Chapter Two: Methodology

2.1 Introduction
The methodology used in ecosystem studies can vary depending on the specific
objectives and research questions. However, here are some common
methodologies employed in ecosystem research. Research is a systematic
investigation, which bring forth logical answers to specific problem or question. It
is an expository presentation of the evidence relevant that answer (Rouf and
Elahi, 1992) “Methodology is the systematic and logical study of the principles
guiding scientific investigation.” (Hamid, 1998)
To run a research in right way at firast you have to set up proper research
methodology. In research methodology source of data, data collection methods,
data analysis methods and data presentation or visualization methods also
included.

2.2 Source of Data

The related data and information of this research has been collected by both
primary and secondary data sources.
Primary data: The primary data used for analysis was collected by the students
of MEDM during their field tour of 2023. The data was collected from the
existing shoreline of kuakata. A well-known GPS tracker (Garmin Etrix10) was
used to track and store the data. We also collect soil and dead wood sample for
primary data for carbon stock measurement. Field Observation and survey also
taken as the part of primary data.
Secondary data: Secondary data is mainly collected by Satellite Images from
Google archive and different reports and journals.

2.3 Data Collection Methods

Field Surveys and Sampling: Field surveys involve collecting data directly from
the ecosystem through various sampling techniques. This can include collecting
plant and animal specimens, measuring environmental parameters (e.g.,
temperature, humidity, and pH), and conducting vegetation or biodiversity
assessments (Cain et al., 2011).
Remote Sensing and GIS: Remote sensing techniques, such as satellite imagery
and aerial photography, are used to monitor and assess ecosystems at larger
scales. Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis allows for the integration
 Chapter Two: Methodology

and analysis of spatial data, aiding in mapping and understanding landscape

patterns and changes over time (Jensen, 2007).
GIS Approaches: A geographic information system (GIS) integrates hardware,
software, and data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of
geographically referenced information (ESRI, 2003). It helps to answer questions
and solve problems by looking at data in a way that is quickly understood and
easily shared. Geographic Information System (GIS) has been adopted for
projecting, digitizing and mapping of Mauza sheets and analyzing the changes of
the study area. This technology can be integrated into any enterprise information
system framework.
GPS tracker : Four different groups were created to collect data from the
shoreline. Group-A, B, C & D collected the coordinates from the existing
shoreline. Each group collected 10 coordinates from the shoreline by using the
GPS tracker used for this study. The data was then stored instantly and plotted
further on the satellite image found from Google Earth Pro of 2022.
Soil Collection for Carbon Stock Measurement
We collect top soil, lower soil, surface soil and dead wood for Carbon Stock
Measurement.
Questionnaire : In the survey questionnaire, the respondent is presented with
specific queries about their experience living in the forest and what they receive
from the forest. All questions were selected with the aim of gathering data on the
four major ecosystem services: provisioning services, regulating services, cultural
services, and supporting services. The questionnaire is attached to the paper:

Figure 1: Questionnaire Survey

 Chapter Two: Methodology

2.4 Data Analysis Methods

Experimental Approaches: Experimental approaches involve manipulating
certain factors within ecosystems to understand cause-and-effect relationships.
This can include field experiments where specific variables are controlled or
manipulated, such as nutrient additions, removal of certain species, or disturbance
regimes (Hurlbert, 1984).
Map Analysis: Analysis is the most important task of the research to find out a
conclusion which has been done using different GIS tools through analyzing
developed database and prepared map.
Google Earth Pro Apps : The primary data compared with the shoreline of 2011
using Google Earth Pro. The existing shoreline was drawn by connecting the
coordinates collected by all four groups. Then it was compared with the reference
shoreline of 2022 and 2011. A shoreline was drawn from the timeline of 2011 and
the vertical distance was measured between the existing shoreline and the
shoreline of 2011.
Preparation of Map: Different map about fatrar chor and kuakata Sea beach are
prepared using Arc GIS software.

