Dataset: Forest Floor Fuels, Litter, and Duff Depth

Overview

This dataset contains surface fuel loading information collected via planar intersect sampling (Brown’s Transects). It quantifies downed woody debris (DWD) categorized by time-lag fuel classes alongside systematic point measurements of litter ($T$) and duff ($D$) depth profile measurements across cardinally oriented plot transects.

File Details

File Name: MANFV_FloorFuels.csv
Format: CSV (Comma-Separated Values)
Methodology: Planar Intersect Method (Brown’s Transects)

Data Dictionary (Column Descriptions)

Column Name	Data Type	Description	Example / Allowed Values
SiteID	String	Broad geographic site identifier.	`MANFV`
PlotID	String	Unique identifier for the specific sampling plot.	`MANFV01`
InventoryDate	Date	The date the fuel inventory was conducted (MM/DD/YYYY).	`4/11/2024`
Crew	String	Initials of the field crew responsible for data collection.	`AAT`
Transect	String	Compass direction of the transect line originating from plot center.	`NE`, `SE`, `SW`, `NW`
SlopePct	Integer	The slope incline along the transect line, expressed as a percentage.	`12`
Tally_1hr	Integer	Count of fine woody debris intersecting the transect tape with a diameter between 0.0 – 0.64 cm (0 – 0.25 inches).	`3`
Tally_10hr	Integer	Count of fine woody debris intersecting the transect tape with a diameter between 0.64 – 2.54 cm (0.25 – 1 inch).	`1`
Tally_100hr	Integer	Count of coarse woody debris intersecting the transect tape with a diameter between 2.54 – 7.62 cm (1 – 3 inches).	`0`
Sum_Dian / Sum_Dian	Float	[Duplicate headers in preview] Typically holds calculations or diameters for 1000-hr+ heavy fuels ($>3$ inches).	`90.25`, `216.64`
T_0.5 to T_13.5	Float	Litter Depth (Trash/Top organic layer): Vertical thickness of the loose, undecomposed organic material layer measured at designated intervals (e.g., 0.5m, 1.5m, up to 13.5m) along the transect line.	`1.5`
D_0.5 to D_13.5	Float	Duff Depth: Vertical thickness of the fermenting and partially decomposed organic material layer located directly below the litter layer, measured at designated intervals.	`0.25`
Comments	String	Contextual field notes detailing anomalies, obstacle locations, or surrounding conditions.	`trail close`, `@10,5m main`

Methodological Notes

Time-Lag Fuel Definition Summary:

1-Hour Fuels: Twigs up to 1/4 inch diameter. Highly responsive to immediate relative humidity changes.
10-Hour Fuels: Wood 1/4 inch to 1 inch diameter.
100-Hour Fuels: Wood 1 inch to 3 inches diameter.
Litter ($T$): Un-rotted dead leaves, needles, twigs, and bark resting on the forest floor surface.
Duff ($D$): Highly decomposed organic material that has begun blending with underlying mineral soil.

Depth Sampling Points:

Paired litter and duff measurements ($T_x$ and $D_x$) are recorded in meters at the specific locations along the transect tape dictated by the column header numeric suffix (e.g., T_0.5 represents the litter depth at exactly $0.5\text{ meters}$).