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SERAPIUM FOREST PLANTATION, ISMAILIA, EGYPT:

MANUAL FOR INTEGRATED FIELD DATA COLLECTION FOR THE FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN 2013-2022

September 2012 (Draft)

Forest Assessment, Management and GCP/RAB/013/ITA Conservation Division Project Working Document: 002 FAO Forestry Department FAO Rome (Italy)

Disclaimer The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. The views expressed in this information product are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of FAO.

The Project Working Documents report on issues addressed in the work program of FAO within the project GCP/RAB/013/ITA. These working documents do not reflect any official position of FAO. Please refer to the FAO website (www.fao.org/forestry) for official information.

The purpose of these documents is to provide early information on on-going activities and programs, and to stimulate discussion.

Comments and feedback are welcome.

For further information please contact: Mr. Alberto Del Lungo, Forestry Officer, Project LTO, GCP/RAB/013/ITA Forestry Department FAO Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 00153 Rome, Italy E-mail: [email protected]

Authors: Baldasso, Michele; Kress, Achim.

Acknowledgements The manual for integrated field data collection of the Serapium Forest Plantation is the result of the cooperation among FAO project GCP/RAB/013/ITA and the main Egyptian institutions partner of the project. FAO is grateful to Dr. Said Khalifa, Undersecretary for Afforestation, Mr. Ali Asal, Director, Afforestation Division, Undersecretariat for Afforestation; Mr. Ragaey Ahmed Abd El Azeem, Manager of Ismailia-Serapium forests, Undersecretariat for Afforestation; Prof. Ahmed El Settawi, Director, Forestry Department, University of Alexandria; Prof. Ahmed El Baha and Prof. Hosny Abd El Azeem Abu Gazia, Forestry Department, University of Alexandria. This manual moreover is based on the FAO NFMA manual for integrated field data collection. Mr. David Morales, Mr. Dan Altrell and Mr. Reniery Rodriguez from the FAO NFMA Team kindly supported the project with their expertise in field data collection. Ms. Gillian Allard from FAO FOMR has contributed on the pests and diseases aspects. Ms. Cristiana Orlandi, project assistant, is also acknowledged for her contribution to the manual.

Contents Disclaimer ...... 3 Acknowledgements...... 5 Contents ...... 7 Abbreviations and acronyms ...... 8 Introduction ...... 9 1. Organization and responsibilities ...... 10 2. Sample design ...... 11 2.1. Preconditions ...... 11 2.2. Calculation of the required number of sample plots per tree species ...... 11 2.3. Sample Plot Selection ...... 12 3. Fieldwork procedure ...... 13 3.1. Overview of data collection process ...... 13 3.2. Preparation for the fieldwork ...... 13 3.2.1. Bibliographic research ...... 13 3.2.2. Field equipment per team ...... 14 3.2.3. Safety in the field and suggestion for dressing per team ...... 16 3.2.4. Maps ...... 17 3.2.5. Coordinate System, Map Datum and GPS (Global Positioning System) ...... 18 3.3. Field Form F3-a1 ...... 19 3.4. Field Form F3-a2 ...... 21 3.5. Field data collection ...... 23 3.5.1. Access to the sample plot ...... 23 3.5.2. Delimitation of the sample plot and associated tasks ...... 24 3.5.3. Summary of measurement procedure at the plot ...... 27 3.5.4. Field observations (stand description) ...... 28 3.5.5. End of data collection work at the plot and access to the next plot...... 28 3.5.6. End of the field work and organization of the material obtained ...... 28 4. Annex ...... 29 4.1. Use of the GPS receiver ...... 29 4.2. Measurements ...... 31 4.2.1. Horizontal measurements ...... 31 4.2.2. Tree diameter (Dbh) measurement ...... 31 4.2.3. Tree height measurement ...... 34 4.3. Field Form F3-a1 (empty) ...... 36 4.4. Field Form F3-a2 (empty) ...... 37 4.5. Field Form F3-a1 (filled example) ...... 38 4.6. Field Form F3-a2 (filled example) ...... 39 4.7. Stand description ...... 40

Abbreviations and acronyms Dbh/DBH Diameter at breast height (1.30m) FAO Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations FRA Global Forest Resources Assessment programme GIS Geographical Information System GPS Global Positioning System NFMA National Forest Monitoring and Assessment NTS Non tree species SP Sample plot TS Tree species TWW Treated waste water UTM Universal Transverse Mercator WGS World Geodetic System

Introduction This manual provides guidelines and descriptions of the field data collection methodology and procedures for the inventory of the Serapium plantation forest in Ismailia, Egypt, with the purpose of creating a management plan. The purpose of the inventory is to assess the status of the plantation and its management practices, in order to provide statistical and descriptive data in a standardized and measurable way. This field manual is addressed both to forestry experts and people with limited experience in field inventory in need of training. The approach used in this guide for data collection is based on the methodology developed by the National Forest Resources Monitoring and Assessment (NFMA) programme of the FAO. The manual has been created specifically for the inventory of the Serapium forest plantation, nevertheless it contains methods, assessment variables and tools that can be applied with some adaptation to other forest plantations. In chapter one the organization of field teams and responsibilities of their members are presented. Chapter two is devoted to the description of the sample design and the distribution and dimensions of the sample plots adopted. Chapter three deals with fieldwork procedures, from field work preparation to data collection in field. The Annexes in chapter four, give practical explanations on how to use tools and methods to take measurements and use instruments provided to field crew.

