106 years of population and community dynamics of Sonoran...

--

106 years of population and community dynamics of Sonoran Desert perennials at the Desert Laboratory (Tucson, Arizona)

Authors

Susana [email protected]

Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of ArizonaTucson, AZ85721

Helen [email protected]

U.S. Geological Survey520 N. Park AvenueTucson, AZ85719

Robert H. [email protected]

U.S. Geological Survey520 N. Park AvenueTucson, AZ85719

Raymond M. [email protected]

5132 East Fort Lowell RoadTucson, AZ85712

Larry [email protected]

Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of ArizonaTucson, AZ85721

Data files

We provide four types of data files: 1) *.csv files are comma delimited files with non-spatial information; 2) *.shp are ArcGIS v10 shape files (ESRI) which hold spatially explicit information; 3) *.tif files are scans of original maps; available upon request 4) *.zip compressed compilation of *.shp. The following list describes each file. 1. Plots.csv: General information about Spalding-Shreve plots2. Plot_corners.csv: Coordinates of plot corners3. px_y_disturbance.shp: Layer depicting disturbance areas for plot “x” in year “y”

1

12

34

5

6

789

1011

1213

mailto:[email protected]





4. px_y_boundary.shp: Layer depicting plot boundary for plot “x” in year “y”5. px_y_control.shp: Layer compiling control points used during census of plot “x” during

year “y”6. px_y_nodata.shp: Areas not surveyed in plot “x” and year “y” due to boundary a mismatch.7. Plot_Layers.zip: Compressed compilation of files type 3 to 5.8. px_y_trunks.shp: Layer compiling plant roots for plot “x” in year “y”9. px_y_crowns.shp: Layer compiling outline of plant canopies in plot “x” during year “y”10. Plant_Layers.zip: Compressed compilation of file types 7 and 811. Species.csv: Summary of plant codes and nomenclature of species detected12. Seedling_counts.csv: Summary of seedling counts during 1978 census13. Count_1906.csv: Transcription of Spalding’s unpublished notes (1906)14. O_y_Px.tif: Compressed version of scans of original maps for plot “x” in year “y”; available

upon request15. Stake_info.csv: General information on photographic stations16. Photo_info.csv: Specific information of repeat photographs taken of the Spalding-Shreve

plots

Abstract

This data set constitutes all information associated with the Spalding-Shreve permanent vegetation plots from 1906 through 2012, which is the longest-running plant monitoring program in the world. The program consists of detailed maps of all Sonoran Desert perennial plants in 30 permanent plots located on Tumamoc Hill, near Tucson, Arizona. Most of these plots are 10 m x 10 m quadrats that were established by Volney Spalding and Forrest Shreve between 1906 and 1928. Analyses derived from this data have been pivotal in testing early theories on plant community succession, plant life history traits, plant longevity, and population dynamics. One of the major contributions of this data set is the species-specific demographic traits that derived from estimating individual plant trajectories for more than 106 years. Further use of this data might shed light on spatially explicit population and community dynamics, as well as long-term changes attributable to global change. Data presented here consists of digital versions of original maps created between 1906 and 1984 and digital data from recent censuses between 1993 and 2012. Attributes associated with these maps include location and coverage of all shrubs, and, in some cases, plant height. In addition, we present plot-specific summaries of plant cover and density for each census year and all other information collected, including seedling counts, grass coverage, and annual species enumerations. We reference the repeat photography of these plots, which began with original photography in 1906; these images are stored at the Desert Laboratory Collection of Repeat Photography in Tucson. Initial data collection consisted of grid-mapping the plots manually on graph paper; starting in 1993, total stations were used to survey plant root bases and canopies.

2

12345

67

89

10111213141516

17

18192021222324252627

2829

303132333435

3637

Keywords

Sonoran Desert, long-term monitoring, permanent plots, vegetation change, population dynamics, community dynamics, longevity, Arizona.

3

1

23

-page 2-

106 years of population and community dynamics of Sonoran Desert perennial plants at the Desert Laboratory (Tucson, Arizona)

Introduction

Long-term monitoring of perennial plant populations provides insights into the mechanisms governing community assembly and dynamics. Here, we present data from the longest running individual plant-based permanent plot monitoring project in the world. In 1906, Volney Spalding established 18 permanent plots approximately 100 m2 in size on Tumamoc Hill, in Tucson, Arizona, USA. Spalding initially recorded the locations of plant trunks, but in 1910, Forest Shreve began mapping canopy outlines to add to the plant-trunk locations. In 1928, Shreve added 8 contiguous plots totaling 800 m2. Although some plots were destroyed by subsequent development, the remaining Spalding-Shreve plots have been periodically monitored since their establishment, resulting in a set of detailed maps depicting species location and canopy coverage, as well as a set of repeat photographs capturing plant community changes that have occurred over the last century.

Analyses of the Spalding-Shreve plots have greatly contributed to our understanding of plant community dynamics in general and Sonoran Desert plant communities in particular. At the beginning of last century, when Clements’ ideas of a superorganism started to take shape (Clements 1916), the analysis of between 8 to 30 years of change in Spalding-Shreve plots represented an excellent opportunity to test Clements’ paradigm (Shreve and Hinckley 1937). The lack of directional changes in community attributes was an indication that vegetation changes were controlled by a number of interacting conditions (Shreve and Hinckley 1937) and were not progressing towards a climax community, as would occur under Clementsian succession. Subsequent analyses by Murray (1959) and Bowers (2002 and 2005 a, b) demonstrated that these interacting conditions include species-specific climate control on recruitment and mortality and herbivory pressures that could decouple demographic and climatic trends. Goldberg and Turner (1986) found that although there were no consistent directional changes in vegetation composition after 72 years, sharp difference in species-specific dynamics were apparent, suggesting that long-term community dynamics is highly sensitive to exceptional climatic events (either wet or dry). In addition, by investigating the fate of individual plants over 72 years, Goldberg and Turner (1986) were able to estimate survival and lifespan for common species and to demonstrate clear correlations among several life-history traits. Most recent analyses of this dataset indicate that positive plant-plant interactions can buffer effects of low- and high-frequency climatic variations, leading to a decoupling between climatic and plant-community trajectories (Butterfield et al 2010). Munson et al. (2012) combined the Spalding-Shreve dataset with others in the region to relate changes in plant abundance to climate variability and predict future shifts in plant community composition. In this data paper, we present the full set of maps derived from censuses on Spalding-Shreve plots between 1906 and 2012. The archiving process was conducted in two stages. In 2001, the paper-map data were

4

1

23

4

5

67

89

1011121314151617

18192021222324252627

2829

303132333435

3637

3839

digitized; starting in 2010, data were compiled and subjected to strict quality control. Scans of original maps are provided along with digitized versions of plant-trunk locations, and plant-canopy outlines. In addition, we are providing a comprehensive enumeration of all available material related to these plots and their current location, including a digital version of Spalding’s unpublished notes (see section Table 7 for information on status and location of these notes); secondary, non-spatial information of the plots (plant heights, list of annuals, notes on disturbance); and a list of all photographs that show these plots.

Metadata

Class I: Data Set Descriptors

A. Data-set identityTitle: 106 years of population and community dynamics of Sonoran Desert perennial plants at the Desert Laboratory (Tucson, Arizona).

B. Data-set identification code:NA

C. Data-set descriptorsI.C.1. Originators: Raymond M. Turner -5132 East Fort Lowell Road, Tucson, AZ 85712, [email protected] and Robert H. Webb — U.S. Geological Survey, 520 N. Park Avenue, Tucson, AZ, 85719, [email protected] include H. Raichle — U.S. Geological Survey, 520 N. Park Avenue, Tucson, AZ, 85719, [email protected] – and Susana Rodriguez-Buritica —Department of Ecology and Evolution Biology, University of Arizona. Tucson, AZ 85701, [email protected]. Abstract: This data set constitutes all information associated with the Spalding-Shreve permanent vegetation plots from 1906 through 2012, which is the longest-running plant monitoring program in the world. The program consists of detailed maps of all Sonoran Desert perennial plants in 30 permanent plots located on Tumamoc Hill, near Tucson, Arizona. Most of these plots are 10 m x 10 m quadrats that were established by Volney Spalding and Forrest Shreve between 1906 and 1928. Analyses derived from this data have been pivotal in testing early theories on plant community succession, plant life history traits, plant longevity, and population dynamics. One of the major contributions of this data set is the species-specific demographic traits that derived from estimating individual plant trajectories for more than 106 years. Further use of this data might shed light on spatially explicit population and community dynamics, as well as long-term changes attributable to global change. Data presented here consists of digital versions of original maps created between 1906 and 1984 and digital data from recent censuses between 1993 and 2012. Attributes associated with these maps include location and coverage of all shrubs, and, in some cases, plant height. In addition, we present plot-specific summaries of plant cover and density for each census year and all other information collected, including seedling counts, grass coverage, and annual species

5

12345

67

8

9

1011121314151617

18192021222324252627

2829

303132333435

3637

3839


enumerations. We reference the repeat photography of these plots, which began with original photography in 1906; these images are stored at the Desert Laboratory Collection of Repeat Photography in Tucson. Initial data collection consisted of grid-mapping the plots manually on graph paper; starting in 1993, total stations were used to survey plant root bases and canopies.

D. Key words Sonoran Desert, long-term monitoring, permanent plots, vegetation change, population dynamics, plant longevity, data archiving, Arizona.

Class II: Research origin descriptors

A. Overall project description1. Identity: Long-term monitoring of Sonoran Desert perennial plant communities at the Spalding-Shreve Plots at the Desert Laboratory (Tucson, Arizona). 2. Originator: V. Spalding and F. Shreve, Desert Botanical Laboratory (between 1906 and 1928). More recently project has been lead by Raymond M. Turner -5132 East Fort Lowell Road, Tucson, AZ 85712, [email protected] and R. H. Webb —U.S. Geological Survey, 520 N. Park Avenue, Tucson, AZ, 85719, [email protected]. Period of Study: 1906-20124 Objective: To monitor cover and density of perennial plant communities in the Sonora Desert5 Abstract: Same as above6 Source(s) of funding: Carnegie Institute of Washington; U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Geological Survey; University of Arizona; National Science Foundation DEB 0817121 (LTREB) to D. L. Venable

B. Specific subproject description1. Site description: Site type: Tumamoc Hill rises 245 m above the surrounding alluvial plain to an elevation of 960 m (a.s.l.); it is within the 3.52 km2 of the Desert Laboratory owned by the University of Arizona. Vegetation of the Desert Laboratory is characteristic of the Arizona Upland Division of the Sonoran Desert (Goldberg and Turner (1986).Geography: The Desert Laboratory is located about 2 km west of downtown Tucson, Arizona (32o 13’ 12.281” N, 111o 0’ 16.098” W) on an outlier volcanic outcrop of the Tucson Mountains. Slopes at the Desert Laboratory ranges from predominantly gentle on the lower north aspect (mean= 63%) to steep along the south (mean=109%) and east (mean=129%) aspects. Habitat: Vegetation on Tumamoc hill is characteristic of Arizona Upland Division of Sonora Desert (Goldberg and Turner 1986). Dominant vegetation includes Cercidium microphyllum (Torr) Rose & I.M. Johnson, Carnegiea gigantea (Engelm.) Britt & Rose, Larrea tridentata (Moc & Sess) Cav. Fouquieria splendens Engelm., Ambrosia deltoidea (A. Gray) Payne, Encelia farinosa A. Gray, Aloysia wrightii (A. Gray) Heller, Opuntia engelmannii Salm-Dyck, and Ferocactus wislizeni (Engelm.) Britt & Rose as dominant species. The file plots.csv provides plot-specific descriptions as observed by Spalding in 1906.

6

12345

67

8

9

1011121314151617

1819202122

23

24252627

2829

303132333435

3637

38


Geology: Tumamoc Hill is dominated by volcanic rocks (Spencer et al. 2003), mostly Tumamoc basaltic andesite (middle Tertiary: ~23-24 Ma) along the north slopes and at the higher elevations along all other three sides of the mountain. At upper and middle slopes on the west, south, and east sides, the rocks are Tumamoc tuff (middle tertiary: ~ 26-28 Ma) and a conglomerate (~26-28 Ma). The lower slopes are dominated by Mafic volcanic rocks (early Tertiary or late Cretaceous), particularly on the west side, and basaltic andesite (~26-28 Ma). A large area of the Desert Laboratory to the west consists of colluvium and alluvium of mostly Quaternary Age dissected by washes (Webb and Turner, 2010). Soils on steep slopes generally are shallow and are clay soils with petrocalcic horizons and surficial colluvial basalt boulders. Sandy soils relatively free of rocks dominate the lower slopes (Phillips 1976). Many of the soils on higher geomorphic surfaces are middle Pleistocene to late Tertiary in age and have surfaces littered with caliche rubble that originated in petrocalcic horizons. Watershed/hydrology: Tumamoc Hill is drained by small ephemeral washes that form high-angle chutes on the steepest slopes of all four sides. Silvercroft Wash, with its headwaters west of the Desert Laboratory, passes across the northwestern quarter of the grounds. The alluvial landscape that constitutes the western half of the property is mostly attributed to sedimentation by this ephemeral wash. None of the Spalding-Shreve plots is situated in a xeroriparian setting.Site history: The Carnegie Institution of Washington established the Desert Botanical Laboratory (352 ha) in 1903. In 1907, the property was fenced in to exclude livestock grazing and prevent the extraction of rocks and vegetation (Shreve 1929), which had been occurring since 1858. This fencing means that the Desert Botanical Laboratory grounds represent the longest known restoration ecology site in the world (M. Rosenzweig, pers. Commun., 2011). In 1940, the Carnegie Institution transferred the property to the U.S. Forest Service, which sold it to the University of Arizona in 1956. At some unknown point in time, the name was shortened to Desert Laboratory. Further information about the history and other long-term projects at the Desert Laboratory can be found in Bowers (2010) and Webb and Turner (2010).Disturbance History: Several disturbances have affected plant community dynamics on the Desert Laboratory, including direct disturbances of some of the Spalding-Shreve plots that led to partial or complete plot destruction (see file Plots.csv for details). All plots had some amount of livestock grazing disturbance prior to fencing of the property in 1907. Road construction at various times is the main culprit in disturbing or destroying plots. In 1933, 1955, 1981, 2003, and 2004, several areas of the property were disturbed by the installation and subsequent replacement of gasoline and natural gas pipelines (Figure 1). Here, we summarize the major events based on a compilation by Janice Bowers in 2002, which can be found in the files at the Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill. Specific information regarding disturbance at each of the permanent plots is summarized in the file Plots.csv.1. Evidence of human activities at Tumamoc Hill date back to ca. 2300 years ago and suggests

an early agricultural period (Wallace et al 2007); at this time indigenous peoples build a town at the top of the hill that was surrounded by a trinchera (massive dry-laid masonry walls). During pre-columbian times, the Hohokam occupied Tumamoc hill leaving evidence of an extensive use for residence, farming, and ceremonial activities (A.D. 850-1300 –Wallace et

7

12345

67

89

1011121314151617

18192021222324252627

2829

303132333435

3637

3839

4041

al 2007). Between ca. 1450 and 1757 occupation and use of Tumamoc hill diminished; at the end of this period new colonial settlements are established near Tumamoc Hill and the city of Tucson is founded (1775).

