The INBO plant analytical collection

The INBO plant analytical collection contains samples of dried plant material. Litterfall is collected with specialized traps placed under the forest canopy and samples are taken from different fractions (recently fallen leaves, needles, fruits, seeds, cupules, woody material, ...). The material is then dried, ground and well homogenized to enable chemical analysis in our laboratory, while the remaining material is archived. Samples of fresh foliage (leaves and needles) are collected by tree climbers in the upper part of the canopy and then treated according to the same standard procedures. The litterfall and foliage samples are both collected in the frame of the ICP Forests Level II monitoring programme. We also collect samples of moss specimens under the ICP Vegetation monitoring programme.