703
PAN	704
F	705
HF	706
Other	790

(90)   Agent group - Other

Class	Code	Species/Type	Code
Parasitic/Epiphytic/Climbing plants	810	Viscum album	81001
		Arceuthobium oxycedri	81002
		Hedera helix	81003
		Lonicera sp	81004
Bacteria	820	Bacillus vuilemini	82001
		Brenneria quercinea	82002
Virus	830
Nematodes	840	Bursaphelenchus xylophilus	84001
Competition	850	Lack of light	85001
		Physical interactions	85002
		Competition in general (density)	85003
		Other	85004
Somatic mutations	860
Other (known cause but not included in the list)	890

(91)   Extent

The extent of the damage indicates the quantity (%) of the affected part of the tree due to the action of the causal agent or factor, e.g. the % of affected branches.

The extent of symptoms reflecting defoliation (e.g. leaf damage by defoliators) indicates the % of the leaf area which is lost due to the action of the agent/factor concerned. This means that the extent should take into account not only the % of affected leaves, but also the ‘intensity’ of the damage on leaf level: physiologically it makes a difference for a tree if 30 % of its leaves show only some small holes or if 30 % of its leaves are totally devoured.

The affected leaf area is expressed as a percentage of the actual foliage at the time of observation.

(92)   Damage extent classes

Class	Code
0 %	0
1 – 10 %	1
11 – 20 %	2
21- 40 %	3
41 – 60 %	4
61 – 80 %	5
81 – 99 %	6

(93)   Causes name

The nomenclature recommended by ICP Forests shall be used.

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(1)  Measurement is advisable when acid base budgets are calculated.

(2)  Measurement of NH4 is advised in areas with high NHx deposition (above 20 kg NHx per ha per year).

(3)  Advised since these are minor nutrients. Member States are free to analyse more, all, or part of the optional parameters.

(*1)  Only when active sampling.