1.Organization and responsibilities In the realisation of the field data inventory of the Serapium plantation forest, the following agencies are involved:

Undersecretariat University of Desert Horticulture Technical University FAO

for Afforestation Alexandria center Research of Munich

Institute

Field Coordinators

Field team Field team Field team

Figure 1.Organisation chart for the participants in surveys to field work

Team Coordinators are responsible for the organization field teams and the assignment of tasks among and within teams. Field teams in charge of the data collection and recording in the field together with data entry. Every field team shall be composed of a minimum of three members, according to the amount of information to be collected and the tasks allocated among individuals. Team members should have the necessary knowledge to conduct a field data collection and they should be able to speak the same language or have somebody working as a translator to facilitate communication among them. Responsibilities of each team member: The team leader is responsible for organizing all the phases of the fieldwork, from the preparation to the data collection. He/she has the responsibility of monitoring and ensuring timely progress in the fieldwork. The team member will help the team leader to carry out his/her tasks and take the necessary measurements and observations. The workers will take necessary measurements and help other members to understand the history and the current situation of the plantation (actual management, what has been done in the past years, etc.).

Field team

Team leader Team Team Worker/s member member

Figure 2.Organisation chart of the field team

2.Sample design 2.1.Preconditions The idea of developing a forest management plan for the Serapium plantation at Ismailia has a twofold objective: 1) to carry out a forest inventory according to silvicultural standards and 2) to train field crew participants in inventory techniques. To reach these goals, there are some factors to be taken into account: a.A straightforward sample design should be preferred so that it can be easily understood by each participant and can be transferred and adopted in other plantations or forest areas in Egypt. b. The sample design should match international standards for forest inventories sample surveys.

In addition some preconditions or lack thereof, need to be considered when planning the sample design: c. Availability of previous inventory data to obtain the necessary data for a statistical calculation of the sample area needed. In the Ismailia case, no such data were available nor was a pre-inventory of plots for each tree species carried out. d. Stratification by stand age. In Ismailia this was not possible due to missing information on age class distribution. e. Stratification by tree species. The Serapium forest plantation is mainly planted with monocultures. Therefore Stratification by species seems to be the most appropriate method of classification. f. Differences in growth pattern. The Egyptian plantation shows a very heterogeneous growth pattern on the whole. g. Gradient of growth within the parcel. A decreasing tree growth density is displayed from the longitudinal center towards the edges of the parcel. This is mainly due to the layout of the irrigation system. Indeed water flux is greater along a line in the middle of each parcel (were the pipeline runs) and decreases towards the edges of the plot.

Based on the above, the following decisions were taken to define the sample design: 1. The total sample area will cover 2% of the area stocked with tree species. 2. Stratification will be by tree species. 3. The sample plots will be rectangular shaped to fit the regular planting patterns of the plantation and to facilitate orientation within the plot and within the plantation. 4. The size of a sample plot will be 20m x 20m. 5. The sample plots must be selected randomly within each planted area covered by specie. This to avoid a bias regarding the above explained gradient in growing patterns (g).

2.2.Calculation of the required number of sample plots per tree species The graphs below show the methodology used to compute the number of samples needed to obtain a 2% representation of each tree species area. The area covered by each tree species was calculated in square meters (qm) or in hectar (ha) using a Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Then the required sample area was computed according to the following : Total sample area = 2% of Area per tree species and the number of sample plots was rounded up (No. of sample plots

(ROUNDUP!)). As a result the plots to be sampled are 58, representing a total sample area of 2.32 ha or 2.18% of total area covered with tree species. No. of No. of trees by sample assumed planting plots(RO distance UNDUP!) Plot Trees Trees Total sample area 20x20m 3x3 3x3.5 COPY from sheet "Planted Parcels": 2% 400 9 10.5 Area per tree species: qm ha qm ha No. No. No. Casuarina equisetifolia 31582.1 3.2 631.64 0.1 2 89 76 Cupressus sempervirens 233682.2 23.4 4673.64 0.5 12 533 457 Dalbergia sissoo 25807.5 2.6 516.15 0.1 2 89 76 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 186070.9 18.6 3721.42 0.4 10 444 381 Eucalyptus citriodora 166132.2 16.6 3322.64 0.3 9 400 343 Khaya senegalensis 283978.4 28.4 5679.57 0.6 15 667 571 Pinus halepensis 90011.3 9.0 1800.23 0.2 5 222 190 Terminalia catappa 47625.7 4.8 952.51 0.1 3 133 114 TOTAL TS 1064890.4 106.5 21297.81 2.1 54 2400 2057

SUM Plots/Trees per Tree Species(ROUNDUP): 58 2578 2210

Real Sample Area (ha) 2.32 Real Sample Area (%) 2.18% Figure 3: Calculation of the required number of sample plots

2.3.Sample Plot Selection In the GIS software a grid of 20m x 20m was laid over the map of the tree species distribution. A progressive number was assigned to each 20m x 20m square to be sampled by the GIS software. The data was exported into Microsoft EXCEL and the required number of plots per tree species was randomly selected. Moreover, a second random selection was performed with the remaining squared plots to get alternative sample plots, to ensure that all the plots selected in the first round fall in an area where plot measurement is possible. The grid and the selected and alternative plots are presented in the map “Serapium Forest Isamilia – Selected Sample Plots per Tree Species (20m x 20m)”. The list of the selected and of the alternative plots is added here (“Plot Selection for the Forest Inventory”).

