Download (PDF 1.24 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/26488.pdf
Abstract
Characterization of forest ecosystems structure must be based on quantitative indices that allow objective analysis of human influences or natural succession processes. The objective of this paper is the compilation of diverse quantitative variables to describe structural attributes from the arboreal stratum of the ecosystem, as well as different methods of forest inventory to obtain such indices.For the evaluation of the species structure the indices of Shannon H’ and species profile A, segregation S of Pielou and the species mingling index Mi are discussed. The aggregation index R of Clark & Evans and the contagion index Wi, were included in order to describe the horizontal structure of the ecosystem. Finally, for the characterization of the dimensional structure, the homogeneity coefficient H and the indices of diameter differentiation TDi and height differentiation THi were analyzed.
Parent Publication
Citation
Calderón, Oscar A. Aguirre; Pérez, Javier Jiménez; Kramer, Horst. 2006. Assessment and monitoring of forest ecosystem structure. In: Aguirre-Bravo, C.; Pellicane, Patrick J.; Burns, Denver P.; and Draggan, Sidney, Eds. 2006. Monitoring Science and Technology Symposium: Unifying Knowledge for Sustainability in the Western Hemisphere Proceedings RMRS-P-42CD. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 574-579
