Sampling the Phragmites

After the site has been selected, it is time to begin collecting samples.

1. Establish the location and two endpoints of your transect on your map. Ideally, we like to cross the entire Phragmites stand and collect samples. However, for some very large stands this may not be possible (or the transect would cross large channels, mudflats or other areas that are not safe). Determine the number of samples you may want to take and the distance between the samples.
   
   
2. Begin sampling at the edge of a Phragmites stand by placing a 1m² frame around the stems (the number of stems at the edge is usually much lower than in the center). Using a frame that is “U” shaped will allow easy placement of the frame in dense patches. This will be quadrat 1 and marks the 0 meter mark of your transect. Secure the tape at the edge of quadrat with a pin or have a person hold the end of the tape.
    
   
3. Begin walking into the predetermined direction using a compass or a visual aid (see above). Try to walk a straight line, although this can be difficult in dense Phragmites. Old stalks and new stems will intermingle and may form physical barriers. We often walk backwards to push or break through denser vegetation. Wear safety glasses or goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands.
   
   
4. At the predetermined intervals (stretch out the tape to measure the length accurately) either mark the location of quadrat 2 with flagging tape or begin collection of the second sample immediately. We often find that walking the transect and sampling is easiest done simultaneously instead of first establishing the transect but both methods will work. We place the frame about 50 cm away from the trampling to avoid damage to the shoots. The stems around the quadrat can be pushed aside to allow easier access to the quadrat. We usually work in teams of 2-3 so some people can cut while others hold and bundle the cut shoots.
   
   
5.  Cut all the shoots in the quadrat at the soil surface. If the area is flooded, cut the  shoots at the water surface; if you sample in snow, push the snow away and sample at the lowest possible part. Collect only those shoots that are rooted in the quadrat. Occasionally wind damage breaks or bends shoots into the quadrat. We do NOT want to collect these, only the ones that clearly originate in our square meter area should be taken. Sometimes you may need to separate shoots that are intermingled. Try to avoid breaking the shoots. The shoots that are cut should be tan in color and not gray. The gray shoots are last year’s stems (which are usually much less firm) and should not be collected. If you are unsure of which shoots should be cut, then cut them all. Often there are some small stems only a third of the size of the tallest one. Please make sure to include these.
   
   
6. Bundle all the stems from each single quadrat together with duct tape and mark the  quadrat number on the duct tape. It is important to know where each group of Phragmites shoots came from within the stand so proper labeling and bundling is necessary. Use several places to mark the shoots, so the information is not lost. Be careful when handling the Phragmites shoots because the ends of the cut shoots can be sharp.
   
   
7. If plants are too tall to transport or bag, fold each stem individually before bundling it with others in its quadrat.
   
   
8. NOTE OF CAUTION: Broken Phragmites stems can be dangerous to work with. If you bend over and do not notice a stem, you may poke your eye with the shoot and damage your vision.
   
   
9. several pictures Transport each bundle of shoots to the staging area and wrap the shoots in plastic or cover at least the flowers and seeds in a garbage bag. Phragmites may spread by seed and you don’t want to contribute to the spread of the species.
   
   
10. Transport the shoots back to the school and store them outside until they are used for dissections. If you store the shoots under room temperature, insects in the shoots will begin to develop and may emerge before you have finished the dissections. You will risk losing this information. This is particularly important if you work in the spring.

                        [Back]                                                              [Next]

                                               Copyright 2002. Bernd Blossey. Cornell University
                                  For problems or questions regarding this web contact Raj Smith.