What is it?

Leaf litter is the upper organic layer in the soil made up of fallen leaves, bark and sticks that come from the surrounding vegetation that are slowly decomposing to become part of the soil below. Leaf litter can vary in thickness and nutrient levels based on different factors such as the type of vegetation, climate and slope of the area.

Why do we measure?

The leaf litter is a very important habitat component of many ecosystems. Many invertebrates live within leaf litter that help to decompose the organic matter which allows for the transfer of nutrients into the below soil. The leaf litter is also used by vertebrates as nesting material and shelter as a food source. Adequate coverage of leaf litter also protects soil from losing too much moisture.

Quadrat

To measure leaf litter coverage we use a quadrat. For our surveys we use a quadrat that is 0.5m x 0.5m making the sample area 0.25m². The quadrat is divided into 25 smaller grid squares with string that help with the estimation of leaf litter coverage. Each grid square represents 4% coverage.

Procedure

1. Select suitable site for measurement.
2. Find a small object such as a stick from the ground.
3. Carefully throw the small stick over your shoulder while another person watches to see where it falls.
4. Place the corner of the quadrat in the spot the stick landed.
5. Estimate the coverage of leaf litter within the quadrat using the grid square sections.

Avoiding error

Each grid square that has been created by string through the quadrat represents 4% of the total area. This needs to be used correctly when adding up the total amount of squares that contain leaf litter. If only half of a grid square section is taken up by leaf litter this would represent 2%. Estimation of the leaf litter coverage can occur by looking over each of the grid squares.

Considering bias

We can create bias in sampling leaf litter coverage by choosing where we place the quadrat, for example only in areas that have high leaf litter coverage or only on walking tracks that have little leaf litter coverage. To ensure we are not placing bias on the areas sampled we can randomise our placement of the quadrat.

Checking for reliability

Measure leaf litter coverage in multiple spots (at least 3) around a few plant patches and calculate the mean leaf litter coverage.

What is it?

Different environments will contain a variety of different vegetation types that contribute to the functioning of the ecosystem as a whole. Different plants will have their own role in the ecosystem such as a food source or shelter for animals.

Why do we identify plants?

The plants that are found in an environment are important habitat elements and it is important there is biodiversity to ensure the health of the environment. Knowing what plants are present in the environment can provide assistance in ensuring certain species and their genetic diversity are protected to maintain biodiversity.

Vegetation identification booklet

To determine what vegetation types are present in an environment a vegetation identification booklet will be used that contains images of plants.

Procedure

1. Locate the Vegetation ID booklet.
2. Determine if the plant you are identifying is a ground cover, shrub or tree – find corresponding pages in Vegetation ID booklet.
3. Start by observing leaf shape, colour, size and branching pattern to determine plant type.
4. If needed use bark colour and texture, seed pods, flowers or any other distinguishing features to be able to identify the plant.

Avoiding error

Identifying plants can be really challenging sometimes, especially when there are lots of different species that look similar. It is important to carefully observe each part of the plant that relates to the photo provided in the identification booklet and focus on key features that will help in determining the plant species.