Hi Everyone,
I am developing a standard template for Paula's Permaculture
Observation and Maintenance Log.
This is used for validated and personal records of plant guilds and
citizen science projects.
I will use this template to practice the process and develop an easy
format to complete and read.
The required content will be monitored by Paula for adjustments.
We hope to have an editable PDF document that can be filled in, printed
and e-mailed for record keeping.
Along with this a field notebook for quick notes and reference for
reflection, planning, and PDF log entries.
Some customization may be needed for each guild or island log, but a
standard format will make for a predictable and optimized record.
My first template will be based on Berm Guilds and a recurrent list of
guild members relative to their positions in the field.
For space saving I will use symbols or Web Shorthand.
You may wish to make a new mail folder through rules or filter to send
this recurring e-mail. That way it will not get lost in the ether and
they will be chronological.
I will use the same subject line each time and attach photos whenever
possible. I think photos are a necessity.
The only other document to go with this will be Paula's Validation Log
(the base line) which states the preliminary data for/from the
installation of the guild(s). I have yet to collect all the data in one
place.
This practice is important in order to have verifiable and credible
information for future reference beyond anecdotes.
You are welcome to come out any early AM 7-9 and run through the
process with me. Comments appreciated.
I have to keep myself from spending all day in the field and get some
office yield!
Dan Halsey
Plant Community Observation & Maintenance Log
Community or Guild:
Date:
Time:
Weather:
Observations :
(based on goals) – productivity (quality and quantity of produce),
biology (quantity, diversity present), soil quality (soil test,
texture, moisture),
plant health (signs of health, disease, pests), other observations.
See the back page for examples. Include both positive and negative
observations.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________
Record Activity
(weeding, harvesting, adding inputs of water, mulch, amendments)
Describe activity, time spent and quantities of materials used
(hrs/lb#/etc)
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________
Plant Survey
(Complete list of plants here, with notes and comments added in the
field)
Productivity
How large was the harvest?
Is there any damage to the product?
Biology
Are insects present?
What kind(s)?
How many?
Are they beneficial?
Are birds present?
What kind(s)?
How many?
Are there soil organisms present?
Earthworms?
Nematodes?
Spiders?
Are there any reptiles present?
Snakes?
Is there evidence of wildlife damage?
Deer nibbling?
Gopher mounds?
Soil Quality
Is the soil moist? Dry?
Is the texture crumbly? Porous?
Are there any soil test results?
What is the current compaction depth?
Are “weeds” present? What kind? How many?
Plant Health
Are there signs of plant disease or damage? Spots on leaves? Speckled
leaves? Shrunken leaves? Brown leaves? Nibbled leaves?
Any there signs of fungus or mold?
Plant Community Observation & Maintenance Log
Daniel Halsey
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