2. Light cattle, horse, goat, and burro grazing between 1858 and 1907. Stocking rates are unknown.

3. In 1907, property was fenced and protected from grazing as well as removal of rocks and native plants.

4. In 1933, El Paso Natural Gas installed a natural-gas pipeline with a 9.14 m wide easement across the northeast side of the property.

5. In 1955, Southern Pacific constructed a 15.24 cm wide natural gas pipeline and a 20.32 cm wide petroleum pipeline (See Figure 1 for details) along with a 12.19 m wide easement on the west side of Tumamoc Hill. Kinder Morgan Energy Partners (KMEP) now owns this pipeline.

6. In 1981, a flood-control dike was constructed east of Silvercroft Wash and south of Anklam Road (Figure 1).

7. In 2003, KMEP installed a new 30.48 cm wide pipeline. The total construction easement was 27.43 m wide, although a narrow strip along the eastern edge of the easement was not re-disturbed. Cacti and ocotillos (O. engelmannii, Cylindropuntia versicolor (Engelm. Ex Toumey) F.M. Knuth, C. fulgida (Engelm), C. kleiniae (DC.) F.M. Knuth Carnegiea gigantea, F. wislizeni, Echinocereus fasciculatus (Engelm. Ex B.D. Jacks.) L.D. Benson, Mammillaria grahamii Engelm., F. splendens.) were salvaged from the easement and re-planted in 2004 along the easement. Except for the northernmost section (approximately 200 m in length), the entire easement was hydroseeded with seeds of shrubs and short-lived perennials.

8. In August 2003, El Paso Natural gas replaced portions of the pipeline and installed a launcher station at City Gate #1. A section of easement about 192 m in length and 9.6 m in width was cleared of vegetation. F. splendens, cacti (O. engelmannii, C. versicolor, E. fasciculatus, F. wislizeni, C. gigantea, M. grahamii), and shrubs and trees (Prosopis velutina Wooton, Cercidium microphyllum, Acacia constricta A. Gray, F. splendens) were salvaged and replanted.

9. In January 2004, the El Paso Natural Gas revegetated the easement. Salvaged plants were transplanted along with shrubs and cacti (A. deltoidea, L. tridentata, Krameria grayi Rose & Painter, F. splendens, O. engelmannii, C. versicolor) from a nursery. Salvaged shrubs and trees were transplanted to the outside edge of the easement. In mid-January 2004, the easement was hydroseeded with seeds of shrubs and short-lived perennials. The seed mix included warm-season and cool-season germinators.

10. Between 2004 and 2005, El Paso Natural Gas easement was sprinkler-irrigated. A series of matched photographs (Stake 905 in file Stake_Info.csv) taken in 1958, 1978, and 2003 show that considerable recovery occurred on the easement between 1955 and 2003.

8

12345

67

89

1011121314151617

18192021222324252627

2829

303132333435

3637

3839

11. In 2005, drilling was conducted along the flood-control dike, causing local, light damage; shrubs and cacti were crushed by heavy equipment, and the ground was rutted where vehicles drove.

Climate: Mean annual precipitation at Tumamoc Hill is approximately 298 mm, with 36% of precipitation occurring between November and March and 53% occurring between June and September (Webb and Turner, 2010). Considering the decadal variability in precipitation, Turner (2003) identified two wet and two dry periods affecting the Desert Laboratory since 1906 (shades in Table 1). The two wet periods are from 1906 to 1940 and from mid 1970s to 1998, while the drought periods were from the mid-1940s to early 1960s and the 12 years following 1999 (Turner et al. 2003). 2. Experimental design: Area selectionIn 1906, V. M. Spalding established eighteen 10 m x 10 m and two 1 m x 1 m permanent plots in several habitats on the Desert Laboratory grounds. The reason for the exact plot locations is unknown, but they appear to represent the dominant plant communities at the Desert Laboratory (Spalding, unpublished notes, 1906). The purpose of these plots was to record changes in perennial and annual plants through time. The two 1 m x 1 m plots were designed to monitor yearly changes in annual plants (Shreve 1929), but data collected from these plots could not be located for archiving. When the 10 m x 10 m plots were established, one of the main objectives was to monitor the recovery of plant populations after grazing was excluded from the Desert Laboratory grounds in 1907 (Shreve 1937). Some plots were established for the purpose of following specific species through time or to illustrate particular growing conditions of plant communities (See file Plots.csv for details). Once the site of each plot was selected, Spalding permanently marked the corners with four stakes around which stones where piled. Later, these markers were replaced by metal rods set in concrete (Shreve 1937). Later still, missing corner markers were replaced with rebar or aluminum angle iron. As a result, several different corner markers are now present on some plots. Nevertheless, the loss of some markers has prevented the re-location of some plots (plot 8 and 17), as well as the spatial precision of some censuses in the remaining plots (see Plots.csv)

Between 1910 and 1928, F. Shreve established two additional areas of observation; one with the purpose of monitoring annual seedling establishment and changes in several shrub species (area A, established in 1910, Figure 1), and the other with the purpose of monitoring grass establishment (area B, established 1928; Shreve 1937, Figure 1). The latter area consists of eight contiguous 10 m x 10 m plots for a total of 800 m2, which was extended in 2010 to 0.1 ha by adding two additional 10 m x 10 m plots, See file Plots.csv for a detailed description of the plots and Section IV.B for an explanation of the file variables.

9

12345

67

89

10

11

121314151617

18192021222324252627

2829

303132333435

36

Data collection period and frequencyRemeasurement of Spalding-Shreve plots involved two activities: 1) censusing plants by a survey method and 2) photographing the plots. During a census, one or several of the following were recorded: presence/absence of all perennial species as previously discussed, location of root bases for each individual plant, and measurement of canopy for each individual plant. Repeat photography used standard methods to locate the original camera station(s) for plot photographs, mark those locations (generally with rebar), and replicate the image. The following sections describe the methods used during plant censusing and repeat photography. Goldberg and Turner (1986) and Webb and Turner (2010) offer a more detailed account of data-collection history.

10

Figure 1. Known and approximate locations of Spalding-Shreve permanent plots at Tumamoc Hill. Of the original 19 Spalding plots, only 16 have current or approximate locations. Some locations of lost plots (red symbols) were approximated using repeat photography. Location of plots 18-19 could not be determined, although plot 19 corresponds to a denuded 1 x 1 m plot; there is no information regarding plot 13. The map also shows the current boundary of the Desert Laboratory (property boundary) and the location of pipelines along which major disturbance took place.

23

45

6789

1011

Plant density and coverCensuses have been mostly conducted in the winter months of November to April

(Shreve 1937). Table 1 summarizes data collection schedules, and Table 2 specifies the dates of each census. Spalding and Shreve avoided annually mapping on these plots because, at the time (between 1906 and 1937), they were monitoring plant community recovery after grazing prohibition, and they preferred to wait until the vegetation more completely recovered from the disturbance (Shreve 1937). Since then, mapping of annuals ceased (except for a presence/absence enumeration in 1983) and perennial censuses have been conducted at irregular intervals. For details about the kind of data collected at each census see Section II.B.3. Plot photographsIn addition to mapping perennial shrubs, Spalding and Shreve photographed several of the plots using large-format cameras with plate-glass or flexible-film negatives. In many images, the plot number and date were printed directly onto the negative. These images – both negatives and prints – were part of the larger collection of imagery stored at the Desert Laboratory. In the 1950s, Raymond M. Turner made prints from the original negatives or, in some cases, copy negatives from prints for which the negatives had been lost, and began replicating the images. Matching of old photographs began in 1960, when James R. Hastings and R. M. Turner used repeat photography to study bioclimatology of vegetation change in the Sonoran Desert (Webb et al. 2007), including the Desert Laboratory. In addition to matching the photographs from Spalding-Shreve plots, Turner established new photographic stations for plots for which there were no original images. Since then, repeat photographs have been taken in parallel with census efforts. For more details about repeat photography procedures see Section II.B.3.

Table 3 summarizes the number and frequency of photographs taken on the Spalding-Shreve permanent plots. Files Stake_Info.csv and Photo_Info.csv summarize details associated with each matched photograph. Photographs are permanently stored as part of the Desert Laboratory Collection of Repeat Photography. Figure 2 provides a sample of the post-processed matches for plot B7.

11

1

2345

67

89

10

11121314151617

1819202122232425262728

Table 1. Census schedule for Spalding-Shreve plots. For each cell, the presence of letters indicates that a census was conducted (see Section II.B.3 for a detailed description on data collection). Capital letters indicate which functional group was censused: P=perennial plants except grasses, A=annuals, G=perennial grasses. Lowercase letters indicate the data type recorded: l=list of species but not canopy outlines, t=only root crowns were mapped, c=all canopies but not all root crowns were mapped, P (without t or c data type descriptor) = both canopies and trunks were mapped. Plot 13 and 19 were excluded from this table; there is no information regarding plot 13, which presumably correspond to one of the 1 m x 1 m plots. Plot 19 was the other 1 m x 1 m plot; it was denuded area, and there was no information about this plot except a photograph taken in 1906. Shading indicates years considered within the wet decadal periods (Turner 2003, Webb and Turner 2010)

Plot

1906

1910

1928

1929

1936

1948

1957

1959

1960

1967

1968

1969

1974

1975

1978

1983

1984

1985

1993

2001

2010

2011

2012 Total

maps

1 Pt, Al 12 Pt, Al 13 Pt, Al 14 Pt, Al PG P Al PG PG PG PG 75 Pt 16 Pt, Al 17 Pt, Al PG P Al PG PG PG 68 Pt, Al 19 Pt, Al P P, Al Al PG PG P 610 Pt, Al PG PG PG PG 511 Pt, Al P PG PG PG PG PG PG PG Al PG PG PG PG 1312 Pt, Al P PG PG PG PG PG PG Al PG PG PG PG 1214 Pt, Al PG PG Al PG PG PG 615 Pt, Al P P PG PG P PG PG PG Al PG PG PG 12

12

1234567

8

9

16 Pt, Al P PG PG P PPcG

PG P PGAl

PG PG PG PG 14

17 Pt, Al P PG PG Al 418 Pt 1

Area A NA Pl Pl Pl Pl PlArea B NA P PG PG P PG PG Al PG PG PG 9Total plots

18 2 12 1 13 13 9 2 2 1 16 1 1 3 1717

12 4 2 17 14 16

Table 2. Specific dates for each census of the Spalding-Shreve plots. Rows indicate the years plots were read and columns designate plots. Dates within cells indicate the month and the day when censuses were conducted. Dates within parenthesis correspond to additional census dates when census on annuals or grasses (dates with a preceding “g”) were conducted; X is used when specific dates are unknown. A single number indicates the month of the census in cases when no information about the specific days was available. Shading indicates years considered within the wet decadal periods (Turner 2003, Webb and Turner 2010).

Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 161906

2.15 (2.28)

2.15 (2.28)

2.15 (2.15)

2.16 (3.13)

2.16

2.16 (3.13)

2.21 (3.15)

2.21 (3.15)

2.21 (2.27)

2.21 (2.27)

2.24(3.28)

2.24(3.28)

2.26 (3.28)

3.1 (4.2)3.1

(3.1)1910

4 5

1928

11.2 11.3 11.25

1929

2.27

1936

4.8 4.1 2.17 2.3

13

12

345

67

1948

X X X X

1957

6.1

1959

1110.13-10.17

1960

2.18 3.1

1967

12.12

1968

3.6 12.13 3.12 4.8 1.22 1.31 1.8 4.19

1969

4.2

1974

11.24-28

1975

6.15-19,29

(g8.21)

9.9,16,20 (g6)

6

1978

1.30-2.15

(3.23)

3.31-4.4

1. 5-7, 25

04.7,104.13,18-

194.19-21

04.11-13

04.21,24 4.2

1983

(4.21) (4.8) (4.22) (4.8) (4.8) (4.15) (4.19) (4.20)

1984

12.10-12 12.12 12.18 12.17

1985

3.21 3.26 4.8 4.9

14

1993

5.15 5.13

2001

4.3 4.9 X 3.27 2.13 2.16 3.26 2.23 2.15

2010

4.19 5.11 4.27 4.14

2011

4.5

2012

3.15 3.83.14 &

5.11

3.7 & 5.9

3.2 & 3.13

3.13

15

1

Table 2 Continued. Specific dates for each census of the Spalding-Shreve plots. Rows indicate the years plots were read and columns designate plots. Dates within cells indicate the month and the day when censuses were conducted. Dates within parenthesis correspond to additional census dates when census on annuals or grasses (dates with a preceding “g”) were conducted; X is used when specific dates are unknown. A single number indicates the month of the census in cases when no information about the specific days was available.

