| Part 6: Case Studies > Southern > Step 6 - Estimating Forest Floor Characteristics |
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Southern Case Study: Step 6 - Estimating
Forest Floor Characteristics
As you consult the photo series to estimate litter and duff, it is important to actually estimate coverage of these fuels and average depths on your field site. According to our field observations, there was no duff present at the site. The average hardwood litter depth was around 1 inch with about 65 percent coverage and the average longleaf pine litter depth was around 1.5 inches with about 20 percent coverage. These observations most closely match the photo series site SH 09. Tip: The Notes to Users section of the Southeast U.S. Sand Hill series provide bulk density estimates for litter and duff types. You may choose to find a close enough match in the photo series or collect your own depth and percent coverage data for litter and duff and calculate loading using the following equation: Loading (tons/acre) = Depth (in) x Bulk Density (tons/acre-inch) x Proportional cover (% Cover / 100) SH 09 Forest Floor Data Table:
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