LUQ LTER DATA SETS DOCUMENTATION FORM
ON-LINE VERSION
A DATA SET is a series of observations collected by the same methodology. Each data set should have documentation sufficient for someone unfamiliar with the research to replicate the study. Data sets may be broken into subsets (data files) that are discrete in space and time, in that order. The documentation for a data set should include all spatial and temporal subdivisions of the data.
(Data, Abstract, Methods, Variables)
NOTES:
| PERSON(S) COMPLETING THIS FORM: | E-MAIL ADDRESS: |
Joanne Sharpe |
|
Eda C. Melendez-Colom |
DATA SET IDENTIFIER: Fern sporophyte growth observation at
the Luquillo Experimental Forest (LEF)
PROJECT TITLE: Fern Population Dynamics
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Ferns are an important part of the
understory of many tropic forests, yet nothing is known about their leaf
turnover rates, hence their contribution to the litter layer and overall
functioning of the forest ecosystem. This long-term project addresses that
question by marking and monitoring each leaf produced by over a thousand
individuals representing over 20 different species. Plants and their leaves
are observed at four month intervals for ten years starting in September
1991 (Phase 1) and then at one year intervals for an additional ten years
starting in January 2001 (Phase 2). Seasonality in leaf and
spore production, as well as effects of drought and hurricanes are noted. Defoliation
experiments with several species are being conducted to determine the limits
of disturbance effects.
LTER CORE AREAS: (Annotate all that apply)
Population Dynamics |
Disturbance Patterns |
LEF LTER 1 RESEARCH TOPIC: (Annotate all that apply)
Spatial and temporal distribution of populations |
We define a data file as a component of a data set. A data
set can have only one data file or more. Basically, different data files have
different data structures or format.
DATA SET FILES (SUBSETS): (Only
Data for File #21: Thelypteris angustifolia is available now. See
Dissemination)
Note:
Data files 1-15. (FERNGGGSSS, FERNMISC(1), FERNDEFO) These files are
identical in format and contain data, on a line-line basis, about individual
leaves for different species (GGGSSS) of ferns. Information in this file
includes measurements and observations as well as leaf location and identification
information. All leaves in these files have been measured three times
a year (Phase 1) from the time the plant was first included in the study until
lost from the plant. In addition, all individual leaves of many (but
not all) plants are measured on an annual basis in Phase 2 and are included
in these files.
Data file 16 (FERNPH02). This file contains summary information
about the leaves on a plant and measurements of the longest whole sterile and
fertile leaves present when monitored. Monitoring of plants to
obtain the data in this file is done annually in January from the time Phase
2 began (January 2002) if the plant was measured in Phase 1, or from the time
a plant was included in the study if not measured in Phase 1.
Data file 17 (FERNSEQ). This is the plant "control file" and
contains a record for each plant in the study indicating when monitoring started
and when it ended (if it is no longer being monitored). This file also
includes microhabitat data and litterfall data. Some location data about
the plant is also found on this file.
Data file 18, 19, 20 (FERNFLD, FERNFLDAD, FERNFLD1). Notes were made
in the field about the study sites and various aspects of the plants being
monitored. These are referenced to the field book and page and provide
supplementary data not easily included in the standard data recording protocols.
Data file 21 (FERNDATES). Lists the dates upon which each site was monitored,
and for some dates also shows the amount of time spent monitoring the site. Field
assistant initials are also noted.