Year 17 18 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9 B10

190603.1(4.2)

3.7(3.7

)1928 12.2 X X X X X X X X1929

1936 2.24 3.163.17

3.16 3.1 3.43.17

3.4 3.1

1948 X X2.13

X 3.4 2.14 X X 2.28

1957 3.26 4.8 4.22 4.12 4.255.16

4.27 6.3

1968 1.121.12

1.12 1.12 1.151.15

1.15 1.15

1978 2.153.27

2.22(g3.22)

3.23 3.283.29

3.28 3.29

1983 4.22 4.184.18

4.18 4.18 4.184.18

4.18 4.18

1984 6.1 6.1 6.14 6.14 6.146.15

6.14 6.15

2001 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

2010 4.284.28

5.4 5.5 4.294.29

5.4 4.295.5

5.5

3. Research methodsField methods Field protocolDifferent methods have been used to census plants growing inside each of the Spalding-Shreve plots. Between 1906 and 1978, the census protocol broadly consisted in mapping the location of each perennial shrub. As a guide in this process, censuses were conducted using a cord grid to

16

1

2345

67

8

9

10

1112

13

divide the plot into one-meter squares. Cords were placed near the ground when possible or in rare occasions, over a plant’s canopy with the help of pins to secure the location of the rope before and after the canopy (Goldberg and Turner 1986). Mapping was done on graph paper on which the meter squares were divided into square decimeters (dm2). In 1906, plant trunks were mapped on graph paper at a scale of 1 cm = 1 m on the ground (1:100 scale; Spalding, unpublished notes, 1906). Later, this procedure was done using 25.5 cm x 25.5 cm graph paper so the scale used was 2.55 cm=1 m on the ground. In 1984-1985, a plane table and alidade were used for mapping and final maps were generated in Mylar-type film. There is no specific information on the procedures used in these censuses. Previous to 1985, plots were represented as squares of 10 m on each side; nevertheless, when a Total Station was used in later censuses, it was evident that some of the plots were not squares. For details on corrections associated with this issue see Section V.E.

Starting in 1993, a total station (TS), which incorporates a laser electronic distance meter (EDM), was used in combination with a reflector prism mounted on a stadia rod to record the position of the trunks and the size of the canopies. Theoretically, the accuracy of each surveyed point is on the order of millimeters, but practically, survey data is probably accurate to the footprint of the stadia rod (around 2-4 cm). For each plant, the base of the root crown and a few points along the canopy border were recorded.

Independent of the instruments used, in every census, the plants rooted inside the plots were mapped with the location of root crown and canopy outline. For plants rooted outside the plots, only the part of the canopy inside each plot was mapped. In general, only living plants were mapped. If dead plants were mapped, they were labeled as such. In the following section we summarize the particular criteria using during each census.Specific criteria used during each censusIn the following paragraphs, we describe the variations over the general protocol and any specific criteria used during particular field censuses. Information for this section was extracted from unpublished field notes and personal notes, draft and final maps, and publications.

In 1906, all perennial plants were mapped except Dichelostemma capitatum Alph. Wood due to the difficulty seeing all individuals of this geophyte in the quadrat (Spalding, unpublished notes, 1906). Spalding mapped the annual alfilerilla or filaree (Erodium cicutarium –L.- L’Hér. Ex Aiton) to monitor its invasion; while Chamaesyce capitellata (Engelm.) Millsp. was not mapped because it was not recognized as a perennial at the time. In addition to mapping the position of the trunks, all perennial species were identified and their heights categorized in accordance with Table 4. Finally, Spalding listed the annual species present at the time of the census with some notes on their abundance. This information is summarized in file Count1906.csv

17

12345

67

89

1011121314151617

181920212223

24

252627

2829

303132333435

3637

Table 3. Number of photographs taken of Spalding-Shreve plots. Numbers in each cell are the total number of photographs associated with each plot, which includes photographs from different stations and different photographs at the same station.

Plot19

0619

2819

58

1959

1960

1962

1968

1969

1974

1975

1978

1986

1987

1988

1995

1999

2009

2010 Total

per plot

1 1 12 1 13 1 14 1 1 1 1 1 1 65 1 1 1 1 46 1 17 1 1 1 1 48 1 19 1 2 2 510 1 111 1 1 1 4 2 912 1 1 1 314 1 115 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 3 1416 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 1019 1 1

Area B 18 15 2 9 8 52Totalper year

12 2 0 3 2 1 7 1 1 9 22 17 2 2 1 1 9 23 115

Table 4. Height categories used by V. Spalding during the 1906 census. Information derived from Spalding (unpublished notes, 1906).

Species Small Medium LargeLarrea tridentata <0.5m 0.5-1.5m >1.5mCercidium microphyllum <1m 1-2m >2mFouquieria splendens <1m 1-2m >2mProsopis velutina <2m 2-4m >4mLycium berlandieri <0.5m 0.5-1m >1mCeltis pallida <0.5m 0.5-1m >1m

18

123

4

56

7

Between 1910-1936, censuses did not include bulbous or herbaceous perennials that are hard to identify in the dry months, such as Delphinium scaposum Greene and Anemone decapetala (Poepp.) Ard. This criterion was also applied in censuses between 1968 and 1985, as well as during censuses between 2010 and 2012. Although there is no explicit documentation, this criterion was probably applied in all other censuses between 1948 and 1968 as well as in 2001. Despite the criterion, when censuses were conducted later in the spring, some species regularly excluded were mapped wherever present (e.g. 1978). Care should be taken in statistics derived for species with a highly sensitive detection threshold (e.g., Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia (Hook. & Arn.) Rydb., Glandularia gooddingii (Briq.) Solbrig., and Ayenia pusilla L.). Carlowrightia arizonica A. Gray, Haplophyton cimicidum A.DC., Menodora scabra Engelm. Ex A.G., and Siphonoglossa longiflora (Torr.) A. Gray are difficult to distinguish and they never appear together in some plots, which suggests potential misidentifications (Goldberg and Turner 1986). See file Species.csv for description on the quality of plant identifications throughout the censuses.

Other information has been recorded in some censuses but not in others (), including: information on the size of root crowns, explicit recognition of plant clusters for which individual canopies cannot be determined (e.g. Calliandra eriophylla Benth. or Tiquilia canescens (A. DC.) A.), explicit identification of seedlings, recording of dead plants or dead parts of plants, and grasses (e.g. Aristida sp., Bouteloua sp., Pleuraphis sp.).

In area B, Aristida glauca (Nees) Walp , Aristida ternipes Cav., along with Digitaria californica (Benth.) Henrard, Sporobolus R. Br., Pleuraphis sp. Kunth, and Muhlenbergia porteri Scribn were only explicitly mapped in 1936, 1948, 1968, 1978 (R.M. Turner’s unpublished notes), and in 2010.

The height of some species was recorded on the map in 1906, 1928, 1936, 1960, 1968, 1975, 1978, 1984, and 1985; measurements were typically done for large plants like L.

19

12345

67

89

1011121314151617

181920212223242526

tridentata, F. splendens, A. constricta, P. velutina, C. microphyllum, and C. gigantea. This information is included in the files *trunks.shp.

In the 1948 census, field notes included measurements of height and notes on general condition of all plants; from these notes, dead and new plants can be clearly identified, as well as plants with multiple trunks. This information is included in the file *trunks.shp and *crowns.shp

In 1957, all perennials were mapped except perennial grasses and Baileya multiradiata Harv. & Gray, Ditaxis lanceolata (Benth.) Pax and Hoffman, and Bahia absinthifolia Benth. Seedlings of Psilostrophe cooperi (A. Gray) Greene were not mapped. In addition, large canopies at the border of two contiguous plots were only mapped for the plot where the root crown was located (Murray, unpublished notes, 1957 –see Table 7 for location of these notes). During the archiving process, we completed the polygons representing the canopy of these plants so each plot map has all the plants with canopies inside each plot (see Section V.E for details)

There is no specific information about mapping protocols for 1984-2001 censuses, but maps only contained perennial species. Seedlings and clusters were not explicitly identified, and dead plants/parts were not recorded.

In 1993, some plant canopies were approximated using ellipsoids. For this purpose, instead of mapping the canopy perimeter, researchers measured the maximum length (a) and the length perpendicular to the maximum (b) and estimated canopy area using the equation (A=πab/4). During archiving in 2010, these ellipsoids were converted to a circle of diameter given by the squared root of 2A/π because the directions of the a and b diameters was not recorded. These plants are explicitly identified as PointCircles in the attribute table (see Section IV.B.6). See Section V. E.1 for more details on the archiving process. In addition, for all plants with canopies inside the plot, the entire canopy was clipped to plot borders during post-census processing in 2010.

In 2001, mapping was conducted in three steps. First, the size and location of each perennial plant was recorded using a total station (TS) surveying instrument. At least 4 points were taken around the perimeter of each plant’s canopy; but for small plants only 2 points were taken, and in some cases only the root crown. In this last case, plants were referred to as points (see Section V.B) and usually represent seedlings, although they were not explicitly recognized as such. In a second step, canopy points recorded by the TS were connected and smoothed by hand in the field. (see Instrumentation below for more information about census protocols). Finally, these hand-drawn canopies were then digitized in ArcView and clipped to plot borders. Only living plants and latent plants were included. Grasses were not censused.

During 2010-2012 censuses TS was also used during surveys. The survey was conducted with one person operating the instrument, a second person keeping track of the plant being measured by the TS , as well as recording additional information on each plant (height and diameter), and at a third person handling the prism. In these years, the following mapping protocols were used: only perennial shrubs and grasses were included, and only live plants were mapped. For each mapped plant, the root crown and at least 3 points were recorded for the canopy; the final number of points taken was such that the overall canopy shape was fully

20

12345

67

89

1011121314151617

18192021222324252627

2829

303132333435

3637

3839

4041

captured. For plants whose canopy could be approximated by a regular geometric figure (usually a circle), no canopy points were recorded; instead, diameter was measured and later used to approximate the canopy as a circle or, in one case as a rectangle, centered at the root crown location. These plants are explicitly identified as PointCircles (or PointRectangle) in the attribute table (see Section IV.B.6). For saguaros (C. gigantea), only the perimeter of the trunk was mapped—the trunk was always approximated as a centroid (see Section IV.B.6 for details about centroid estimations). For plants rooted outside the plot, the canopy inside the plot was mapped and extended several decimeters beyond the plot border, but later clipped to the plot border. Seedlings were mapped as points, although they were not consistently identified as such. In plots with mass germination/establishment of certain species, notably Encelia farinosa, groups of seedlings were collectively mapped and described; the area of each cluster was approximated by a circle with a field recorded diameter. See Section V.E for details of the processing of this data during the archiving process. In 2010-2012, height of all plants was measured as the length between the root crown and the top of the tallest live, vegetative branch.

Table 5. Year-specific information collected during Spalding-Shreve censuses.

YearMapping method

Spatial information

Non- spatial information

UncertaintiesProject director

Field crew

1906

Cord grids and

coordinate paper

Trunk of perennials

Height categories

of perennials,

list of annuals

Seedlings were mapped but not

explicitly identified

V. Spalding

V. Spalding

1910

Cord grids and

coordinate paper

Trunk and canopy of

perennials. Dead and new plants distinguished

Height of some plants



F. Shreve F. Shreve

1928/29

Cord grids and

coordinate paper

Trunk and canopy of

perennials. Dead and new plants distinguished in

some plots




F. ShreveBruce Gerard,

F. Shreve

21

12345

67

89

1011121314

15

16

1936

Cord grids and

coordinate paper

Trunk and canopy of perennials.

Trunks distinguished by size. Dead and

new plants distinguished.

Clusters of plants clearly

identified. Areas with grasses were mapped




F. ShreveArthur

Hinckley, F. Shreve

1948

Cord grids and

coordinate paper


Trunks distinguished by size. Dead and

new plants were distinguished.

Clusters of plants clearly

identified. Areas with grasses and seedlings were

mapped

Height and condition of all old and new plants

Lack of information on

species excluded, if

any

Robert Darrow

Jack Kaiser

1957

Cord grids and

coordinate paper


None

Seedlings were probably mapped

although not explicitly identified

R.M. Turner

Ann Murray, R.M. Turner

22

1959/60

Cord grids and

coordinate paper

Trunk and canopy of

perennials. In 1960, areas with

grasses were mapped


in 1960



any. Seedlings were probably

mapped although not


R.M. Turner

Lee Applegate, Jeff Conn, Richard Dodge,

Deborah Goldberg,

Otto Grosz, Terry

Gustafson, T. E. A. van

Hylckama, R.M. Turner,

Douglas Warren,

Patrick Zeller1967/68/69

Cord grids and

coordinate paper

Trunk and canopy of

perennials. Dead plants were

distinguished. Areas with

grasses were mapped.

