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Abstract
The FIREMON Cover/Frequency (CF) method is used to assess changes in plant species cover and frequency for a macroplot. This method uses multiple quadrats to sample within-plot variation and quantify statistically valid changes in plant species cover, height, and frequency over time. Because it is difficult to estimate cover in quadrats for larger plants, this method is primarily suited for grasses, forbs, and shrubs less than 3 ft (1 m) in height. Quadrats are placed systematically along randomly located transects. Cover is assessed by visually estimating the percent of a quadrat occupied by the vertical projection of vegetation onto the ground. Plant species frequency is recorded as the number of times a species occurs within a given number of quadrats. Frequency is typically recorded for plant species that are rooted within the quadrat.
Parent Publication
Citation
Caratti, John F. 2006. Cover/Frequency (CF). In: Lutes, Duncan C.; Keane, Robert E.; Caratti, John F.; Key, Carl H.; Benson, Nathan C.; Sutherland, Steve; Gangi, Larry J. 2006. FIREMON: Fire effects monitoring and inventory system. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-164-CD. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. CF-1-15