Data File No. |
Data File Identifier |
On-Line Filename |
Starting Date |
Periodicity of sample |
End Period |
1 |
Blechnum occidentale |
September 1991 |
Every four months (January, May, September) |
January 31, 2001 |
|
2 |
Cyathea borinquena |
September 1991 |
Phase 1: Every four months (January, May, September) |
Phase 1: January 31, 2001 |
|
3 |
Danaea elliptica (form 1) |
September 1991 |
Phase 1: Every four months (January, May, September) |
Phase 1: January 30, 2001 |
|
4 |
Danaea elliptica (form 2) |
September 1991 |
Every four months (January, May, September) |
January 30, 2001 |
|
5 |
Danaea nodosa, |
September 1991 |
Phase 1: Every four months (January, May, September) |
Phase 1: January 30, 2001 |
|
6 |
Elaphoglossum crinitum |
September 1992 |
Every four months (January, May, September) |
January 30, 2001 |
|
7 |
Hemidictyum marginatum |
January 1992 |
Phase 1: Every four months (January, May, September) |
Phase 1: January 30, 2001 |
|
8 |
Nephrolepis rivularis |
September 1991 |
Phase 1: Every four months (January, May, September) |
Phase 1: January 30, 2001 |
|
9 |
Thelypteris angustifolia |
May 1998 |
Every four months (January, May, September) |
January 30, 2001 |
|
10 |
Thelypteris deltoidea |
September 1991 |
Phase 1: Every four months (January, May, September) |
Phase 1: January 30, 2001 |
|
11 |
Thelypteris reticulata |
September 1991 |
Phase 1: Every four months (January, May, September) |
Phase 1: January 30, 2001 |
|
12 |
Various other species with small sample sizes |
September 1991 |
Phase 1: Every four months (January, May, September) |
Phase 1: January 30, 2001 |
|
13 |
Species |
September 1, 1991 (See FERNMISC) |
Phase 1: Every four months (January, May, September) |
Phase 1: January 30, 2001 |
|
14 |
Acrostichum danaeafolium |
January 1998 |
Every four months (January, May, September) |
January 30, 2001 |
|
15 |
Defoliated sporophytes |
September 1996 |
Phase 1: Every four months (January, May, September) |
Phase 1: January 30, 2001 |
|
16 |
Phase 2 Fern Measurements |
January 2001 |
Every year (January) |
Projected January 30, 2010 |
|
17 |
Plant control and ecological data |
September 1991 |
Every four months (January, May, September) |
Phase 1: January 30, 2001 |
|
18 |
Field notes |
September 1991 |
Every four months (January, May, September) |
Phase 1: January 30, 2001 |
|
19 |
Field notes for |
January 1998 |
Every four months (January, May, September) |
January 30, 2001 |
|
20 |
Field notes for |
September 1991 |
Every four months (January, May, September) |
Phase 1: January 30, 2001 |
|
21 |
Dates and times that sites were monitored |
September 1, 1991 |
Phase 1: Every four months (January, May, September) |
Phase 1: January 30, 2001 |
RESEARCH LOCATION: At Luquillo Experimental Forest: Sonadora,
Espiritu Santo and Bisley Watersheds, and at Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research
Reserve, Aguirre, PR (comparative site)
INVESTIGATORS:
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS |
E-MAIL address |
Joanne M. Sharpe |
OTHER RESEARCHERS |
E-MAIL address |
|
CONTACT PERSONS |
E-MAIL address |
Phone Number (Include area code) |
Joanne M. Sharpe |
|
SOURCE OF FUNDING (SPONSOR): various (non-LTER, LTER-travel
(Research Associate))
DATA SET ABSTRACT: Long-term (20-year)
monitoring sites have been established in the Luquillo Experimental Forest.
Individuals of approximately 20 species of ferns are being monitored on a
regular basis to determine plant life history classes, leaf production rates,
fertility characteristics and leaf damage levels. Effects of natural disturbance
will be interpreted in light of these parameters. The study includes sites
at El Verde, and Espiritu Santo and Bisley watersheds. A comparative study
of ferns in the mangrove community at the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research
Reserve was started in January 1998 and completed in January 2001. Comparative
studies of similar temperate species are also underway at the Holt Research
Forest (Arrowsic, Maine) of the University of Maine.
DATA SET METHODS: Individual sporophytes
representing a range of life history classes were selected for monitoring.
Plants were chosen at one or more sites with relatively large concentrations
of each species. Selected plants are mostly well off the main trails and
accessible for measuring without damage to the surrounding areas. Initially,
a representative sample (at least ten individuals, if possible) of plants
at each site were selected. Additional individuals are added at later monitoring
periods to fill gaps in life history class samples. At sites where it is
possible to monitor all ferns present, new plants are added to the study
when they are large enough to tag. Each plant is given a unique number and
each of the leaves on the plant is measured and described. Each plant is
identified with a white plastic tag attached one of the younger leaves and
microhabitat data on substrate, slope and neighboring plants is recorded.
Each leaf is identified with a small segment of colored plastic covered wire.
Plants are monitored at intervals of 4 months during phase 1 (through January
30, 2001) and annually during phase 2 (through January 30, 2010). Data sheets
were prepared prior to each visit to reflect the additions, loss and changes
to plants observed during the previous monitoring period. Both plant
location and leaf identification information were included on the data sheets. For
each plant in the study, the disappearance of previously monitored leaves
is noted and new leaves are measured. In September of 1996 defoliation experiments
were begun with two species at El Verde. A second defoliation experiment
with two different species was begun in September of 1999. All leaves
were removed from experimental plants and the dry weight determined. Regrowth
rates are being monitored as indicated above. Starting in May 1993,
general litterfall data was recorded for each monitoring session of Phase
1. Field notes about the site and other aspects of the study were recorded
during each monitoring period. At the end of Phase 2, permanent metal tags
were placed around selected monitored ferns at El Verde and Bisley for any
follow-up monitoring.
REFERENCES:
Cousens, M. I., D. G. Lacey, and E. M. Kelly. 1985. Life-history studies of
ferns: A consideration of perspective. Proc. Roy. Soc. Edinburgh 86B: 371-380.
Proctor, George R. 1989. Ferns of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Memoirs
of the New York Botanical Garden 53:1-389.
Sharpe, Joanne M. 1993. Plant growth and demography of the Neotropical herbaceous
fern Danaea wendlandii (Marattiaceae) in a Costa Rican Rain Forest.
Biotropica 25: 85-94.
Sharpe, Joanne M. and Judith A. Jernstedt. 1990. Leaf growth and phenology
of the dimorphic herbaceous layer fern Danaea wendlandii (Marattiaceae)
in a Costa Rican rain forest. Amer. J. Bot. 77: 1040-1049.
CROSS-REFERENCES (other data sets related to this one):
SAMPLE LOCATION:
STORAGE SITES (of data files): The original field data is
stored in the office of Sharplex Services, PO Box 499, Edgecomb ME 04556. The
computer files are stored in directory c:\PR on an IBM-compatible PC using
Lotus 1-2-3 version 2.4. Backup copies of all the original data and diskettes
for the previous 3 monitoring periods are stored in a separate location. Voucher
specimens for most species have been collected, identified by George Proctor
at DNR Puerto Rico, and are on deposit at the herbarium of College of the Atlantic
(HCOA), Bar Harbor, Maine or the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG).
INVESTIGATOR'S ASSIGNED KEYWORDS: ferns, rainforest, demography,
phenology, life history, spore production, disturbance, population studies,
Luquillo Experimental Forest, Sonadora, Espiritu Santo and Bisley Watersheds
Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Aguirre, PR (comparative site),
Holt Research Forest, Arrowsic, ME (comparative site)
LEF LTER OFFICIAL KEYWORDS (See table): EL
VERDE, BISLEY WATERSHEDS, LEF, MANGROVE, LOWER MONTANE WET, HURRICANE, DROUGHT,
DISTURBANCE, FLOOD, RAINFALL, PLANT GROWTH, PLANT LIFEHISTORY, PRIMARY PRODUCTION,
SEASONALITY, FERNS
PUBLICATIONS:
Sharpe, Joanne M. 1996. Growth and demography of sporophytes of Thelypteris
angustifolia in the Luquillo rainforest of Puerto Rico. In: J.M. Camus,
M. Gibby and R. J. Johns (Editors). Pteridology in Perspective, pp. 667-668,
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sharpe, Joanne M. 1997. Leaf growth and demography of the rheophytic fern Thelypteris angustifolia (Willdenow)
Proctor in a Puerto Rican rainforest. Plant Ecology 130: 203-212.
Sharpe, J. M. 1997. Temporal variation in leaf and spore production rates for
understory ferns of a Puerto Rican rainforest. American Jounal of Botany 84
Suppl. 6: 167.