Disturbed areas mapped


was recorded




mapped although not

explicitly identified in

1967 and 1969

R.M. Turner

1974/1975 Cord grids and

coordinate paper

Trunk and canopy of

perennials. Dead plants and dead plant parts were recorded. Areas with grasses and seedlings were

mapped


was recorded



any.

R.M. Turner

23

1978

Cord grids and

coordinate paper

Trunk and canopy of

perennials. Dead plants and dead plant parts were recorded. Areas with grasses and seedlings were mapped during

census and in the following summer


was recorded



any.

R.M. Turner

1983 NA NA

List of annuals and

notes on frequency

Uncertainty on information on plot 17 as this plot does not

have permanent

corner marks

J. Bowers

1984/1985Plane

table and alidade

Trunk and canopy of perennials.Areas with

grasses were mapped


was recorded




mapped although not


R.M. Turner

1993Total

station(TS)


None



R. H. Webb

Gary Bolton, J. Bowers,

Mia Hanson, R. H. Webb

2001 TSTrunk and canopy of perennials.

None

Seedlings were probably mapped

although not explicitly identified

Julio Betancourt

J. Bowers, Lara Mitchell, Qinfeng Guo

24

2010 TSTrunk and canopy of perennials.

Height of most plants

was recorded



R. H. Webb

H. Raichle, Diane BoyerR.M. Turner, Seth Munson

2011 TS


Seedlings were mapped and


Height of all plants was recorded

and diameter for most plants

R. H. Webb

H. Raichle, Diane Boyer, S. Rodriguez-

Buritica

2012 TS


Seedlings were mapped and


Height of all plants was recorded

and diameter for most plants

R. H. Webb

H. Raichle, Shinji

Carmichael,R.M. Turner, S. Munson, S.

Rodriguez-Buritica

Repeat photography protocolsIn 1906, V. Spalding photographed each of the permanent plots that he established, and his notes describe where the photograph was taken. Since the plots were established, several photographs have been taken from near exactly the same location as Spalding’s photographs. Photographs taken before 1960 did not have written descriptions of how the photograph was taken, so the process of matching the photograph relies only on photointerpretation.

Since 1960, Turner has photographed most of the Spalding-Shreve plots from the original locations. Matching the original photographs entailed first locating approximate where the original was taken, and following parallax principles to established the original location of the camera station (Webb et al. 2010). Once the correct location of the camera station was determined, the site was permanently marked using a metal stake, large nail, or cairn. For each station geographic coordinates were determine by either reading a topographic map, or in recent years by using a hand-held global positioning system (GPS) receiver. For each replicate photograph the azimuth (or bearing) of the view, the camera’s vertical tilt and height above ground level were recorded as well as the camera model, lenses, filters, film numbers, exposures, date, time, names of photographer and crew. Figure 2 documents the available photographs. Files Stake_Info.csv and Photo_Info.csv compile the detailed information about each photograph in the collection. See section III.B.2 for contact information regarding this collection.InstrumentationThe following section summarized the specifics of the instruments used during each census (Table 6).

25

1

2

3456789

10

1112

1314

151617181920

2122

Table 6. Attributes of Instruments used to census Spalding-Shreve plots. More detailed information about the camera used for each of the repeat photographs can be found in file Photo_Infor.csv

Measurement InstrumentYear of usage

Maker ModelManufacturer’s

AccuracyPrecision in

the fieldRepository of

Raw data

Plot LocationGPS

2010-2012

Garmin 76CSx<10m and DGPS

3-5 m3m (in 2012)

USGS, Tucson

RTK2010-2012

TrimbleR6 and 5800

2 cm 2cmUSGS, Tucson

Plant location and cover

Plane table/alidade

1984-1985

No info No info No info 1dm NA

TS1993 Leitz Set-4C

+- 6 seconds(5mm+5ppm)

NAUSGSTucson

TS 2001 Topcon 211D+-5 seconds

(3mm+2ppm)NA

USGS,Tucson

TS2010-

11Leica

TPS 1200

+-1 second(3mm+2ppm)

NAUSGS,Tucson

Plant height and diameter

(see section V.E)

Measuring tape

2010-2012

NA NA NA 1 cmUSGS,Tucson

Camera tilt and azimuth

Pocket Transit

2010-2012

Brunton

NA No Info NAUSGS, Tucson

Taxonomy and systematicsThroughout this document and in all files associated with this project, we have used the accepted nomenclature reported in The Plant List (2010). In addition, file Species.csv, which summarizes the taxonomy treatment of species during the census, also includes the corresponding species codes reported in PLANTS database (USDA 2012). For more information on the flora of the Desert Laboratory, see Bowers and Turner (1985). Permit historyNo permits are required for work at the Desert Laboratory. Permission from the Science Coordinator is necessary to ensure that measurements are made in accord with the accepted protocols for measurement and archiving of data.Legal/organizational requirementsNo additional legal or organizational requirements are necessary beyond coordination with the Science Coordinator.

26

123

4

56

78

91011121314

1516

17

4. Project Personnel summarizes the people involved in each census. This information was compiled by J. Bowers around 2004 and was updated in March 2012.

Class III. Data set status and accessibility

A. Status1. Latest updateJuly 20122. Latest archive dateJuly 20123. Metadata StatusJuly 20124. Data verificationJuly 2012

B. Accessibility1. Storage location and mediumTable 7 summarizes the location and medium of field notes, maps, and summary tables for each census. Specific information about how this data was archived can be found in section V.ETable 7. Storage location and medium of all material related to the Spalding-Shreve permanent plots. Nomenclature: SCUA= Special Collections at Main Library of the University of Arizona, Tucson Ref: AZ560 Box 30; USGS= R. H. Webb project, USGS, Tucson Arizona; DLC= Tumamoc Hill Library of the University of Arizona, Tucson.

Data ID Material MediumCensus Years

Storage locations

Update status

Spalding Field Notes

Original Spalding’s unpublished notes for

plots 11-18, which include original maps

Paper 1906 SCUA NA

SpaldingField Notes

Copies of Spalding’s unpublished notes for

plots 1-10, which include copies of

original maps

Paper 1906 SCUA NA

Spalding Field Notes

Copies of Spalding notes for plots 1-18

and copies of original maps

Paper 1906 DLC NA

Census Maps Original Maps and Paper, 20x20 1906-1985 SCUA NA

27

1

23

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1314

15

1617

18192021

Original Copies of maps for censuses on plots 4,7,9,10-12,14-

16 and B1-B8

cm graph paper maps

CensusMaps

Copies of maps for censuses on plots

4,7,9,10-12,14-17 and B1-B8

Paper, 20x20 cm graph paper

maps1906-1985 DLC NA

Kaiser Field notes

Original J. Kaiser’s field notes which

include plant height and condition

Notebook 1948 SCUA NA

Kaiser Field Notes

Copies of J. Kaiser’s field notes which

include plant height and condition

Xerox copies 1948 DLC NA

Murray NotesSome original notes

by Ann MurrayPaper 1957-1959 SCUA NA

Others Field Notes

Some original field notes and quadrant

tallies by J. Kaiser, A. Murray, R.M. Turner,

and D. Goldberg

Paper 1948-1978 DLC NA

Plot Summaries

Plot quadrant tallies, summary of plant cover and species density per plot

generated by R.M. Turner and D.

Goldberg

Paper 1906-1985 DLC NA

Plot A Information

Plot A Species enumerations

Paper1910,1928,1936,1969,

1978DLC NA

1983 Annual lists

Annual lists and frequencies

for plots4,7,9,11-12,14-17 and

B1-B8

Paper 1983 DLC NA

Correspondence Correspondence associated with

Paper 1906-2001 SCUA NA

28

permanent plot censuses

2001 maps

Reprint of Maps for plots

4,7,9,10-12,14-16 and B1-B8

Paper/Digital 1906-2001

SCUA (Paper)DLC

(Digital/Paper)USGS

(Digital)

OutdatedFor up-to-

date information use USGS collection

2001Summaries

Reprints of 2001 summaries of plant

cover and density for plots 4,7,9,10-12,14-

16 and B1-B8

Paper/Digital 1906-2001

SCUA (Paper)DLC

(Digital/Paper)USGS

(Digital)

OutdatedFor up-to-

date information use USGS collection

2012 FilesAll files referenced in

section IV.A

*shp files for maps,

*.csv for summaries,

taxonomy tables included in this

document*.tif for scans of

original maps and photographs

1906-2012 USGS Up-to date

PhotosRepeat photographs referenced in section

IV.A

Photographic paper and original

negatives

1906-2012 USGS NA

Photos

Paper copies of original photographs for plots 2, 3, 8-10,

and 19

Photographic paper

1906 SCUA NA

Repeat photographyCopies of the prints (or printouts), field notes, and any other relevant information are stored in the Desert Laboratory Collection of Repeat Photography at the USGS in Tucson, Arizona. Electronic copies of images are stored both as non-manipulated, high-resolution master TIF file

29

1234

(LZW compression) as well as the digitally matched final version, saved as a 300 dpi/10” wide TIF file (LZW compression). Not all of the images have yet been scanned.

The original Spalding and Shreve negatives are at the Arizona Historical Society (Southern Arizona Division, Tucson) and University of Arizona Special Collections Library (Tucson). All of the matches, and any of the new views established by Turner, are part of the Desert Laboratory Collection of Repeat Photography . All of the images are within the public domain and have unrestricted use beyond proper attribution of photographer and source. Credit information should include stake number, date, and name of photographer, as well as indicate that the image is courtesy of the USGS Desert Laboratory Collection of Repeat Photography Collection.

The images are not currently available online, but copies may be obtained by contacting Robert Webb, US Geological Survey, 520 N. Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719; 520/670-6671; [email protected]; fax 520/670-5592.

2. Contact personFor information about the USGS collection, contact R. H. Webb ([email protected] ) at USGS, Tucson, Arizona. For information specifically on the repeat photograph collection, contact R. H. Webb at USGS. For information regarding Special Collections at University of Arizona’s Main Library refer to www.uarizona.edu for updated contact information. For information regarding materials at Tumamoc Hill Library contact Larry Venable ([email protected]) at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona or R. H. Webb at USGS. 3. Copyright restrictionsThe photographs and data are generally public domain.4. Proprietary restrictions NA

30

12345

67

89

1011121314

15

1617

1819202122

23

24

25

26


http://www.uarizona.edu/


Class IV Data structure and descriptors

A. Data set fileThe following table lists the contents of each of the zip files as well as the characteristics of the individual files.

Datatype

IdentityDescrip-

tionsSize

Files included in the compressed version

Format and Storage

Header/Variable

table

Alpha-numeric

attri-butes

Special character fields

Plot Infor-mation

Plot.csvDetailed

information on each plot

10KB NA

ASCII text file, comma delimited,

uncompressed

Plot Mixed

Status: Indicates if plot has been lost, in which case there are

no GPS readings

recorded in the file

plot_corner.csv

Plot_corners.csv

Coordinates of each of the four plot corners, or plot centers for those plots that

have been relocated

7KB NA


uncompressed

Plot Corners

Numeric NA

Plot Layers

Plot_Layers.zip

Compressed file with all the

*.shp files for each plot (x) and each census (y),

<210KB px_y_disturbance.shppx_y_boundary

.shppx_y_control

.shp

ZIP fileMaximum

compression

NA NA NA

31

1

23

including boundary,

disturbance, and GPS coordinates

px_y_control.shp

Control points used during each

TS census.<10KB NA

ArcGIS shape file (shp) from

point shape file

Control Mixed None

px_y_boundary.shp

Polygons depicting plot boundaries.

<10KB NA

ArcGIS shape file (shp) from polygon shape

file

Boundaries Mixed None

px_y_disturbance.shp

Polygons depicting areas of disturbance

<20KB NA


file

Disturbance Mixed None

px_y_nodata.shp

Polygons depiction area that were not

censused; usually as a result of plot

boundary mismatches in

2001

<10KB NA


file

Boundaries Mixed None

Plant layers

Plant_Layers.zip

Compressed file with all the

*.shp plant files for each plot (x)

<6MB px_y_trunks.shp

px_y_crowns.shp

ZIP file NA NA NA

32

and each census (y), including

crown contour, and trunk locations

px_y_crowns.shp

Polygons depicting

canopy contours<800KB NA


file

Attributes Mixed

Problem: identified

records with problems that could not be

solved during archiving

px_y_trunks.shp

Points depicting live plant trunks

<200KB NAArcGIS shape

file (shp)Attributes Mixed

Problem: identified

records with problems that could not be

solved during archiving

Additional Data Files

Species.csv

Nomenclatural information of

species detected at any plot

between 1906 and 2011

23KB NA


uncompressed

Species Character None

Plot_Summaries.zip

Plot summaries of cover and

density (with or without

30KB Cover_px, density_px, and densityNS_px


uncompressed

Summaries Numeric None

33

seedlings –NS) for all years

Seedling_counts.csv

1 m x 1 m quadrant

seedling counts of plants not

mapped

51KB

Seedling counts reported on original

px_y_map.tif


uncompressed

Seedlings Mixed None

Count_1906.csv

Plant enumeration as

reported on Spalding

unpublished notes in 1906

8KBField notes during 1906 plant census


uncompressed

Count1906 Mixed

Notes; indicate if enumeration is inconsistent

with map. Priority was given to map

during archiving

Original Maps

O_y_Px.tif

Scanned original maps for each plot at each

census. Each file corresponds to plants recorded at each census

within each plot. i in the file name

indicates the plot number,

and j indicates the year

<256MB

NA.tif files,

available upon request

NA NA

Repeat photo-

Stake_info.csv Specific characteristics

4KB NA ASCII text file, comma

Stake Mixed None

34

graphs

of each of the stakes used as

stations for repeat

photography.

delimited, uncompressed

Photo_info.csv

Information on each of the

photographs associated with

Spalding-Shreve permanent plots

11KB NA


uncompressed

Photo Mixed None

B. Variable Information1. PlotThe following table summarizes variables associated with the file plot.csv, which compiles all available information regarding each of the Spalding-Shreve plots.