3.Fieldwork procedure 3.1.Overview of data collection process

Preparation Data collection in the Access to SP of the fieldwork SP

Bibliographic Measurements and field research observations

Contacts with Access the first plot staff

Preparation of Plot marking the field forms

Data Preparation of collection in the the maps plot anaccess itinerary Access the next plot Material preparation

Figure 4.Data collection procedures

The flow chart below shows all the signle steps to be taken in the preparation of the field data collection for a forest management plan.

3.2.Preparation for the fieldwork 3.2.1.Bibliographic research A forest management plan is the instrument to manage the forest to serve the needs of the local communities in a sustainable manner and to ensure renovation and durability of the forest cover. During the preparatory work for a forest management plan, foresters collect and review information on the environment surrounding the forest and on the socio-economic conditions. Existing reports on natural resource and forest inventory, species, biodiversity, farming systems, national policy and community management issues, local people, customs and livelihoods and socioeconomic context, have to be analyzed to enhance understanding of the local context. The field team coordinators with the support of field team leaders are responsible for recovering information on: •Local demographics;

•Agriculture: main crops, livestock, soil and water resources and agriculture production data; •Local natural forests and other environmental issues: natural forests and other relevant biodiversity data; •Socioeconomic data (markets; infrastructure, health, etc.); •Policy and legislation application, especially local bylaws and regulations.

3.2.2.Field equipment per team In order to conduct the data collection in the field, each field team must carry the equipment that is listed in Table 1. Every team leader, with the help of the other team members, is responsible for the field equipment of his/her own team. Before and after the field work, each team leader must check the list and report to the Team Coordinators in case anything is missing.

Table 1.Equipment required for each field team

Equipment needed Minimum number required Comments

Measurement tools and material - High precision - In degrees - Waterproof and resistant Map compass (360°) 1 - Suitable for working with maps (transparent basis that holds the capsule) - Scale in cm / mm - Map sources Egypt GPS receiver (Geographic 1 - Provides coordinates worldwide and Positioning System) should contain uploaded local maps - Tree height and land slope measuring equipment: Clinometer with 10m, 15m, Clinometer 1 20m and % scales to measure both tree height, in meters, and slopes, in percent Poles (wooden or plastic ) - Min 5m, max 8m 1 (telescope) - To measure height and crown diameter - Metric - Diameter measurement on one side, Diameter Measurement Tape 1 distance measurement on the other side - To measure plants of maximum 60cm diameter -Metric Distance Measuring tape 1 -Should cover at least the distance of the sample plot from edge to edge. -Extra batteries Digital compact camera with -Charger 1 optical zoom Useful to record pictures of sample plots measured

- Red/white or yellow Coloured flagging / warning tape 1 - For temporarily marking sticks or plot 50m corners

1 package per team with 12 Red or blue or orange colour. Useful to Tree marking crayons pieces mark sampled tress

Tree marking spray fluorescent Red or pink or orange colour. Useful to 5 (same colour) colour (cans) mark sample plots Strong blade with curved sharp hook for Forest Sickle short handle 1 hand use. Useful especially in natural forests with a layer of shrubs. Handsaws As necessary -To permanently mark one corner of the 30-50cm bars (wooden, steel) According to plot number sample plots -For plot marking during measurement Chainsaw As necessary To cut big trees and measure them Balance As necessary To measure tree / wood weight in field Big plastic container bags (1m3) for Big Packs 1-2 biomass transportation Office material, documents, papers As necessary (minimum 3 Topographic maps and field maps copies of each map) Field forms As necessary Field manual As necessary Clipboard As necessary To take notes As necessary Water resistant, different colours (black, Pens and markers (minimum 3) green, red, blue) Hand calculator 1 Simple calculations Plastic sheet protectors for 5 binders As necessary Notepads A4 (recommended one each Holes on the side team member) Paper A4 As necessary

3.2.3.Safety in the field and suggestion for dressing per team Table 2.Equipment suggested for each field team Equipment required Number required Additional Comments Clothing Bright vest no sleeves 1 for each member Allows visibility in the forest Gloves (leather) 1 pair for each member Boots 1 pair for each member Hat 1 for each member Long armed shirts 1 for each member Long trousers 1 for each member Sun glasses 1 for each member Other equipment (camping, security, communication…) Passport / Identification card Other equipment (camping, security, communication…) First aid kits 1 Including snake bite sierum Bottled Water As necessary Drinking water for the team Flash light 1 for each member Knives 1 Backpack / Bag 1 for each member For personal water and equipment -Diarrhoea -Electrolytes Personal Medicine! As necessary -headache ...... Cell phone 1 For communication if necessary Sun protection lotion As necessary Insect repellent As necessary Dictionaries 1 for each member Working language English Books, etc. As necessary Personal leisure activity

Suggestions for personal safety in the field - Be well hydrated and nourished; - Be dressed appropriately; - Do not smoke in forest; - Pay attention to dangerous animals; - Do not touch, lay or sit on the ground.