Sharpe, J. M. 1999. Hurricane impact on the growth of a mangrove fern Acrostichum
danaeifolium. P. 526. In XVI International Botanical Congress - Abstracts.
Sharpe, J. M. in press (2010). Responses of the mangrove fern Acrostichum
danaeifolium langsd. & Fisch. (Pteridaceae, Pteridophyta) to disturbances
resulting from increased soil salinity and Hurricane Georges at the Jobos Bay
Nation Estuarine Research Reserve, Puerto Rico. Wetlands Ecology and
Management
Sharpe, J. M. and K. Mehltreter. in press (2010). Ecological insights
from population dynamics. in Mehltreter, K., Walker, L. R., and J. M. Sharpe
(eds). Fern Ecology. Cambridge University Press.
DISSEMINATION: UNRESTRICTED
REASONS TO RESTRICT DATA IN THIS DATA SET BEYOND ITS TWO YEAR POLICY PERIOD*:
*WILL HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY LTER PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS.
FILING
___ "File" copy only : Data Management will only
file an electronic copy of the data file and its documentation
X "Enter" data on-line : Data Management
will be in charge of entering the data on computer files (Contact Eda C.
Meléndez)
SITES DESCRIPTIONS: Luquillo Experimental
Forest, Sonadora, Espiritu Santo and Bisley Watersheds. Also
comparative sites at the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
(Aguirre, PR). For specific plot locations see code descriptions under
DATA VARIABLE Site Code.
SiteName,Latitude,Longitude,Comment,**Active:
Bisley 21: N18°18.880"; W 65°44.776"; Watershed 2,
stream edges, N of Forest Road; x;
Bisley 22: N18°18.856"; W 65°44.846"; Watershed 3,
W stream edge, N of Forest Road; x;
Bisley 23: N18°18.812"; W 65°44.174"; Watershed 4,
W stream edge just N of trail crossing;
Bisley 24: N18°18.834"; W 65°44.841"; Watershed 3,
N of Forest Road, 30 m E of Site 22; x;
Espiritu Santo 5: N18°18.660"; W 65°49.207"; Along tributary SE
of cement bridge, W of trail crossing ;
Espiritu Santo 10: N18°18.654"; W 65°49.166"; Along tributary SE
of cement bridge, E of trail crossing;
Espiritu Santo 36: N18°18.743"; W 65°49.330"; Cement bridge: site
is along Forest Road to W for 500 m; x;
Jobos Bay 26:
N17°57'13"; W 66°13'23"; Sugar
mill, (exact lat/lon not known*);
Jobos Bay 27:
N17°57'13"; W 66°13'23"; Sugar
mill, (exact lat/lon not known*);
Jobos Bay 28: N17°57'13"; W066°13'23"; Thermoelectric
plant, (exact lat/lon not known*);
Jobos Bay 29:
N17°57'13"; W 66°13'23"; Thermoelectric
plant, (exact lat/lon not known*);
Sonadora 1: N18°19.338"; W 65°49.093"; W of River,
N of suspension bridge, center of linear site; x;
Sonadora 2: N18°19.328"; W 65°49.090"; W edge of
River, N of suspension bridge;
Sonadora 3: N18°19.247"; W 65°48.981"; W edge of
River, S of suspension bridge;
Sonadora 4: N18°19.239"; W 65°48.923"; E of River,
S of suspension bridge;
Sonadora 6: N18°19.350"; W 65°49.089"; E edge of
River, E of N end of Site 1;
Sonadora 8: N18°19.273"; W 65°49.043"; W of River,
just S of suspension bridge; x;