Variable Definition UnitsStorage

Type

Variable code and definitionOr range

Missing code Collection method

PlotIdentifier of

Spalding-Shreve plots

NA Character

[1 to 12] and [14 to 16]: identifies Spalding

B: identifies subplots of the Shreve plot “Area

B”A: Identifies Shreve

plot “Area A”

None NA

Area_m2 Total area of the plot

m2 NumericDouble

[89.7-795.6] NA=Identifies plots that have not been located or for

which there is no area

Field notes and paper review. In current plots

area calculations in

35

1

2

34

informationArcGIS v 10 (ESRI®)

of digitized maps

Source_AreaSource of

information for Area calculations

NA Character

Spalding: Original V. Spalding unpublished

notes (1906)C2001: ArcGIS

calculations from 2001 census data

C2010: ArcGIS calculations from 2010

census dataShreve: from Shreve and Hinckley (1937)

NA= Identifies plots that have not been located or for

which there is no area information

Field notes and paper review, and area

calculations in ArcGIS v 10 (ESRI®)

Elevation_maslAverage

elevation above sea level

mNumericDouble

[745.9-819]

NA= Identifies plots that have not been located or for which there is no elevation

information

Leica TPS 1200Total Station

Slope_directionSlope direction

(Azimuth)Angle Character [5-70]


which there is no slope information

Converted bearings taken with Surveyor’s

compass

Slope_angle Slope steepness AngleNumberInteger

[8-25]


which there is no slope information

Surveyor’s Compass

Slope_Description Qualification of slope steepness

NA Character GroundGentle

NA= Identifies plots that have contemporary slope information or for which

there is no area information

Spalding’s unpublished notes (1906)

36

in Spalding’s unpublished notes

Status

Describes whether the plot

is currently monitored

NA Character

Lost=Plots not currently monitored

Current=Plots currently monitored

None NA

Date_EstablishedDate of plot first

censusYear

NumberInteger

1906-2010 None NA

OriginatorPerson who

established the plots

NA CharacterSpalding; Shreve;

WebbNone NA

Location_OrgNotes

Notes of plot location from

Spalding’s unpublished

notes

NA Character NANA=Not applicable. For plots established in 2010


Criteria

Information of the criteria used to establish the

plot

NA Character

NA=plots without any information

No_info=Plots with other information but no criteria

for establishment

Spalding’s unpublished notes (1906); Shreve

and Hinckley (1937); R. Webb (pers. commun.)

Photo_stake

Reference of the Stake used during

Repeat photography

NA CharacterLetters for lost plots

and Numbers for Current plots

No_info=Plots with other information but no Stake

numberNA=plots without any

photographic information

Spalding’s unpublished notes (1906); USGS

permanent photographic collection

SubstrateDescription of

the soil subtractNA Character NA


Spalding’s unpublished notes (1906); R. Webb

(pers. commun.)

37

Source_Substrate

Source of information for

substrate description

NA Character

Spalding=From Spalding’s unpublished

notes (1906)C2010=Information

from 2010 Census field notes



Webb (pers. commun.)

Notes_DisturbanceKnown history of

disturbanceNA Character NA


No_Info=Plots without disturbance information

Archiving. Spalding’s unpublished notes

(1906); Goldberg and Turner (1986); J.

Bower’s Unpublished notes (2001)

Num_PhotosTotal number of

photosNA

NumberInteger

[0-65] NA Archiving

Repeat_PhotoIdentify plots with repeat photographs

NA Dichotomous Yes/No NAUSGS Collection of Repeat Photography

Num_stake

Number of locations for

repeat photographs

NA Integer 1-17NA=Not applicable for

plots without photographic information

USGS collection of Repeat Photography

2. Plot CornersThe following table summarizes variables associated with the file plot_corners.csv, which compiles spatial information for plots that have not been lost and approximate locations for lost plots. We used this information to map plots in Figure 1


TypeVariable code and definition

Or rangeMissing code Collection method

Plot Identifier of NA Charac- [1 to 12] and [14 to 16]: None NA

38

1

2

34

Spalding-Shreve plots

ter

identifies Spalding plots[B1,B10]: identifies subplots of the Shreve plot “Area B”

A: Identifies Shreve plot “Area A”

VertexIdentifier for the

plot cornerNA

Charac-ter

C=Center of the plotN=North, S=South, W=West,

E=EastNE,NW,SE,SW are

combinations of the four cardinal directions

None NA

Latitude

Decimal degrees of latitude using

WGS 1984 coordinate

systems. Column source specifies the coordinate system used

Decimal Degrees

NumericDouble

[32.210, 32.224]

NA=indicate records not captured by

either RTK or GPS methods

Using GPS instrumentsSee section II.B.3

Longitude

Decimal degrees of longitude using

WGS 1984 coordinate systems.

Column source specifies the

coordinate system used

Decimal Degrees

NumericDouble

[-111.018, -111.001]

NA=Not applicable; for

records without RTK

or GPS readings

Using RTK or GPS instrumentsSee section II.B.3

39

Elevation

Elevation above sea level derived

from RTK readings

MetersNumericDouble

[727.019, 819.085]

NA=Not applicable; for

records without RTK

readings

Using RTKSee section II.B.3

Source_Proj

Identifier for the source of spatial information and the coordinate

system

NACharac-

ter

GPS=Geographic Positioning System; spatial information from this method uses the

WGS 1984 coordinate systemRTK=Real Time Kinematic

technology. Spatial information from this method

uses the NAD 1983 (CORS96) coordinate system

MAP=Approximate location determined from original

Spalding notes and photograph matching

None NA

Accuracy

Qualifier of spatial accuracy of the

method used according to

manufacturers

NACharac-

ter

High=For RTK readings reported accuracy is 0.02m

Medium=For GPS technology the accuracy is 5m

Low=For MAP approximation spatial accuracy is the lowest

with respect to the other methods. We estimated the

accuracy to be not less than 10 m

NoneInstrument’s Manual (Section

II.B.3)

GPS_ID Identifier for the NA Charac- C1-C18 NA=Not NA

40

point location in Area B. Given that

this area is composed by 10 contiguous plots,

plots share corners. This field identifies unique

corners

terapplicable. For records

outside area B

Easting_UTM

Easting using the WGS 1984 UTM

Zone 12N projection

MetersNumericDouble

[498281.711, 500177.309] None

Using WGS_1984(ITRF00)_to_NAD83 Transformations in ArcGIS v 10

(ESRI). section V.E.1

Northing_UTM

Northing using the WGS 1984 UTM

Zone 12N projection

MetersNumericDouble

[499683.395,3565422.022] None

Using WGS_1984(ITRF00)_to_NAD83 Transformations in ArcGIS v 10

(ESRI). section V.E.1

3. Boundaries and NoDataThis table summarizes variables in files px_y_boundaries.shp and px_y_nodata.shp. Polygons in these files were created using the Total Station (TS) control points taken during census in year “y” (Boundary), or during archiving by comparing plot boundaries of different years and identifying areas not censused due to border mismatch (nodata). In the field, we used an arbitrary Cartesian coordinate system with origin at X=5000, Y=5000, and Z=100, which was first used in the 2001 census. We later moved the resulting polygons to match the location of boundaries used in 2001. Plots are not georeferenced, despite some of them have GPS information on the plot corners.


Type

Variable code and definition

Or range

Missing code

Collection method

OBJECTID Unique point ID NA Numeric 1 NA Automatically assigned by ArcGIS v10 (ESRI)

41

1

2

3

45678

Integer

ShapeType of

geometryNA Character Point ZM NA

Automatically assigned by ArcGIS v10 (ESRI)

Shape_Length

Perimeter of plot boundary

MetersNumericDouble

37.9-42 NAAutomatically calculated by ArcGIS v10 (ESRI) from TS control points or scanned maps (for lost

plots)

Shape_Area Plot areaSquare Meters

NumericDouble

89.7-108 NAAutomatically calculated by ArcGIS v10 (ESRI) from TS control points or scanned maps (for lost

plots)

4. ControlThis table summarizes the variables in files px_y_control.shp, which stores the control points used during each survey that used a total station (TS). We used an arbitrary Cartesian coordinate system with origin at X=5000, Y=5000, and Z=100, which was first used in the 2001 census.



Or rangeMissing

codeCollection method

OBJECTIDUnique point

IDNA

Numeric Integer

<6 NAAutomatically assigned by

ArcGIS v10 (ESRI)

ShapeType of

geometryNA Character Point or Point ZM NA


LX Easting MetersNumericDouble

[498281.711, 500177.309] NA Using TS (section V.E.1)

LY Northing MetersNumericDouble

[499683.395,3565422.022] NA Using TS (section V.E.1)

LCode Point NA Character STN= Location of the TS instrument NA NA

42

1

2

345

identifier

BS1 or BS2=Back Sight points (location used to zero set the TS)

Corner=plot cornerCornerNS=plot corner that was not surveyed, but

was created for completenessBM= metal surveyor’s post marking corner of

sections 10 and 15, T14S, R13E.

5. DisturbanceThis table summarizes the variables associated with any disturbance recorded during a census in plot x during the year y.


Type


Missing code

Collection method

OBJECTID Unique point ID NANumeric Integer

<6 NAAutomatically assigned by ArcGIS v10

(ESRI)

Shape Type of geometry NA Character Polygon ZM NAAutomatically assigned by ArcGIS v10

(ESRI)

Shape_LengthPerimeter of plot

boundaryMeters

NumericDouble

37.9-42 NAAutomatically calculated by ArcGIS v10 (ESRI) from Total Station (TS) points or

scanned maps (for lost plots)

Shape_Area Plot areaSquare Meters

NumericDouble

89.7-108 NAAutomatically calculated by ArcGIS v10

(ESRI) from TS points or scanned maps (for lost plots)

Code Disturbance identifier

NA Character ROAD=location of new road

DIST=non-specified

NA Digitized from original maps, or during surveys using Total Station

43

1

2

3

disturbancePOLE=location of

electric polesPATH=trailCAGI=fallen

SaguaroJAVA=Javalina

wallow

ProblemQualification of the disturbance

NA Character NA NA From original maps and field observations

6. AttributesThis table summarizes variables associated with the files px_y_crowns.shp and px_y_trunks.shp. Bold letters indicate variables or codes only applicable for plant crowns, while italics indicate variables or codes only applicable for plant trunks. All shapes are projected using an arbitrary Cartesian coordinate system with origin at X=5000, Y=5000, and Z=100, which was first used in the 2001 census.



Or rangeMissing

codeCollection/Validation

methods

OBJECTID Unique object ID NANumeric Integer

1-836 NAAutomatically assigned by

ArcGIS v10 (ESRI)

Shape Type of geometry NA CharacterPolygon

PointNA


Type Type associated with location of the trunk

NA Character Crown=plants whose trunk is inside plot boundaries

PntCircl=Plants whose canopies were approximated by a circleRootsout=plants with trunk

outside plotROutPCrcl=PntCircl with roots

NA Field observations validated by cross referencing censuses

from different years and/or using the digitized boundaries

from either 2001 or 2010

44

1

2

3456

outside the plotPntRect=Plants whose canopy

was approximated by a rectangleROutPRect=PntRec with roots

outside the plotTrunk=trunk assigned to a crown

Point=root not originally assigned to a canopy in the field,

or plant for whose canopy is a PntCircl

UniqueID

Unique record identifier

For each record within a plot and a census

NANumberInteger

10-836 NAPopulated with OBJECTID

after all problems were solved during archiving

PlantFour letters species code following file

Species.csvNA Character ABIN-ZIPU NA

Archiving. Validation by cross-comparison of censuses. Nomenclature follows Plant

List (2010)

OldName

Plant code used before 2010 when a

nomenclature problem was detected during

archiving

NA CharacterFour letter species codes(see file XX for details)

Null=no old name conflictNA

Validation by cross referencing censuses of

different years.

Plant_Num

Unique plant number used for plants of the same species during

1993 censuses

NANumberInteger

1-143Null Archiving. 1993 census files

Seedling Seedling identifier for NA Dicho- Y=explicitly identified seedlings NA Archiving. Cross-referenced

45

plants explicitly labeled as seedlings in

the field

tomousY/N

N=non-seedlings or plants without information

between crown and trunk assignments

Dead

Record explicitly identified as dead during census or

archiving

NADicho-tomous

Y/N

Y=dead crowns with possibly live trunks

N= live crown or trunkNA

Archiving. Validation by cross-comparison of censuses.

section V.E.1)

DeleteRecords flagged for

deletion during archiving

NADicho-tomous

Y/NN NA

Archiving. Validation by cross-comparison of censuses.