3.2.4.Maps Maps of the working area are essential to carry out the field work of a forest inventory. With the support of the information received from the Undersecretariat and University of the Alexandria and the remote sensing data, two maps were produced with the support of the GIS software: the tree species distribution (map. 1) that shows the area covered by every species and the sample plots distribution (map. 2) that shows the plots to be inventoried.

1.Serapium Forest Ismailia 2012 – Tree Species Distribution

2.Serapium Forest Ismailia – Selected Sample Plots per Tree Species

Both maps match geographical standards and can be used for orientation with the compass. More specifically they:

Have a title and a frame. Are north-south oriented and show the north arrow Have a frame that can be used as north-south line for compass work Are scaled correctly (scale text ‘1:8,000’ or ‘1:6,500’, means 1cm in the maps represent 80 m or 65 m in reality).

Are scaled correctly (scale text ‘1:8000’ or ‘1:6500’, which means 1cm in the map represents 8000cm or 6500cm in reality). Have a scale bar (for easy distance measurement with a ruler). Have a complete legend.

3.2.5.Coordinate System, Map Datum and GPS (Global Positioning System) The maps produced with the GIS software respect the following standards in order to be used also with the support of the GPS receiver:

Map datum: WGS_1984 (World Geodetic System). Coordinate system: UTM zone 36N (Egypt east; east and north coordinates in meter). GPS coordinates can be exported from the GIS system for every point of the maps if necessary. The GPS coordinates of the north east corner of the selected and of the alternative sample plots are added to the corresponding list “Plot Selection for the Forest Inventory” (Attention! GPS device settings must be for UTM zone 36N).

3.3.Field Form F3-a1 Field Form F3-a1 is the main table to collect forest field parameters in the sampling plots (Se also the Annex for reference): Headlines: 1.Location: Serapium Forest, Ismailia (predefined). 2.Date: Day of plot measurement. 3.Plot No: Number according to the list “Plot Selection For The Forest Inventory“ (OBJECT ID). 4.Coordinates: Coordinates according to list “Plot Selection For The Forest Inventory“ (X and Y coordinates with no numbers after the comma). 5.Plot size: 20m x 20m. 6.Distance of rows: refers to distance between planted rows (trees are planted in rows). Distance of trees within rows: refers to the planting distance of trees within one row. 7.Planting period: Note here the date of establishment of the plantation, possibly indicating month and year. 8.Team members: Here the names of every team member should be recorded. Mark visibly the person who is writing. 9.Irrigation Timing: Report here how many hours of irrigation was planned for this part of the stand (scheduled hours per day) and how many hours of irrigation are currently provided (current hours per day).

Inventory data: 1.Position No: Trees are planted in regular distances. Report here the consecutive number of the position of tree growth. Usually one tree grows in one position. It can occur that two or more trees grow in the same position and are therefore very close together (see the filled example of F3-a1 in the Annex). 2.Tree No: Report here the consecutive tree number. If a tree is forked at a height of <1.30m, consider every stem of the fork as a single tree with its own individual number, but with the same position number. 3.DBH (Diameter at Breast Height): The diameter of a tree is measured according to international standard at the height of 1.30m which corresponds to an average human breast height. 4.Commercial (Bole) Height: For every tree species, in every country and even for every forest there are commercial heights that are based on the local end-use of the harvested wood. Commercial height depends on a set of defined standards. More generally commercial height should be measured from the foot of the tree to: a.the first big branch, when the quality or form of the stem decreases reasonably. b.the lower base of a forked stem. c.the height of the stem where the diameter is around to 5 cm. d.For trees forked at a height <1.30m, consider the fork as the base of the stem and measure each stem from fork to one of the conditions (a, b, c) described above and also reported in Table 4 (Annex: Measurements)

5.Vitality: The crown condition of a tree is an indicator of vitality. The main parameters to be considered here are the density of foliages or the appearance of dead branches (top dieback). For every tree species the density of foliages can change during the year and dead

branches may be typical for some tree species (for example in the lower part of conifers). Therefore the vitality has to be set to a standard at the plantation for each tree species. That means that the condition of a single tree has to be compared with the condition of the surrounding trees of the stand of the same species or with the condition of trees growing under the same condition in other places. As general approach we will use categories as follows: a.Healthy (densely foliated, no top dieback); b.Moderate Health (fairly foliated, beginning top dieback); c.Unhealthy (poorly foliated, severe top dieback); d.Dead. 6.Tree Quality: The ability to classify the tree quality is very important, but at the same time it is difficult and needs training and experience. The tree quality also depends from the defined purpose of the stand or from the designated use of the wood. For example if the purpose is to have valuable wood for boards or veneers, a good quality tree has to be straight, the stem must be without branches, and the crown should be vital for good increment. Whereas a good quality tree for a shelterbelt can be of low height, with many branches and the stem form is irrelevant. Note: To categorize tree quality it is important to look at the whole tree and evaluate whether it is worth to maintain it for the next coming years of silvicultural treatment. Assuming that the purpose of the Serapium Forest is to produce better quality wood, the following quality of the tree need to be considered: a.High (straight trunk, free of fork, well formed crown, no defects); b.Satisfactory (slightly crooked, slightly forked, fairly formed crown, little defects); c.Low (sharply crooked, strongly forked, badly formed crown, severe defects) d.Shrubby

