Standardised methods for African woodlands
SEOSAW has developed a set of linked protocols to study the socio-ecology of African woodlands — designed to make data comparable across the network while remaining flexible enough to suit many different research objectives. We aim to:
- Borrow from tried-and-tested methods used across tropical savannas and woodlands, rather than proposing novel approaches.
- Enable data integration across the SEOSAW network and with other networks, including AfriTRON, ForestPlots.net and DRYFLOR.
- Share field experience openly — what works, and what does not — so that mistakes are not repeated across the network.
- Define a minimum measurement set for network integration without precluding additional measurements for specific projects.
- Support long-term permanent plots designed to be remeasured approximately every 2–5 years.
Reach out if you have questions about the protocols, or would like help preparing methods and datasheets for your project.
Protocols
Field protocols
SEOSAW measurements follow a shared set of standardised protocols so data are comparable across the network. Each is available in several languages.
Trees, disturbance & plot setup
Set up the plot, tag and measure large trees, and record fire, herbivory and other disturbances.
Small stems & shrubs
Capture the smaller woody stems and multi-stemmed shrubs that the main tree census leaves out.
Ground-layer biomass
Sample the grasses, herbs and litter that drive productivity and fire fuel loads.
Coarse woody debris
Measure fallen and standing dead wood to quantify the deadwood carbon pool.
Soil
Sample down the soil profile for carbon, nutrients and texture.
Social dimensions
In progressRecord how people use and manage the woodland — the social side of these landscapes.
For older versions of every protocol and datasheet, see the full version archive.