(section V.E.1)

Counted

Identifies plants previously included in

plot summaries(Section II.B.3)

NADicho-tomous

Y/N

Y=Plants included in previous censuses

N=Plants not included; usually due to misidentification or

misclassification

NA

Archiving. Validation by comparing with summaries by Goldberg and Turner (1986)

and in 2001 during first digitization effort (section V.E.1). Cross-referenced between crown and trunk

assignments

Shrd_Crwn

Identifies crowns with more than one trunk

that represent different individuals

NADicho-tomous

Y/N

Y=crown is shared by more than one trunk

N=crown only has one trunkNA

Archiving. Validation by cross-comparison of censuses

(section V.E.1). Cross-referenced between crown and

trunk assignmentsProblem Identifier for problems

in crown-trunk correspondence

NA Character Centroid=Crown for which trunk could not be located or

verifiedMultitrunk=crown with more

than one trunk but all representing the same individual

NA Archiving. Validation by cross-comparison of censuses

(section V.E.1)

46

nocrown=trunks without crown that represent a single plant

1trunk= canopies with ambiguous trunk assignment

given that more than one canopy share one trunk.

Dead crown=trunk with explicitly identified dead crown.

Trunk might be aliveMulticrown=trunk with

ambiguous assignment of crown as it falls within two crowns of

the corresponding speciesNonoriginal=crown not in

original maps but created for the sake of data completenessNull=no problem detected

Notes

Details regarding problems solved during

archiving and/or quality of the data

NA Character

<50 Characters.Cov.corr.with.fnotes=refers to

shapes that were corrected using census notes on individual cover

NullArchiving. Validation by

cross-comparison of censuses. (section V.E.1)

CorrectStatus of archiving

problemsNA

Dicho-tomous

Y/N

Y=Records with problem identified during archiving that

was solvedN=Records with unsolvable

problemsNull=No problem detected

NAArchiving. Validation by

cross-comparison of censuses. (section V.E.1)

Indv_val Number of individuals Individuals Numeric 1-36 NA Archiving. Validation by

47

that each crown represents

Short Integer

cross-comparison of censuses (section V.E.1)

Shape_LengthPerimeter of plot

boundaryMeters

NumericDouble

37.9-42 NA

Automatically calculated by ArcGIS v10 (ESRI) from

Total Station (TS) points or scanned maps (for lost plots)

Shape_Area Plot areaSquared Meters

NumericDouble

89.7-108 NA

Automatically calculated by ArcGIS v10 (ESRI) from TS points or scanned maps (for

lost plots)

X Easting MetersNumericDouble

[498281.711, 500177.309] NA

Calculated using ArcGis v.10, after digitized shapes are spatially adjusted to the

Control points derived from 2001 or 2010 censuses

Y Northing MetersNumericDouble

[499683.395,3565422.022] NA

Calculated using ArcGis v.10, after digitized shapes are spatially adjusted to the

Control points derived from 2001 or 2010 censuses

PlantDiam_cm

Diameter of plant crown that were

approximated by a circle (section II.B.3)

CentimetersNumericDouble

1-210 NAArchiving, and field

measurements for 1993 and 2010

Height_m

Height of living canopy from ground

level to the tallest live vegetative branch (section II.B.3)

MetersNumericDouble

0.02-7.62 NAArchiving, and field

measurements for 1993 and 2010

48

CrownID

UniqueID of the first crown of the same

species below which the trunk is located

NANumericInteger

1-836 NA

Archiving. Validation by overlapping crown and trunk

layers with a tolerance of 0.001 m in ArcGIS v.10

CrownID2

UniqueID of the second crown of the same species below which the trunk is

located (for multicrown/1trunk)

NANumericInteger

1-836 NA

Archiving. Validation by overlapping crown and trunk layers with tolerance 0.001 m

in ArcGIS v.10

OrigTrunk

Qualifies whether trunk is depicted in original map; hence, trunk location is an

accurate representation

NACharac-

ter

Y=trunk is on original mapN=trunk represents the centroid of the crown; or the point closest to the centroid that falls within the crown (for irregular crowns

with irregular shapes)

NA

Archiving from original maps. Using Shapes-to-Centroids

tool in XTools Pro (v.7.1) for ArcGIS v.10 with Center point

as option

7. SpeciesThis table summarizes the nomenclature and some autecological information for the species detected in the Spalding-Shreve plots between 1906 and 2011. For a complete list of species found at Tumamoc hill, see Bowers and Turner (1985).


Type


Missing codeCollection/Validation

methods

Code Four letters species code used in this

project

NA Character ABIN-ZIPUWhen Plants were only

identified to genus XX is used as the last two letters

in the code

NA Combination of two first letters of genus and first two letter of

species.Although nomenclature has

changed for some species since the code was first defined in

49

1

2

34

2001, we have opted not to change the code, but to report

the current nomenclature instead.

PLANTS_CodeAlpha-numeric species codes used in PLANTS

(USDA 2012)NA Character ABIN-ZIGR

NA=Plants not included in

PLANTS (USDA 2012)

PLANT Database (USDA 2012)

ReportedNameSpecies names and

authorityNA Character

Scientific species name and authority as first reported in

censuses between 1906-2012

NA

Archiving and review original maps and notes between 1906 and 2010. Validated with The

Plant List (2012)

AcceptedNameAccepted Species

names and authorshipNA Character

Currently accepted scientific species name and

authorship any plant reported between 1906-

2012

NA=name without

equivalent in Plant List (2010)

Reported names are cross checked in Plant List database for the current accepted name

Family Species family NA Character Currently accepted family

NA=Species for which family could not be determined

Validated with Plant List database

Common_nameCommon name as

reported by PLANTS (USDA 2012)

NA CharacterCurrently reported common

name

NA=Species with unreported

common name

Validated with The PLANTS (USDA 2012)

Habit Species habit NA Character

GraminoidTree/Shrub/SubshrubForb/Herb, or some

combination of the last 5 options

NA=Habit not reported


50

Duration Species life cycle NA CharacterPerennial/Annual, or a combination of the two

NA=Duration not reported


EnumerationQualification of

species’ enumeration between 1906-2012

NA Character

Ambiguous=Species not easy to distinguish in the

field.Casual=Species

enumeration highly dependent on the census

time, resulting in irregular mapping across censusesCount=Annual species

have been counted or listed (but not mapped) at least

onceRegular=Perennial species

regularly mapped

Null=No information/not

analyzed Goldberg and Turner (1986)

1906 to 1968 and 2001

Codes used during specific censuses.

There is one column for each census period during which one set of codes were used, which

usually corresponds with the person leading

the census ().

NA Character

1-4 species codes used in original maps. When more than one code is used in the

same years, they are separated by forward slash

(/).

Null=Species not reported in a given census

period

Archiving and review original maps and notes between 1906

and 2010.

8. SummariesThis table summarizes the variables used in the files cover_px.csv, density_px.csv, and densityNS_px.csv. These files summarize species cover and density for each plot during each census. Calculations of species cover include all species whose canopy (all or a

51

1

2

3

4

part) falls within plot’s boundaries; excluding dead canopies or dead plants. Density summaries only considered plants rooted inside the plot; plants that shared a canopy or were mapped as a colony or cluster were counted individually. Although seedlings are included in the density_px.csv file, we have provided a second version of this summary without taking seedlings into account (densityNS_px.csv).

Variable Definition UnitsStorage Type


Missing code

Collection/Validation methods

Code

Four letters species code used in this

project

NA Character

ABIN-ZIPUWhen Plants were only identified to

genus XX is used as the last two letters in

the code

NA

Combination of two first letters of genus and first two letter of species.

Although nomenclature has changed for some species since the code was first defined in

2001, we have opted not to change the code, but to report the current nomenclature instead.

Year (one column for each census

year)

Species cover or density

m2 for cover, and individuals

for densityNumeric

0-40 m2 for cover, and 0-36 individuals for

densityNA

Sum of canopy area per species excluding dead plants. For density is the sum of all

trunks per species, plus canopies with centroid problem that are considered rooted inside the

plot.9. SeedlingsThis table summarizes the variables used in Seedling_counts.csv

Variable Definition Units Storage TypeVariable code and

definitionOr range

Missing codeCollection/Validation

methods

Plot Plot identifier NAAlphanumeri

c7-16 and B2-B8 NA

Archiving. Original maps

Year Census year YearsNumericInteger

1978 NAArchiving. Original

maps

StartDate Start date of the census NA Aphanumeric dd.mm.yyyyNull=No

informationArchiving. Original

maps

52

1234

5

6

EndDate Last day of the census NAAlphanumeri

cdd.mm.yyy

Null=No information


RowRow index of the 1m2

quadrantNA

NumberInteger

1-10Row number is defined when 10mx10m original map is properly oriented

N-S

NAArchiving. Original

maps

ColumnColumn index of the 1m2

quadrantNA

NumberInteger

1-10Colum number is defined when 10mx10m original map is properly oriented

N-S

NAArchiving. Original

maps

PlantPlant code following

Species.csvNA Character ABPR-SCSP NA


Number Number of seedlings SeedlingsNumberInteger

1-278Null=No count was provided


Upper_limit

Threshold size under which seedlings were counted

VariesNumberInteger

5-15 NAArchiving. Original

maps

Unit Unit of threshold size NAAlphanumeri

ccm/dm2

Null=not applicable


Dimension Threshold size dimension Na Character Area or HeightNull=not applicable


Present Presence/Absence NADichotomous

Y/N

Y=Species was presentN=Species was not

present

Null=Count was provided


MappedIdentifies whether seedlings

were mappedNA

DichotomousY/N

Y=seedlings are mappedN=seedlings are not

mappedNA


Digitized Identifies whether seedlings NA Dichotomous Y=seedlings are digitized NA Archiving. Original

53

were digitized and included in the plant layer files

Y/NN=seedlings are not

digitizedmaps

10. Count1906This table summarizes the variables used in Count_1906.csv

Variable Definition Units Storage TypeVariable code and

definitionOr range

Missing code

Collection/Validation methods

Plot Plot identifier NA Alphanumeric 4-16 and B2-B8 NA Archiving. Original maps

CatSize category as reported by Spalding

(see Table 4)NA

NumberInteger

1=Small2=Medium

3=LargeNA=number of plants

were reportedNull=No information

provided

NA Archiving. Original maps

Num Number of individuals PlantsNumberInteger

1-80Null=No count is

providedNA Archiving. Original maps

Height_mHeight of living canopy from ground

level to the tallest live vegetative branchMeter

sNumericDouble

0.18-5.4 NA Archiving. Original maps

JointsNumber of joints for Cylindropuntia

speciesNA

NumericInteger

12-13Null=No data is

providedNA Archiving. Original maps

Notes Qualification on the quality of the data NA Character NA Archiving. Original mapsAbund Category of abundance in the plot NA Character A=Abundance

S=ScarceNull=No data is


54

1

2

3

provided

DistrCategory of the spatial distribution of the

species throughout the plotNA Character

W=widely distributedR=restricted to some

spotsNull=No data is

provided


11. Stake InformationThe following tables summarize variables associated with the table stake_info.csv.

Variable Definition Units Storage TypeVariable code and definition

Or rangeMissing

codeCollection/Validation

methods

StkPhNumStake or Photo

numberNA

NumberInteger

375-4967NA= no

information available

Number assigned by the curator of the USGS repeat

photography collection.

PlotUnique plot

identifierNA Alphanumeric 4-16 and B1-B8 NA NA

Location

Description of the stake location with

respect to plot boundaries

NA Character NA NA

Archiving. Spalding unpublished notes (1906)

and Field observation during following censuses

Easting_UTMEasting using WGS

84 coordinate system

MetersNumericDouble

[498274, 499894] NACalculated using ArcGIS

v10 after plotting GPS coordinates

Northing_UTMNorthing WGS 84Coordinate system

MetersNumericDouble

[3563743,3565355] NACalculated using ArcGIS

v10 after plotting GPS coordinates

LatitudeLatitude using WGS

84 coordinate system

Decimal degrees

NumericDouble

[32.210,32.225]Null, for lost

plotsHandheld GPS

55

1

2

3

LongitudeLongitude using

WGS 84 coordinate system

Decimal degrees

NumericDouble

[-111.001, -111.018] Null Handheld GPS

ElevationElevation above sea

levelMeters

NumericDouble

[427, 813] Null Handheld

DepositoryCurrent Location of original photographs

and negativesNA Character

DLC_USGS= Photos originally stored at the Desert Laboratory and later moved to the USGS Desert Laboratory

Repeat Photography Collection. USGS, TucsonSCUA=Special Collections Library at the University of

Arizona, Tucson

NA NA

Original_Number

From original archive before being

given a stake number in the Desert Laboratory Repeat

Photography Collection at USGS

NA Alphanumeric nd=no dataSpalding’s unpublished

notes (1906)

No_PhotosNumber of

photographic matches

NANumberInteger

[1,6] NA Archiving

Marker Qualifier for the permanence of the

marker used to mark the location of each

photo station

NA Character Permanent=A permanent marker; typically markers are rebar, or aluminum angle iron.

Semipermanent= A marker which is not in the ground.

NA Field observation during repeat photography work

56

Typically a semipermanent marker is a cairn of rocks, a painted mark on the ground, or a “X” etched on a rock .Lost= plot is lost as well as

stake

12. Photograph InformationThe following tables summarize the attributes associated the file photo_info.csv


Type


Missing code Collection/Validation methods

OrderRecord Number; Unique

identifier in the fileNA

NumberInteger

[1,128] NA Archiving

StkPhNum Stake or Photo number NANumberInteger

375-4967 NANumber assigned by the curator of the USGS repeat photography

collection.