Tree quality will correlate with other parameters. For example a tree with a straight stem and without damages indicates a high quality stem, but the tree has to be classified as low quality tree if the crown is badly formed and/or damaged (low fork, broken branches, etc.). Such a tree is not worth to be left for the next years.

7.Social class: The following Figure shows the different social classes within a forest stand.

dominant

co-dominant

intermediate overtopped suppressed Figure 5: Social classes of trees (by Technical University of Munich, Forestry Department)

8.Stem form: According to the designated use of the trees, the grade of crookedness must be defined for every tree species at the plantation. 9.Damage degree: A definition of the severity of damages has to be found within the team for each tree species. Then the classification is: a.Undamaged/healthy; b.Slightly affected; c.Severely affected; 10.Damage type: The damage type can be a.Abiotic (climatic effects like drought, lightning strike, branches broken in a storm, lack of nutrients, etc.); b.Biotic (diseases, insects and other pests, fungi, browsing by camels or goats, etc.); c.Anthropogenic (caused by man: stem damage with machines, bad pruning, etc.); d.Unknown; 11.Additional data: Tree height: The height of a tree is measured from the foot to the highest point in the center of the tree axis.

3.4.Field Form F3-a2 Field Form F3-a2 contains the following parameters to be measured (see also tables reported in annex): Head line: 1.Location: Serapium Forest, Ismailia (predefined). 2.Plot No: Number according to list “Plot Selection For The Forest Inventory“ (OBJECT ID). Stand description1: 1.Stand type: Report here the dominating tree species which determine the rotation length and note sparsely occurring tree species. 2.Tree canopy cover: a.Dense/Interlocking: Crowns reach wide into another;

b.Closed: Crowns have contact with branches;

c.Slightly closed: Distance between crowns < crown diameter;

d.Scattered: Distance between crowns = crown diameter;

e.Discontinuous: Crown distances > crown diameter; f.Wide open: Decomposition of the stand; 3.Health condition and vitality: a.Pests and diseases: mark here observed diseases and note other observations and explanations to the marked options.

1 The content of a complete stand description you find in the annex. For the Serapium forest and the field form F3-a2 the important aspects were selected and extended.

b.Physical damage: Mark here, if most of the trees were damaged on the trunk, the root basis or at the crown. Note if necessary the percentage of the specific damage (20% of the damaged trees are damaged at the trunk). Note other observations concerning damages. 4.Other characteristics: a.Ground vegetation: Mark here, whether there are shrubs and/or grass as undergrowth and estimate the density. b.Litter thickness: Measure the thickness of the litter at some random spots and mark the average. c.Other observations: Note here observations regarding biodiversity, occurring plants and animals, physical characteristics of the site, etc. 5.Previous treatments: Find out with the help of the workers and through observation. a.Thinning: Have there been thinning and cuttings of trees since stand establishment? b.Pruning: Were branches cut off the stem of single trees to improve stem quality? If yes, how is the result? c.Replanting: Have failed individuals been replaced with young plants? d.Irrigation System: mention observations regarding the irrigation system (broken tubes, etc.). 6.Management suggestions: Make note here of possible actions to improve the silvicultural situation of the stand or formulate your own suggestions. 7.Notes: Formulate conclusions on the basis of the above observations.

3.5.Field data collection The field work needs to be planned well in advance by the team coordinator/s and discussed with all team members. Depending on the different purposes of the field work, team coordinators shall consider: - The number of the sample plot to carry out in a work day; - Which is the order in which the different sample plot should be carried out; - Other measurements or description needed (e.g. felled trees...... ).

The sample plots are inventoried according to a specific order that was agreed upon before the field work. Every team must respect the order decided by the team coordinator/s. When this cannot be respected, the schedule change must be communicated by the team leader to the team coordinator/s.

If you find the following criteria, plot measurement makes no sense: 90% of the trees are dead;

The area, where the plot is located, is not planted;

The area, where the plot is located, is planted with non tree species (Sisal, Jatropha, ...);

The DBH of the tree species is <5cm;

 1) Fill the headings of field form F3-a1 and F3-a2 and note what is wrong with the plot or the area. 2) Draw the corrections on the map (delimit the area, where the map shows incorrectness) and report the changes to the field coordinators or to the person who is in charge of the maps. To update the map is very important for later calculations! 3) Go to the next plot you are supposed to measure.

3.5.1.Access to the sample plot In the forest plantation, the sample plots will be located with the support of both the metric coordinates (in the projection system adopted for the assessment) and the topographic maps (and aerial photographs/satellite images if available). Some reference points that facilitate the orientation in the field (e.g. roads, rivers...) will also be identified on the field maps. It is also important, especially in the beginning of the field data collection, to consult or work with an expert of the plantation who can provide useful information on how to access the sample plots more easily. To ensure an effortless navigation through the field, the North-East corner of each sample plot have been pre-registered as waypoints (see paragraph 4.1) on the GPS, so that the every plot to be sampled can be easily reached. The compass will help in the orientation in the field. Although in a man-made forest plantation navigation can be quite easy, it is nevertheless very important to note on the map the departure location and its coordinates on the GPS.

Map not correctly oriented

Compass

Figure 6.Incorrect orientation of the map

Map correctly oriented

Compass

Figure 7.Correct orientation of the map

During the access to the plot, photographs of reference sites (roads, settlements, facilities and overview of the plantation) can be taken. If the GPS signal is lost when locating the sample plot coordinates, the team can stop and wait for the signal to be re-established or move to a location with a clearer view of the sky (dense foliage, buildings can block the signal) to get the satellite signal, or to navigate from there using a compass and measuring tapes. GPS have a ground resolution of about 5 metres distance and at the beginning GPS requires sometime to stabilize the signal. How to use the navigation function of the GPS receiver to find the north-east corner of a sample plot see the annex.

3.5.2.Delimitation of the sample plot and associated tasks When you reached the destination point (north-east coordinates of a sample plot) follow these steps (see Figure 8 and 9): North-east corner: 1.Mark permanently the north-east corner with a wooden/ bamboo/steel bar with the top coloured with spray. 2.Fill the headline of field form F3-a1. 3.Take a photo of the headline of field form F3-a1. The following photos can be related to this plot number.

4.Mark the north-east corner tree, inside the sample plot at 1.50 m of height on the trunk with a circle of spray and with the code: SP X (X must be the number of the sample plot). 5.Take one photo portrait ( P ) and one photo landscape ( L ) from this corner into the plot. 6. Direct with the compass along the tree lines to the south to find the south-east corner of the plot. 7.Measure 20m to this direction, mark border trees with a crayon ring inside the plot.

South-east corner: 8.Mark south-east corner with a wooden/ bamboo/steel bar with the top coloured with spray. 9.Mark the south-east corner tree, inside the sample plot. 10.Take one photo portrait and one photo landscape into the plot. 11.Direct with the compass 90° to the west. 12.Measure 20m to this direction, mark border trees with a crayon ring inside the plot.

South-west corner: 13.Mark south-west corner with a wooden/ bamboo/steel bar with the top coloured with spray. 14.Mark the south-west corner tree, inside the sample plot. 15.Take one photo portrait and one photo landscape into the plot. 16.Direct with the compass 90° to the north. 17.Measure 20m to this direction, mark border trees with a crayon ring inside the plot.

North-west corner: 18.Mark north-west corner with a wooden/ bamboo/steel bar with the top coloured with spray. 19.Mark the north-west corner tree, inside the sample plot. 20.Take one photo portrait and one photo landscape into the plot.

21.Check whether the distance between north-east corner and north-west corner is 20m.

22.Start tree measurement

Mark permanently Mark permanently

the corner trees the NE corner with

with spray a bar

NW NE Fourth First

Mark the border tree

with a circle with

crayon

SW SE Third Second

Mark the corners with a steel bar during

measurements

Figure 8. Sample plot schema

S 1.50 m. P 1.50 m. 1.50 m. X height height height

North-East SE, SW and NW Border tree corner tree corner trees tree Figure 9: Border trees marked in the sample plot

3.5.3.Summary of measurement procedure at the plot Follow these points: 1. Fill the form F3-a1 as explained in paragraph 3.3; 2.Before starting with tree measurements ensure that the headline of form F3-a1 (see Annex 4.3) is completed; 3.To be sure to include every tree in the sample plot, tree measurement must begin from the first tree on the North-Eastern corner of the plot and follow the direction indicated in Figure 8; 4. To avoid repeating measurement on a tree already measured, mark it on the trunk with a slash using a crayon (see photo 1); 5.For every tree please record in the following order: position, tree number, scientific name/local name and the minimum data (age, dbh, commercial height, stem quality, vitality, social class, damage degree, damage type) using the form F3-a1;

Measure the plants following

the arrows

Figure 10. Order to follow in the trees measurements

Photo 1. Tree already measured, mark on the trunk

6.Record the total tree height and other additional data every five trees, as reported in Figure 11; 7.During the sample plot measurements take some photos. They could be useful to represent the situation of the plot (stand condition, management, particular damages or pests and diseases...).

Collect the minimum and additional data every five trees

3 2 1

6 4 5 7 9 8 12 10 11

Figure 11.Trees to be measured in every sample plot

3.5.4.Field observations (stand description) After having completed the sample plot measurements start the field observations using the field form F3-a2. First of all write down the number of plot (the same specified in F3-a1) then the other information requested. During the stand description it could be useful to take some photos to represent some characteristics of the stand, relevant to the inventory.

