Woodland (Structure) Stratification

An investigation into stratification could include a measure of the canopy layer coverage and compare the impact canopy density has on field and ground layer vegetation.

 

 

 

 

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Top left - image shows a skyward view through the canopy layer. Here the percentage canopy cover is estimated qualitatively at 60%.

How to measure the canopy cover:-

This is achieved by standing inside the quadrat placed on the forest floor, looking upwards and assessing the amount of foliage compared to the amount of sky visible.

 

 

Bottom left - image shows a fern (field layer), growing where there is a break in the canopy layer allowing the sunlight to reach the forest floor. Light is no longer a limiting factor. Brambles are also present at a field layer plant. There is no bare soil and in this clearing there are no ground layer plants (e.g. mosses and fungi).