DateDate photograph was

takenNA Character

mm/dd/yyyyuse of ca. (lat. circa)

indicates approximate year

NAArchiving. Notes on the

photograph or cross referencing field notes

PhotographerLast name of the

photographerNA Character NA

Archiving. Notes on the photograph

TimeTime when the

photograph was takenHours Character hh:mm

NA=No information


Camera Camera model NA CharacterNA=No

informationArchiving. Notes on the

photographLens_Type Lens type or trade mark

used when information is NA Character NA=No


photograph

57

1

2

3

explicitly indicated

FocalDistFocal distance of the lens

usedMillimeters

NumberInteger

58-135NA=No


photograph

LensNoteAdditional notes on lens

type or focal distanceNA Character

Null=No information


AzimuthDirection toward which

the camera is facing at the time of the shot

DegreesNumberInteger

5-338NA=No


photograph

VertTiltQualifier of the vertical tilt of the camera when

the photograph was takenNA

DichotomousUp or Down

NA=No information


TiltDegAngle of vertical tilt of the camera when the

photograph was takenDegrees Character

dd_mm with dd=Degrees and

mm=minutes

NA=No information


CamHeightHeight of the camera

from the ground to the center of the lens

MetersNumberDouble

[1.2,1.66]NA=No


photograph

BWNegNumber of black and

white negativesNA

Number integer

[0,4] NAArchiving. Notes on the

photograph

ColorNegNumber of color

negativesNA

Number integer


photograph

ColorPos Number of color positives NANumberInteger


photograph

Filter Description of filter used NA Character Usually YellowNA=No


photograph

DigitalNumber photos taken with a digital camera

NANumberInteger


photograph

58

Class V Supplemental descriptors

A. Data acquisition1. Data forms or acquisition methodsTable 8 summarizes the plot census data sources used during this archiving effort. Only data prior to 2010 is included; see section II.B.3 for details on data for 2010 - 2012. Although most of the data was previously converted to digital forms in 2001 by SWCA, contracted by J. Bowers, during our archiving process we followed up this effort with a strict quality control on files generated in 2001. This effort also involved re-digitizing original data, and cross-referencing with original maps and plot summaries. For information on data forms and acquisition methods of repeat photography refer to sections III.B.1 and III.B.1

59

1

2

3

45

67

89

10

Table 8. Summary of procedures used during archiving process. Each row explains how data referenced in Table 7 was processed. Processing procedures complement information provided in section V.E

Data IDCen-sus

Data Type Output files ProcessingLead Archivist

Data verification

SpaldingField Notes

1906

Enumeration of plant

species per plot

px_1906_trunks.shp for lost plots

Count_1906.csv

For non-spatial information: Data entryFor spatial information:

-High resolution scanning-Digitization using ArcGIS 10 (ESRI)

-Spatial adjustment to 10mx10m Squares using ArcGIS 10 (ESRI)

-Plant code assignments using Species.csv

S. Rodriguez-Buritica

Cross referen-

cing with 1906 maps

and maps of following

years when appropri-ate

Census Maps

1910-1985

Plant cover maps and plot

quadrant tallies

2001 Maps and summaries (Table 7)

-Low resolution scanning of maps-Digitization of maps into five different file types

(*.shp) with stylus and tablet or heads up digitizing:

(Boundaries/trunks/points/rootsout/control/crown)-Rectification of *.shp using control points from

field census in 2001-Clip rectified *.shp files to 2001 boundaries

-Update plant nomenclature

J. Bowers

Cross reference with plot

summaries and field

notes (section

V.E)Cross years

compa-risons

2001 Census

data2001

Census Files 2001

2001 Maps and summaries, (Table 7)

Total station census (Section II.B.3) J. BowersGround

checking

2001 MapsAnd

1906-1985

ArcView shape files

px_y_trunks.shppx_y_crowns.shp

For seedling information: Data entryFor spatial information:


Cross reference

60

12

Summa-ries

Quality control of previously digitized maps included:

-High resolution scans of original maps-Spatial adjustment of shapefiles

-Re-digitization of features poorly digitized or not digitized at all

-Validation of attribute tables-Incorporating height data when available

with plot summaries and field

notes (section

V.E)Cross years

compa-risons

2001 MapsAnd

Summa-ries

2001

ArcView shape files and Total

Station (TS) raw data

px_2001_trunks.shp

px_2001_crowns.shp

px_2001_boun-daries.shp

px_2001_control.shp

-Quality Control included:

-Back verification of shape with TS raw data from 2001 census


Cross reference with plot quadrant

tallies (section

V.E)Cross years compa-rison

1993 Census

data1993

Excel files with raw TS information

px_1993_trunks.shp

px_1993_crowns.shp

px_1993_boun-daries.shp

px_1993_control.shp

-Spatial adjustment of different surveys in ArcGIS 9.3

-Automatic generation of polygons from raw data in ArcGIS 9.3

-Converting ellipsoid canopies into circles keeping the same area

-Clipping canopies to 2001 plot borders-Validating nomenclature and edit attributes

during archiving in 2010

H.Raichle

Cross years compa-rison

Kaiser 1948 Original field px_1948_trunks -Data Entry S. Rodriguez- NA

61

Field Notes

notebooks.shp

px_1948_crowns.shp

-Plant code validation-Cross-reference with shapefiles derived from

1948 Census maps-Transfer of Information to shape files attribute

tables

Buritica

Census Maps

1910-1985

Seedling Information

Seedlings.scs-Data entry

-Incorporation of seedling explicit identifications into shape files


Cross reference with plot quadrant

tallies (section

V.E)

CensusMaps

1978

Maps of seedling during

summer 1978

Not digitized NA NA NA

62

1

2. Location of complete data formsFiles derived from this project are located at the USGS in Tucson. See Table 7 for specific location of original maps, field notes, and additional information related to the Spalding-Shreve plots3. Data entry verification proceduresVerification of field dataThere is no specific documentation of data verification for censuses between 1906 and 1959, although after every census, lead researchers generated plot summaries that cross-referenced information between the new and past censuses. During these procedures, several corrections were made and recorded on the original maps. These corrections usually involved nomenclature changes and correction on plant locations.

Between 1960 and 1985, R.M. Turner consistently verified field data using tallies of each species inside a 1m x 1m quadrant. With these tallies, R.M. Turner estimated gain and loses between two censuses for each quadrant. This procedure allowed detecting surviving and new plants as well as errors in plant nomenclature and plant locations. Turner also verified maps and plot summaries between 1906 and 1959 and generated quadrant-specific tallies for each census transition. In 1986, Turner and Goldberg also cross-referenced censuses to estimate individual plant histories and changes in individual plant canopy for every transition between 1906 and 1978. We used all this information to validate our digital version of the census maps.

Data from 2001 censuses were double-checked in the field by J. Bowers. At this point, canopies were smoothed with uncertain effect on the data, and species nomenclature was verified. Data from 1993 and 2010 censuses was verified during the archiving process (Section V.E). In particular, processing of field data from 2010 - 2012 started by generating polygons that represent plant canopies using ArcGIS 9.3. These polygons were later checked for inconsistencies in geometry. Some canopies were approximated using circles or rectangles from canopy dimensions taken during each census (see section II.B.3 for details). Final canopies were clipped to the 2001 or 2010 (only for plot 4) borders. Attribute tables were completed using attributes described in section IV.B.6 and data quality was verified as described in section V.E.1,

Verification of digitized dataFor details on data verification see archiving Section V.E

B. Quality assurance/quality control proceduresField informationPlant identity, location, and coverBetween 1906 and 1985, field data was verified using quadrant-specific tallies (Section V.A.3). At the time of their censuses between 1910 and 1959, F. Shreve and A. Murray cross-referenced past censuses and made some corrections on the original maps. In particular, A. Murray made corrections in red on the 1936 and 1948 maps (Murray, unpublished field notes), and we have incorporated those corrections in the combined digital data.

63

1

234

5

67

89

1011121314151617

18192021222324252627

2829

30313233

34

35

3637

3839

Plant heightThere is no information on quality assurance for height measurements taken between 1906 and 1985. The 1993 and 2010-2012 height data was double checked for abnormalities during data entry. No further verification has been conducted, and no further verification is likely.Archiving processSee Section V.E

C. Related materialsSee Table 7

D. Computer programs and data processing algorithmsFor procedures used during archiving of data from 1906 to 2001 see archiving Section V.E.

E. Archiving1. Archival proceduresArchiving of the Spalding-Shreve plot data has been conducted in two stages. In 2001, J. Bowers lead the first stage of the archiving process and conducted the 2001 census. At that time, Bowers compiled all available and pertinent information about the plots, and with the assistance of SWCA Environmental Consultants based in Tucson, they digitized original maps from 1906-1985 for plots 4, 7, 9-12, 14-16, and B1-B8. In 2010, S. Rodriguez-Buritica, with the assistance of H. Raichle and Bob Webb, started the second stage of the archiving process. This stage consisted of performing a rigorous quality control of outputs from 2001, completing the previous archives for data from lost plots (1-3, 5-6, 8, 17, 18) and secondary information regarding seedlings, annuals, and plant heights. In addition, during this second archiving effort, data from 1993 was rescued from computer printouts and integrated into the archives. The new censuses between 2010 and 2012 were integrated as well.

For specific procedures conducted during both stages of archiving please refer to Table 8.Data verification during archivingProcedures in 2001In 2001, data verification consisted of cross-referencing plot tally sheets generated by R.M.Turner between 1960 and 1984 with similar summaries generated after digitization was finished. These tallies summarized density and cover changes between censuses without explicit identification of unique individuals. In addition, Bowers also used cover summaries per species to verify her cover summaries. With these procedures, in addition to cross-referencing maps from different years, she was able to detect and correct some errors, although there is no record of these corrections. Location of the final version of her maps as well as her density and cover summaries is given in Table 7. It is important to note that given the additional quality control procedures used during archiving in 2011, Bower’s information is not up-to-date and should not be used for ecological analyses in their original form. Bowers generated six shapefile types for each plot: Boundary: plot boundary derived from 2001 census with Total Station (TS) Control points: four plot corners plus TS location taken during 2001 census

64

1

2345

67

89

1011

12

1314151617

1819202122232425

26

27

2829

303132333435

3637

3839

Crowns and Rootsout: Outline of live canopies of plants rooted inside and outside a plot, respectively, after field census and smoothing

Trunks and Points: Point location of root crowns of plants inside the plot with and without corresponding crown, respectively, after field census and ground proofing.

The only attribute recorded for each plant was the species name (following codes on file Species.csv), canopy area and perimeter.Procedures in 2011-2012We used the 2001 files as the starting point to generate a complete archive of all the ecological information associated with Spalding-Shreve plots; except the species enumerations on plot A (for this information see Bowers 1994, 2002, and Bowers et al. 2004) and the annual species list from 1983 (see Table 7 for location of these data) . We focused on three tasks during this effort: Including information not considered during 2001 archiving effort. This includes digitizing

information related to lost plots (Figure 1), secondary information on plant height and status at any census, seedling counts during 1978 census, and disturbance notes on any map. For a complete list of attributes see section IV.A. In addition to the secondary information recorded on maps, which was not included before, we also create a digital version of the original Spalding unpublished notes (file Count1906.csv). We cross-referenced the information from the notes with the original maps, recording any inconsistencies. We assumed map information was more reliable, and used this in subsequent comparisons across censuses. Inconsistencies usually correspond to mismatches in species number or identification.

Including information on repeat photographs of the Spalding-Plots, Performing a rigorous quality control procedure on data digitized in 2001. In the following section, we summarize the quality-control procedures. Problems that could not be solved during this quality control can be identified using the attribute tables associated with every shapefile (*.shp , see tables 9 and 10 ). Spatial consistencyUsing the 2001 data, we verified the spatial consistency of all shapefiles. This verification was performed in ArcGIS 10 (ESRI) and included repairing any geometric problems. In addition, using the data from Total Station instrument between 1993 and 2010, we verified the overall geometry of the plots. Although Spalding and Shreve’s original intention was to delimited square plots of 10 m on a side, several of the plots are actually not squares. As a consequence, maps originated using string grid and graph paper have a consistent error in the location and shape of plant features with respect to the real plot corners; this error was incorporated into the cover estimations reported before 2001. Using individual plant covers reported by Dodge in 1960 for plot 12, we estimated difference between two measurements (old map vs corrected digital map) to be between -15.7 and 10.3 cm2 (n=144, mean= -0.0270).

In order to correct for this mismatch we first georeferenced the scans (.tif file) of the original maps using the corner points from the TS as control points (with the affine option in ArcGIS 10 –ESRI). Using the same corners as controls points, we rubbersheeted (with the affine option) all the features of the digital version of the maps. By rubbersheeting the digital version

65

12345

6

7

89

1011121314151617

1819202122232425

26

27

2829

303132333435

3637

3839

40

of the maps, we retained the overall spatial relation of all features on the maps while correcting the plot’s shape. For lost plots whose shape could not be verified with TS instrument, we used a 10 m x 10 m polygon to georeference the .tif files. After the spatial adjustments were completed, we checked for inconsistencies between the scans and the digital version of the map.

When major inconsistencies were detected after rubersheeting the 2001 files, we performed a second spatial adjustment using rubbersheeting with natural neighbors to the .tif files, using plant trunks as reference, and edited points and polygons at the borders to match the georeferenced .tif file. When this adjustment was not deemed satisfactory, we solved problems by redigitizing the original maps as appropriate. Finally, we clipped outside-plot plant canopies back to the boundaries and verified that all attribute information was correctly transferred from the original 2001 file.