Measure of pH upper soil

upper soil we are collected some soil sample and measure soil PH in jagannath
university lab.this soil was accually upper level soil for carbon stock measure.we
collected deferent soil in deferent place in tengra giri forest. Most of the soil PH
value is 6.9 to 8.00 that’s besides in river but the dippest forest soil PH value is 2
to 5. when soil value under 4 or upper 8 then soil attribute were lost .here some
location were no crop growth zone .but more then zone were presence soil
attribute.
Lower soil pH
We also collected lower soil sample that’s deepst 30 c.m firstly, 30c.m pipe enter
the soil and then collected every 10 c.m soil sample and measure pH. Here pH
Value 0.9 TO 2.00 .
SURFACE pH
Collected the surface soil sample and measure the PH value .here PH value
average 3.9 to 7.9.
Soil structure

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 Chapter Two: Methodology

Tree carbon calculation : The study were selected 11 deferent species. we

calculate the trees high for measure carbon stock .average 30 to 40 feet high trees
in the tengra giri forest. per 1000 sq feet approximately stored 700 trees in tengra
giri forest. In 1987 first presented allometric equation. The allometry equation
generally fit the data well.more then 67% observed variation in biomass that was
explained in dbh (diameter at breast height).
High trees
we calculate the trees high for measure carbon stock .average 30 to 40 feet high
trees in the tengra giri forest .per 1000 sq feet approximately stored 700 trees in
tengra giri forest .
Dead wood policy
collected some sample of dead wood for carbon measure .in this study of dw
estimated in the following two components standing and fallen .dead wood is two
types stump ,log.stump is defined as cut tree ,standing deadwood tree (snag)trunk
low hight less then 5 c m
1) volume of standing live trees snags and stump : this was used to estimate the
live trees and snags .the dimension was 100 into 100 =1000 m2.the diameter at
dbh formula .
2) Volume of fallen trees: the length of each sample microplot line was 50 m .the
fallen log intersected by line transect were measured every piocies al least 10 cm
diameter under the burk 30 cm long .
Fellen and standing wood collected from deferent point. we colleted 30 sample
from 30 deferent point in fatrar bann. then all burk contain weight then keep up
oven that’was 60 c for 72 hour .then again contain all burks .we saw burks are
loss weight .but we can not complete the all procedure for a little time .
Liter measure : it’s a one of the best policy of carbon stock measure but its only
a spelled liter ,but we can not measure for our limitation .
Surb measure : surb measure also like that dead wood and soil carbon measure
but we can not surb measure for our limitation.
Ecosystem assessment methods
Ecosystem services assessment is a method of demonstrating the value of the
ecosystem in human existence to society. From the standpoint of regional
planners, it is a supplementary tool for planning the usage of an area. However,
implementing this assessment is a very challenging scientific endeavor since a
large number of sidereal elements and data must be studied and compared.
 Chapter Two: Methodology

Ecosystem service (ES) evaluation may be done using a variety of methodologies,

including biophysical, social, and economic evaluation. These strategies are
complementary, but each can give a unique set of answers that are critical for
decision-makers. Economic and social assessments disclose the direct advantages
to society and can thus enhance decision-making on specific land use initiatives
that affect various sectors of society. While biophysical assessment aids in
understanding the functioning of the ecosystem and the role of various species,
habitats, and land cover types in the provision of ecosystem services. It serves as
the foundation for ES mapping and may be included in spatial planning, nature
conservation, and decision-making on spatial solutions for land management and
natural resource usage.

Biophysical assessment methods : Biophysical assessment methodologies are

used to measure ecosystems' ability to offer ecosystem services for human
benefit, as well as the quantity of harvested output produced by such capacity.
Data from direct measurements of biophysical parameters (e.g., field surveys,
monitoring) might be used for this purpose. Obtaining, collecting, and analyzing
field data, on the other hand, may be regarded as an expensive and time-
consuming procedure.
Social assessment methods : Social assessment methodologies are techniques
used to learn more about social phenomena and social life. It was used to analyze
the conditions, causes, and consequences of the community. Social assessments
can be conducted in a variety of settings, including surveys, interviews, and focus
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groups. Best practices for social assessment methods include asking open-ended
questions.
Economic assessment methods : Economic assessment methodologies are
techniques that calculate the value of ecosystem services by using: market price
information or electing consumer preferences through a wide range of nonmarket
valuation methods. Market prices and costs can provide estimates of the increase
in the value of commercial activities, the value of revenues from tourism
activities related to visits to natural areas, and the value of contracts signed by
firms and governmental agencies, also known as bioprospecting contracts.