An Evaluation of Plotless Sampling Using Vegetation Simulations and Field Data from a Mangrove Forest.

ABSTRACT: In vegetation science and forest management, tree density is often used as a variable. To determine the value of this variable, reliable field methods are necessary. When vegetation is sparse or not easily accessible, the use of sample plots is not feasible in the field. Therefore, plotless methods, like the Point Centred Quarter Method, are often used as an alternative. In this study we investigate the accuracy of different plotless sampling methods. To this end, tree densities of a mangrove forest were determined and compared with estimates provided by several plotless methods. None of these methods proved accurate across all field sites with mean underestimations up to 97% and mean overestimations up to 53% in the field. Applying the methods to different vegetation patterns shows that w

SUBMITTER: Hijbeek R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3695089 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature