Accuracy of quadrat sampling in studying forest reproduction on cut-over areas

Abstract

The quadrat method, first introduced into ecological studies by Pound and Clements in i898, has been adopted by both foresters and ecologists as one of the most accurate means of studying the occurrence, distribution, and development of vegetation (Clements, '05; Weaver, '18). This method is unquestionably more precise than the descriptive method which it superseded. Nevertheless, the results obtained are subject to certain types of experimental error in common with all methods of sampling in which it is necessary to picture conditions over large areas from representative fractions. Despite its long and wide-spread use, few investigators have seen fit to check the accuracy of the quadrat system, and our knowledge on this subject, particularly in the field of silvical investigations, is extremely limited. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss the accuracy of quadrat sampling as applied to the study of forest reproduction on cut-over areas, and to describe methods by which this accuracy can be measured.

Citation

Haig, I. T. 1929. Accuracy of quadrat sampling in studying forest reproduction on cut-over areas. Ecology. 10(4): 374-381.