3.5.5.End of data collection work at the plot and access to the next plot Once the work in the first sample plot is completed and after having checked that the field forms are readable and filled in with all the requested variables, the team will access the second plot. It may be possible to directly access the following plot with help of the GPS, as explained in the paragraph 3.5.1. 3.5.6.End of the field work and organization of the material obtained The field forms should be well-organised, filed and thoroughly checked by the field team leader, to ensure that all fields are duly completed and that there are no inconsistencies. Then they will be handed over to the team coordinators for review and quality control. If they have to be sent by mail/ courier, they should be first scanned (or photographed) and/or photocopied. When the field team has access to a computer, the photographs should be uploaded and renamed as follows: “SP number” + “running number of photos in the SP” (where SP is the “sample plot” number used in the field forms). Then the photos should be copied to a CD or DVD, and a copy should be provided to the team coordinators.

4.Annex 4.1.Use of the GPS receiver To use the coordinates of the north-east corner of the sample plots given in the list “Plot Selection For The Forest Inventory“ the following settings must be made as default with every GPS receiver (See also Paragraph 3.5.1): 1.Chose GPS Setup/Position Format: oChose Map Datum: WGS_1984 oChose Coordinate System: UTM zone 36N

To find the real position of the coordinates given in the list “Plot Selection For The Forest Inventory“, follow the description below: 2.Use the navigation function of the GPS receiver oChose navigate to coordinates

3.Enter the coordinates o1: Check correct UTM zone 36N o2: enter East Coordinate (only number before the comma) o3: enter North Coordinate (only the number before the comma)

4.OK. The GPS receiver should now navigate to the entered coordinates. Follow the direction the GPS receiver shows until reaching the end position. 5.Follow your way on the map (navigated by the GPS receiver), to check if you are on the right course.

6.Check your position when you reached the final destination. An error of around 2-3m is normal. 7.Switch off the GPS receiver to save battery. 8.Check your position on the map! 9.Compare the tree species in the map with the tree species in reality. If the map is not correct, draw the corrections on the map (delimit the area, where the map shows incorrect tree species) and report the changes to the field coordinators or to the person who is in charge of the maps. To update the map is very important for later calculations! 10.Start with the delimitation of the sample plot.

Example: Table 3: Excerpt from list "Plot Selection For The Forest Inventory" OBJECTID * TreeSpecie SHAPE_Area Selected X_NEcorner_UTM36N Y_NEcorner_UTM36N

4725 Casuarina 400 1 426201.5776 3373617.44 equisetifolia The selected plot is of the tree species Casuarina equisetifolia. The plot number is 4725 (OBJECT ID). Like with usual mathematical coordinates systems, the X represents the horizontal position (East) and Y represents the vertical position (North) oThe East Coordinate is 426201.5776 (X_NEcorner_UTM36N) oThe North Coordinate is 3373617.44 (Y_NEcorner_UTM36N) For the GPS receiver only the number before the comma is relevant and precise enough. So the coordinates of the north east corner of plot number 4725 are: o426201E; 3373617N

4.2.Measurements 4.2.1.Horizontal measurements All linear reference distances, such as plots dimensions, are considered horizontal distances, as they are parallel to the ground. When the terrain is flat, as in the Serapium plantation of Ismailia, these distances can be measured directly with a distance measuring tape. Moreover in a man-made forest plantation the distances between trees are usually regular and well known. With such information it is possible to determine a certain distance, simply by using the number of tree planted as a proxy. This method can also be used to determine the height of a tree with a clinometer, when it is necessary to stay at 20 m or 15 m from the stump of the trees.

4.2.2.Tree diameter (Dbh) measurement Tree diameter is measured over bark, at a height of 1.3 m above the ground (which corresponds to an average human breast height) (see Figure 12), with the exception of particular cases mentioned below. Measurement may be carried out with the help of a diameter tape (tape whose diameter unit is in centimetres), or with the use of a calliper. The tape measurement is cheaper and it is handier for tree trunks from 5 cm to 50 cm, so here it is described deeply. In order to avoid overestimation of the volume and to compensate measurement errors, diameter is measured in cm, and rounded to the lower integer number (example: 16.8 cm become 16 cm).

Notes: One single dotted line indicates the place for Dbh measurement. If there are two lines on the stem because of a defective tree, the appropriate place to do the measurement is thus indicated.

Figure 12.Position for diameter measurement at breast 1.30m height in flat terrain

The tape measuring usually has two sides (see Figure 13 ): - One side shows a graded diameter scale in centimetres, to convert circumferences to diameter measures - On the other side of the axe, it shows length in cm.

Figure 13.Tape measurement

In measuring tree diameters always remember to:

- Keep the instrument at 1.3 m in a position always perpendicularly to the tree axe; - Make sure that the diametric tape is not twisted and is well stretched around the tree and perpendicular to the stem. No branches should be left between the tape and the bark of the tree to avoid over estimation. - Refer to table 4 to measure special tree, i.e. forked trees. -For trees on slopes or particular situations not presented here, refer to the FAO NFMA field manual (Manual for integrated field data collection, NFMA Working Paper n.37/E, FAO, Rome 2009).

