Measurements for Terrestrial Vegetation

Measurements for Terrestrial Vegetation, 2nd
Edition presents up-to-date methods for analyzing species
frequency, plant cover, density and biomass data. Each method is
presented in detail with a full discussion of its strengths and
weaknesses from field applications through statistical
characteristics of bias and use of the correct probability
distribution to describe and analyze data. This practical book also
covers the use of satellite imagery to obtain measurement data on
cover, density and biomass. Field data collection includes current
applications of statistical sampling and analysis designs that
should be used to obtain and analyze these data.

This new and thoroughly updated edition of a classic text will
be essential reading for everyone involved in measuring and
assessing vegetation and plant biomass, including researchers and
practitioners in vegetation science, plant ecology, forestry,
global change scientists and conservation scientists.

• Provides a comprehensive catalogue of sampling, surveying and
  measuring techniques in vegetation science

• Updated to include new technologies and developments in the
  field

• New coverage of prediction models for large areas, including
  satellite mapping and remote sensing techniques

• Includes up-to-date applications of statistical sampling and
  analysis designs used to obtain and analyse data Reviews the
  strengths and weaknesses of each technique, allowing an informed
  choice of alternative approaches

• Clear diagrams to explain best-practice in
  methodology

The companion website for this book can be found
at www.wiley.com/go/bonham/measurements

Autorentext
Charles D. Bonham is Professor Emeritus of Rangeland Science, Colorado State University, USA.

Zusammenfassung

Measurements for Terrestrial Vegetation, 2nd Edition presents up-to-date methods for analyzing species frequency, plant cover, density and biomass data. Each method is presented in detail with a full discussion of its strengths and weaknesses from field applications through statistical characteristics of bias and use of the correct probability distribution to describe and analyze data. This practical book also covers the use of satellite imagery to obtain measurement data on cover, density and biomass. Field data collection includes current applications of statistical sampling and analysis designs that should be used to obtain and analyze these data.

This new and thoroughly updated edition of a classic text will be essential reading for everyone involved in measuring and assessing vegetation and plant biomass, including researchers and practitioners in vegetation science, plant ecology, forestry, global change scientists and conservation scientists.

• Provides a comprehensive catalogue of sampling, surveying and measuring techniques in vegetation science
• Updated to include new technologies and developments in the field
• New coverage of prediction models for large areas, including satellite mapping and remote sensing techniques
• Includes up-to-date applications of statistical sampling and analysis designs used to obtain and analyse data Reviews the strengths and weaknesses of each technique, allowing an informed choice of alternative approaches
• Clear diagrams to explain best-practice in methodology
  The companion website for this book can be found at www.wiley.com/go/bonham/measurements

Inhalt
Preface xi About the companion website xiii

1 Introduction 1

1.1 Historical brief 2

1.2 Units of measure 4

1.3 Choice of method 6

1.3.1 Vegetation characteristics 6

1.3.2 Biometrics and econometrics 7

1.4 Variation in vegetation 8

1.5 Observational units 9

1.6 Sampling 9

1.7 Frequency 10

1.8 Cover 11

1.9 Density 12

1.10 Biomass 13

1.11 Measurements with remote sensing 14

1.12 Monitoring and evaluation 14

1.13 Overview and summary 15

1.14 Bibliography 17

2 Sampling units for measurements 19

2.1 Frequency 20

2.2 Cover 20

2.2.1 Points 21

2.2.2 Point frames 21

2.2.3 Point line 22

2.2.4 Grid quadrats 23

2.2.5 Line intercept 24

2.2.6 Areas 24

2.2.7 Plotless units 25

2.3 Density 29

2.3.1 Plot size 29

2.3.2 Shape of plots 29

2.3.3 Line transects 30

2.3.4 Distance methods 31

2.4 Biomass 31

2.4.1 Plot characteristics 32

2.4.2 Indirect methods 34

2.5 Tree measurements 35

2.5.1 Tree heights 35

2.5.2 Units of measure for tree diameters 37

2.5.3 Tree crown cover 40

2.6 Bibliography 41

3 Statistical concepts for field sampling 43

3.1 Characterization of data 44

3.1.1 Measures of data location 45

3.1.2 Measures of dispersion 48

3.2 Principles of data behavior 52

3.2.1 Patterns of data commonly observed 52

3.2.2 The normal distribution 53

3.2.3 Sample statistics and the normal distribution 55

3.2.4 Confidence limits 59

3.3 Sample size 59

3.3.1 When available budget is too small 62

3.3.2 Sample size for non-normal data 63

3.4 Data distributions 63

3.4.1 Bernoulli data distribution 64

3.4.2 Geometric data distribution 67

3.4.3 Pascal data distribution 67

3.4.4 Negative binomial data distribution 68

3.4.5 Binomial data distribution 69

3.4.6 Poisson data distribution 71

3.5 Bibliography 73

4 Spatial sampling designs for measurements 75

4.1 Simple random sampling 77

4.2 Cluster and systematic sampling 78

4.3 Two-stage sampling design 80

4.4 A role for satellite imagery 81

4.4.1 Sampling units 83

4.4.2 Spatial sampling 85

4.4.3 Studies of large areas 86

4.5 On-ground large-scale spatial analyses 89

4.6 Bibliography 95

5 Frequency 99

5.1 Brief history and definition 99

5.2 Estimates of frequency 101

5.2.1 Influences of size and shape of the plot 103

5.2.2 Requirements for valid comparisons 104

5.3 Minimal area and frequency 104

5.4 Plot size considerations 105

5.5 Applications for frequency data 112

5.5.1 Prediction and monitoring 112

5.6 Considerations 114

5.7 Bibliography 115

6 Cover 117

6.1 Basal area techniques 118

6.1.1 Diameter rule 119

6.2 Intercept techniques 120

6.2.1 Point intercept 120

6.2.2 Grid-quadrat frame 121

6.2.3 Vertical point frame 123

6.2.4 Horizontal point frame 123

6.2.5 Single points 125

6.3 Line-intercept methods 130

6.4 Crown diameter and canopy closure method 138

6.5 Variable plot methods 139

6.6 Semi-quantitative methods 141

6.7 Bibliography 148

7 Density 153

7.1 Related measurements 153

7.1.1 Frequency 153

7.1.2 Abundance 154

7.2 Limitations of the density estimate 155

7.3 Quadrat techniques 156

7.3.1 Distribution 156

7.3.2 Quadrat size and shape 158 7....