In some instances (plots 4, 9, and 10), the mismatch between 2001 and 2010-2012 plot boundaries evidenced errors in the identification of plot corners. For plots 9 and 10 this mismatch was aggravated by the lack of permanent markers at plot corners. We estimated correct location of corners using locations of big and persistent plants (Acacia, Cercidium, Larrea) relative to plot borders on maps prior to 2001. In the field, we use these distances to re-locate all plot corners, re-mapped their location, and adjusted all digital shape files to the resulting boundary. As a result of this adjustment, some areas within the plots were not censused in 2001 (nodata shape file), which gives an underestimation of plant covers for plants close to these areas.Missing shapesIn addition to checking for spatial consistency, we checked that all features on the original maps were included in the digital versions of the map. Previous analyses of these data and archiving in 2001 excluded species for which there had been an inconsistent enumeration (see Species.csv for a list of these species). In addition to including all species mapped, we checked that canopies of contiguous plots (Plots in area B) were accurately represented in all plots where they have canopy cover. In some censuses, some canopies were not complete, so we used a regular polygon (triangle or semicircle) to represent the missing canopies. The attributes associated with each shape allow identification of these non-original shapes. The only piece of information that we did not digitize corresponds to seedling mappings that were conducted after the overall plot census in the unusually wet year of 1978. Although we did not digitize this information, seedlings present during the summer of 1978 can be identified on the original map scans that we have provided. Crown-trunk correspondenceBefore and after spatial adjustments were made, we performed a spatial join of tables to check for correspondence between trunks and crowns. During this procedure, we identified several problems; these problems and our solutions are summarized in the tables 9-10.Consistent identification of plants rooted in and outside the plots

66

12345

67

89

1011121314151617

181920

21

222324252627

2829

30313233

34

35

3637

38

We cross-referenced maps of different years to verify the consistent identification of plants in the plot boundaries (crowns) versus outside (rootsout) each plot. We classified a plant as “in” or “out” of a plot based on the classification used over the majority of the censuses. Any change in the original assigment of a crown was recorded in the Attributes tables.Species identity We checked for consistent nomenclature using file Species.csv. In particular, we solved inconsistencies between root and canopy files, as well as misidentifications across census years. Seedling identityIn general, there has been an inconsistent identifications of seedlings throughout censuses, and we used field notes and secondary information recorded on the maps to explicitly identify seedlings in our files; whenever possible.Species-specific density and coverSimilar to Bowers in 2001, we used the density and cover summaries created by Turner to check for accurate enumeration and digitization of plants. Plants that were not previously counted are identified in the attribute tables. Using these procedures we identified and solved several errors in summaries generated by Goldberg and Turner (1986) and by Bowers in 2001. For this reason, our summary tables supersede all previous density and cover summaries.

Due to the uncertainty in field protocols at different censuses, there were several issues during the process of quality control that we could not solve. In this case, we recorded the pertinent information in the attribute table of the problematic record. Table 9 summarizes the problems we found when checking data from one map at the time, and Table 10 summarizes issues that arose when cross-referencing maps from different years.

67

1234

5

67

8

9

1011

12

1314151617

1819202122

Table 9. Problems when processing a single map. The following table summarizes problems detected during our quality-control procedures, and the solutions we used during archiving. Issues that could not be solved were recorded in the attribute tables of the *.shp files . For details of the columns used to record the problems, users should refer to section II.B.6

Problem Treatment during census Years Solution during archiving

Plants with several trunks sharing a canopy; not

clear whether they correspond to different or

the same individual

Plant colonies are explicitly identified and/or plants

sharing canopies1936 and 1968

Trunks and canopies were labeled as “shared crown” in Problem column

In plants with multiple trunks but presumably of the

same individual, only one trunk was mapped

1993, 2010, 2011

No action was necessary

No specification of whether plants had multiple trunks,

or one of the trunk correspond to a small plant without measurable canopy

All years except 1936, 1968,1993, 2010-2012.

Using map comparisons we classified trunks as:Nocrown=small plants with no measurable canopy; no

information on whether these plants are seedlings.Shared crown= well established plants for which group canopy is mapped but trunks represent individual plants.

Multitrunk=crown/canopy with more than one trunk that do not represent different individuals.

Seedling=only used in cases where plants are specifically categorized as seedlings. Seedling column for these plants

have a Y

Unclear condition of dead plants when dead

canopies were mapped with trunks

Explicit identification of dead canopy

1936, 1948, 1959, 1967, 1968, 1975

Crown flagged with Y in Dead column. Trunk of plants flagged with “dead canopy” in problem column. Trunk was not

flagged dead

Dead plants are mappedAll years

excluding 1936, 1968,

Dead plants were not included

68

123

Lack of seedling identification

Seedlings explicitly identified

1948, 1968, 1978.

Additional count of

seedlings in 1978

Plants flagged with Y on Seedling column

Seedlings were not identified or were not

mapped

All years except 1948, 1968, 1978

Same protocol used for plants with several trunks (see above)

Plant canopies without explicit identification of

trunks

Trunks were inconsistently mapped

A few cases in all years except

1993, 20102012.

Most trunks were not

mapped in 1960

We created the trunk as a centroid (XTools Pro—Shapes to Centroids) at the center point of the polygon representing the crown. A N was used in OrigTrunk column to indicate that trunk was not original. When the centroid fell outside the

polygon, we moved it to the closest position inside the crown.

Incomplete canopiesIncomplete crowns for

plants covering contiguous plots in area B

2001Canopies were completed using a regular polygon of minimum

area. Crowns are flagged as “nonoriginals” in the Problem column

69

1

Table 10. Problems after cross-referencing. This table summarizes problems and solutions after cross-referencing censuses from different years or contiguous plots (plots in area B). Issues that could not be solved were recorded in the attribute tables of the *.shp files. For details of the columns used to record the problems refer to section II.B.6

Issue Details Solution during archiving

Missing plants

Large plants were missing,

especially during 2001 census on

Area B

By comparing across censuses we used the polygon in the immediately previous census to represent missing plants. Crowns of these plants were

flagged as “nonoriginal” in the problem column

Inconsistent treatment of plants at the border of the

plots

Some years plants were mapped as inside the plot

Plants were declared inside or outside the plot according to the treatment in the majority of the

censuses

Miss-identification of

plants

Some years plants were identified as a different species

Only when identity of the plants was not ambiguous after comparing size and location across censuses, Nomenclature was corrected. Old Name was recorded in OldName

column.Inconsistent mapping of grasses and

herbs

See Table 1 and Information was digitized when

available.

Inconsistent treatment of trunk sizes

Some years trunks were

mapped to scaleAll trunks were digitized as points

2. Redundant Archival sitesSee Table 7 for information on location of original maps and notes. Files presented here are the most accurate and up-to-date version of the information associated with the Spalding-Shreve plots.

F. Publications and ResultsThe following is a list of publications that have directly used data from Spalding-Shreve plots. Bowers, J.E. 1994. Natural conditions for seedling emergence of three woody species in the

northern Sonoran Desert. Madroño 41: 73-84.Bowers, J. E. 2002. Regeneration of triangle-leaf bursage (Ambrosia deltoidea: Asteraceae):

germination behaviour and persistent seed bank. Southwestern Naturalist 47:449-513.

70

1234

5

6

78

910

11121314

Bowers, J. E. 2004. Temporal variation in longevity of Opuntia engelmannii (Cactaceae) flowers. Madroño 51:280-285.

Bowers, J. E., R. M. Turner, and T. L. Burgess. 2004. Temporal and spatial patterns in emergence and early survival of perennial plants at a Sonoran Desert site. Plant Ecology 172:107-119.

Bowers, J. E. 2005a. Effects of drought on shrub survival and longevity in the northern Sonoran Desert. Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society 132:421-431.

Bowers, J. E. 2005b. Influence of climatic variability on local population dynamics of a Sonoran Desert Platyopuntia. Journal of Arid Environments 61:193-210.

Bowers, J.E. 2010. A debt to the future: Achievements of the Desert Laboratory, Tumamoc Hill, Tucson, Arizona. Desert Plants 26: 25-39.

Butterfield, B. J., J. L. Betancourt, R. Turner, and J. M. Briggs. 2010. Facilitation drives 65 years of vegetation change in the Sonoran Desert. Ecology 91: 1132-1139.

Goldberg, D. E., and R. M. Turner. 1986. Vegetation change and plant demography in permanent plots in the Sonoran Desert. Ecology 67:695-712.

Guo, Q. 2004. Slow recovery in Desert Perennial vegetation following Prolonged Human Disturbance. Journal of Vegetation Science 15: 757-762.

Martin, S. C., and R. M. Turner. 1977. Vegetation change in the Sonoran Desert region: Arizona and Sonora. Journal of the Arizona Academy of Science 12:59-69.

Munson, S. M., R. H. Webb, J. Belnap, J. A. Hubbard, D. E. Swann, and S. Rutman. 2012. Forecasting climate change impacts to plant community composition in the Sonoran Desert region. Global Change Biology 18:1083-1095.

Murray, A. V. 1959. An analysis of changes in Sonoran Desert vegetation for the years 1928-1957. M.S. thesis, University of Arizona, Tucson.

Shreve, F. 1911. Establishment behavior of the palo verde. Plant World 14:289-299.Shreve, F. 1917. The establishment of desert perennials. Journal of Ecology 5:210-216.Shreve, F. 1929. Changes in desert vegetation. Ecology 10:364-373.Shreve, F., and A. L. Hinckley. 1937. Thirty years of change in desert vegetation. Ecology

18:463-478.Spalding, V. M. 1909. Distribution and Movements of Desert Plants. Publication No. 113,

Carnegie Institution of Washington.Webb, R.H., Boyer, D.E., and Turner, R.M. 2007. The Desert Laboratory Repeat Photography

Collection—An invaluable archive documenting landscape change. U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2007-3046. http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2007/3046/

Webb, R.H., and R.M. Turner. 2010. A debt to the Past: Long-term and current plant research at Tumamoc Hill in Tucson, Arizona. Desert Plants 26 (2): 3-18

G. History of data set usage1. Data Request historyNA

71

12345

67

89

1011121314151617

18192021222324252627

2829

303132333435

3637

38

39

http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2007/3046/

2. Data set update historyDate Update procedure Name Contact information

July.06.2012 PublicationSusana Rodriguez-

BuriticaR. H. Webb

[email protected]@usgs.gov

3. Review HistoryNA4. Questions and comments from secondary usersNA

Acknowledgments.

Special thanks is due the many colleagues that helped map the permanent plots in the last half century. These include R. A. Dodge, D. K. Warren, T. A. Gustafson, D. E. Goldberg, J. Conn, T. E. A. van Hylckama, L. H. Applegate, O. M. Grosz, Seth Munson, S. Carmichael, Margaret Snyder, and Diane Boyer. The authors thank J. Bowers for invaluable information she compiled; Michael List , Lara Mitchell, Roger Myers, S. Carmichael, and Diane Boyer for assistance during archiving process. We thank Seth Munson, and Alberto Burquez for critically reviewing this manuscript.

Literature Cited.

Bowers, J. E. 2005. Effects of drought on shrub survival and longevity in the northern Sonoran Desert. Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society 132:421-431.

Bowers, J. E. 2005. Influence of climatic variability on local population dynamics of a Sonoran Desert Platyopuntia. Journal of Arid Environments 61:193-210.

Bowers, J. E., and R. M. Turner. 1985. A revised vascular flora of Tumamoc Hill, Tucson, Arizona. Madroño 32:225-252.

Bowers, J.E. 2010. A debt to the future: Achievements of the Desert Laboratory, Tumamoc Hill, Tucson, Arizona. Desert Plants 26: 25-39.

Butterfield, B. J., J. L. Betancourt, R. Turner, and J. M. Briggs. 2010. Facilitation drives 65 years of vegetation change in the Sonoran Desert. Ecology 91: 1132-1139.

Clements, F. E. 1916. Plant Succession: An Analysis of the Development of Vegetation. Washington D.C.: Carnegie Institution of Washington.

Goldberg, D. E., and R. M. Turner. 1986. Vegetation change and plant demography in permanent plots in the Sonoran Desert. Ecology 67:695-712.

Murray, A. V. 1959. An analysis of changes in Sonoran Desert vegetation for the years 1928-1957. M.S. thesis, University of Arizona, Tucson.

Shreve, F., and A.L. Hinckley. 1937. Thirty Years of Change in Desert Vegetation. Ecology, 18: 463-478

72

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

89

101112131415

16

17181920212223

2425

2627

282930313233

34



The Plant List. 2012. Version 1. Published on the Internet; http://www.theplantlist.org/ (last accessed 1st January. 2012).

Turner, R. M., R. H. Webb, J. E. Bowers, and J. R. Hastings. 2003. The Changing Mile Revisited. Tucson, University of Arizona Press.

USDA, NRCS. 2012. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 17 January 2012). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

Wallace, H. D., P. R. Fish, and S. K. Fish. 2007 Tumamoc Hill and the early Pioneer Period occupation of the Tucson Basin. In S. K. Fish, P. R. Fish, and E. Villalpando (eds.): Trincheras Sites in Time, Space, and Society., pp. 137-164. The University of Arizona Press, Tucson

Webb, R. H., D. E. Boyer, and R. M. Turner (editors). 2010. Repeat Photography: Methods and Applications in the Natural Sciences. Washington, D.C., Island Press

Webb, R. H., D. E. Boyer, and R. M. Turner 2007. The Desert Laboratory Repeat Photography Collection—An invaluable archive documenting landscape change. U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2007-3046. http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2007/3046/

Webb, R. H., and R. M. Turner. 2010. A debt to the Past: Long-term and current plant research at Tumamoc Hill in Tucson, Arizona. Desert Plants 26 (2): 3-18

73

12345

67

89

101112131415161718

http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2007/3046/

106 years of population and community dynamics of Sonoran...

Documents

Transcript of 106 years of population and community dynamics of Sonoran...