Sonadora 9: N18°19.260"; W 65°49.057"; W of
suspension bridge, W of site 13; x;
Sonadora 11: N18°19.247"; W 65°48.981"; W edge of
River, S of suspension bridge, just N of site 3;
Sonadora 12: N18°19.238"; W 65°48.983"; W of River,
S of Sites 3 and 11; x;
Sonadora 13: N18°19.253"; W 65°49.020"; W of Site 15 in valley;
x;
Sonadora 15: N18°19.218"; W 65°49.008"; W of Sites 11 and
3 on ridge; x;
Sonadora 17: N18°19.291"; W 65°49.076"; Stream
edges just W of trail to bridge, N end of linear site; x;
Sonadora 18: N18°19.269"; W 65°49.027"; W of suspension bridge;
x;
Sonadora 25: N18°19.273"; W 65°49.043"; Same location as
Site 8; x;
Sonadora 30: N18°19.303"; W 65°48.989"; E of Sonadora,
NE of suspension bridge, S edge of Grid;
Sonadora 33: N18°19.278"; W 65°49.145"; W of Field
Station, S of trail; x;
Sonadora 34: N18°19.356"; W 65°49.118"; N of N end
of Site 1, W of River; x;
Sonadora SusBridge: N18°19.268"; W 65°49.016"; For
calibration
Geographical positional system (GPS) Coordinates for each location:
|
SiteName |
Latitude |
Longitude |
|
Bisley21 |
N18°18.880" |
W65°44.776" |
|
Bisley22 |
N18°18.856" |
W65°44.846" |
|
Bisley23 |
N18°18.812" |
W65°44.174" |
|
Bisley24 |
N18°18.834" |
W65°44.841" |
|
Espiritu Santo 5 |
N18°18.660" |
W65°49.207" |
|
Espiritu Santo 10 |
N18°18.654" |
W65°49.166" |
|
Espiritu Santo 36 |
N18°18.743" |
W65°49.330" |
|
JobosBay 26 |
N17°57'13" |
W66°13'23" |
|
JobosBay 27 |
N17°57'13" |
W66°13'23" |
|
JobosBay 28 |
N17°57'13" |
W66°13'23" |
|
JobosBay 29 |
N17°57'13" |
W66°13'23" |
|
Sonadora1 |
N18°19.338" |
W65°49.093" |
|
Sonadora2 |
N18°19.328" |
W65°49.090" |
|
Sonadora3 |
N18°19.247" |
W65°48.981" |
|
Sonadora4 |
N18°19.239" |
W65°48.923" |
|
Sonadora6 |
N18°19.350" |
W65°49.089" |
|
Sonadora8 |
N18°19.273" |
W65°49.043" |
|
Sonadora9 |
N18°19.260" |
W65°49.057" |
|
Sonadora11 |
N18°19.247" |
W65°48.981" |
|
Sonadora12 |
N18°19.238" |
W65°48.983" |
|
Sonadora13 |
N18°19.253" |
W65°49.020" |
|
Sonadora15 |
N18°19.218" |
W65°49.008" |
|
Sonadora17 |
N18°19.291" |
W65°49.076" |
|
Sonadora18 |
N18°19.269" |
W65°49.027" |
|
Sonadora25 |
N18°19.273" |
W65°49.043" |
|
Sonadora 30 |
N18°19.303" |
W65°48.989" |
|
Sonadora33 |
N18°19.278" |
W65°49.145" |
|
Sonadora34 |
N18°19.356" |
W65°49.118" |
|
Sonadora SusBridge |
N18°19.268" | W65°49.016" |
VARIABLES (ATTRIBUTES): See variable
document
FOR DATA MANAGER USE ONLY
DATE OF LAST REVIEW:
March 3, 2010
DATE OF LAST ENTRY: 2010
STAGE OF DATA SET MANAGEMENT (dates):
RECEIVED Jan 31, 1997
ENTERED: FILED Jan 31, 1997
ON-LINE:
REVIEWED BY RESEARCHER: January 9, 2010
FILING MEDIA:
NAME OF DOCUMENTATION FILE: LTERDB75.HTM
NAME OF DATA FILE: FERNGGGSSS.txt, where G=first 3 letters of genus, S=first
3 letters of species FERNMISC, FERMISC1, FERNPH02, FERNSEQ, FERNFLD, FERNFLDAD,
FERNFLD1 and FERNDATES
NAME OF ON - LINE CATALOG: LTERDBAS
RECORD #: 75
DOCUMENT TYPE: magnetic media only
PRIORITY TO BE ENTERED: N/A
Rev. date of this form: 27 April 2004