Table 4.Position for diameter measurements – Particular cases Description of diameter Case Figure measurement Fork trees Several cases exist, according to the point where the fork divides the stem. Figure 14. Dbh measurement

If the fork begins (the position for fork point where the core is divided) below 1.30 m height, each stem having the diameter required (≥20 cm in the whole plot, ≥10 cm for rectangular subplots) will be considered as a tree and will be measured. Diameter measurement of each stem 1.3m will be taken at 1.3 m height. 1.3m 1.3m If the fork begins higher 1.3 m height, the tree will be counted as a single tree and diameter measurement is carried out at 1.3 m.

If a fork occurs at or immediately above 1.3 m, the tree will be counted as a single tree and diameter is measured below the fork just beneath any swelling that could inflate the Dbh. Measurement Point 1.3m

Coppice These are considered as forked trees. Coppice shoots originating below 1.30 cm are measured as single tree. Tree with Trees with bulges, wounds, Figure 15 Dbh measurement irregular hollows and branches, etc. stem at at breast height, are to be position for a tree with branch measured just above the 1.3m enlargement at 1.3m irregular point, there where the irregular shape does not affect the stem.

Measurement Point 1.3m

Inclined tree Diameter measurement is Figure 16.Dbh measurement made at 1.3 m. The stem position for an inclined tree height is measured where the stem base and the ground meet forming the smaller angle.

1.3m

-If the tree to be measured has been cut and there is only a stump, do not take any measurement but report the information on the field form.

4.2.3.Tree height measurement Tree height measurement may be carried out by means of several instruments such as: dendrometric table, Blume-Leiss, Suunto, Haga, Blitterlich Relascope, pole graduated...

Height measurement with the Clinometer Suunto

The Clinometer (Suunto or similar) works at given distances of 10m, 15m and 20m. The Clinometer must be held firmly in vertical position.

The distance to measure a tree should always be equivalent or greater than its height: e.g. a 22 meters high tree can only be measured at 30 meters distance.

Height values at Height values at the scale of 20 m the scale of 15 m

Figure 17. Clinometer Suunto Slope % (x10)

Walk to a distance of 15 or 20 meters Target the tree top, read the height measurement result in the scale of 15 in case you are a 15 meters distance or in the scale of 20 in case you are at 20 meters distance (Figure 17). Target the tree base and read the height on the 15 meters scale or in the 20 meters scale, depending to your distance, add or subtract, according to the case.

Height measurement is taken in different steps: Before taking the height, identify the top of the tree crown;

Identify the tree base; Add one of the two observation results (see Figure 18);

For trees on slopes or for other particular situations not presented here, refer to the FAO NFMA field manual;

Figure 18. Tree height calculation

Note: You may compute the height of the tree reported in Figure 18 by summing up segment a + segment b (12 m for a + b): - By adding the readings of the tree top and the tree base, if they are on both sides of the horizontal line.

4.3.Field Form F3-a1 (empty)

4.4.Field Form F3-a2 (empty)

4.5.Field Form F3-a1 (filled example)

4.6. Field Form F3-a2 (filled example)

4.7.Stand description 1 Stand type Named after the first and/or second dominating tree species (determining the rotation length) 2 Additional tree species <5% of the stand: numerous trees <5% several trees +-3% single trees 1% 3 Age of Stand Estimation of the range (e.g. 60 to 90years of age) or the real plant age if known. 4 Age-class Juvenile phase: until reaching 2m of height or closure of crowns Thicket: until reaching a height >1.30 and a BHD >7cm of merchantable wood Pole stand: BHD 7cm to 14cm Timber: small sized (14-38cm), medium (39-50cm), heavy (>51cm) 5 Stand establishment Natural regeneration Seed Planting 6 Tree canopy cover Dense/interlocking (crowns reach deeply into another) (Crown closure class) Closed (crowns have contact with branches) (Canopy density) Slightly closed (distance between crowns < crown diameter) Scattered (distance between crowns = crown diameter) Discontinuous (crown distances > crown diameter) Wide open (Decomposition of the stand ) 7 Stratification One stratum (even aged stand) Two or more stratums (dominant stand with serving lower stand or later planted second stratum) All-aged structure (no stratums) 8 Species composition Stem-by-stem Mixed stand in small groups (1/2 tree length, up to 200m2) Mixed stand in medium sized groups (1/2-1 tree length, 200-1000m2) Mixed stand in big groups (1-2 tree length, 1000-3000m2) Mixture by small-scaled areas (>2 tree length, >3500m2) Mixture by alternate rows (several meters of width) 9 Health condition and physical damages (anthropogenic, animals, climatic) vitality Climatic damages Pests and diseases Pollution, nutrients 10 Quality DBH Branchiness (natural clearance) Stem quality (length, taper, shape: straight, curved, forked, ...) 11 Stability (of single trees Slenderness of single trees (>100=very instable, 80-100=instable, <80=stable, <45=solitary or stands) tree) Crown – tree-height ratio: <1/4=instable, 1/2 – 1/3=stable 12 Accessibility paths, skidding trails, forest roads, ... 13 Other characteristics or Advanced regeneration plantings anomalies Natural regeneration Ground vegetation (concurrence) Growth ratio softwood-hardwood Seed-trees, remnant trees, veterans Fructification Treatments 14 Previous treatments 15 Future objectives 16 Management suggestions/Future treatments