measuring physical and biological factors

Physical factors

Microclimate/weather

  • Temperature

  • Humidity

  • Rainfall

  • Wind speed

Altitude

Latitude

Substrate characteristics

  • Type

  • Texture

  • Component

  • Temperature

Water characteristics

  • Temperature

  • Depth

  • Flow

  • Suspended solids

  • Inundation

  • Turbidity

Habitat features

  • Size

  • Shape age

  • Shelter

Inclination

  • Instability

  • Run off

Natural disturbance

  • Landslip

  • Flood

  • Fire

Management

  • Landscaping

Chemical Factors

Substrate characteristics

  • pH

  • Oxygen

  • Salinity

  • Organic content

  • Chemical elements

 

Water characteristics

  • pH

  • Oxygen content

  • Ammonia

  • Salinity

  • Conductivity

  • Chemical elements

Rainfall

  • pH

  • Sulphur dioxide

  • Nitrogen oxide levels

Nutrient levels

  • Nitrates

  • Phosphates

  • Sulphates

  • Calcium

  • Magnesium

  • Silicon

  • Micronutrients

 

Management

  • Liming

  • Fertilising

  • Detoxification

Biological factors

Food for heterotrophs

  • Seasonal availability

  • Quantity

  • Quality

  • Accessibility

 

Competition for resources

  • Space

  • Light

  • Food

  • Mates

Death and disease

  • Predation

  • Parasitism

  • Disease

  • Exploitation

  • Removal of pests

Vegetation features

  • Sward height

  • Diversity

  • Structure

  • Patchiness

 

Habitat features

  • Type diversity

  • Structure

Species features

  • Invasive species

  • Algal blooms

 

Disturbance

  • By humans

  • By animals

 

Management

  • Species removal

  • Species (re-) introduction

  • Habitat reclamation

  • Habitat rehabilitation

  • Habitat stabilisation

Habitat mapping

The method uses a standard habitat classification system

with each habitat type being mapped according to a standard colourpalette and mapping codes.

details of the habitats present and their botanical character are recorded in the form of habitat ‘target notes’

These are shown as numbers on the Phase 1 map and are cross-referenced to detailed descriptions of the habitats and plant species present in these particular location

Target notes are recorded in strategic locations across the survey area in order to provide details of both typical and unique areas of semi-natural habitat, as well as other important habitat/biodiversity features, including those too small to map accurately in the field.

Monitoring microclimactic variables

  • Climatic conditions crucial in development of organisms

 

  • Temperature-many animals avoid climatic extremes.

 

  • Wind speed-influence transpiration. Some can be drying others can be cooling

 

  • Tools such as weather stations, thermometers and anemometers

Monitoring water

  • Secchi disk

Chlorophyll  a concentration also measured

Other physical attributes

Dimensions

Aspect

Topography