Accounting for tree spatial distribution in a comparison of plot sizes and shapes in dense forest and woodland in Benin (West Africa)"

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AuteurMENSAH, SYLVANUS
AuteurASSOGBADJO, ACHILLE EPHREM
AuteurSALAKO, KOLAWOLE VALERE
AuteurAGO, EXPEDIT EVARISTE
AuteurGLELE KAKAI, ROMAIN LUCAS
Date d'ajout2026-06-02T16:06:57Z
Date de disponibilite2026-06-02T16:06:57Z
Date de publication2016
ResumeThe study examined simultaneously, the effect of tree spatial distribution, inventory plot size and shape on the estimation error of basal area in two contrasting environments. Twenty and fifteen square plots of 1 ha each (divided into 100 quadrats of 0.01 ha) were randomly set in dense forest and woodland, respectively. Thirteen subplots of various shapes and sizes were obtained from the association of adjacent quadrats. Estimation error was calculated using residual mean square of one-way ANOVA, based on replications of subplot within 1 ha plots. Tree spatial distribution was measured using Green index. Weighted linear regression and mixed effect models were applied to Box & Cox transformed data. In general, the estimation error of basal area decreased with increase in subplot size. However, the effects of tree spatial distribution and plot shape varied with the vegetation type. Where trees tended to be aggregated, estimation error increased with degree of aggregation, and rectangular plots of 0.24 ha produced an acceptable precision. It was concluded that 0.24 ha rectangular plots can be used in tropical environments where the target parameters vary constantly according to one direction, while square plots of the same size are optimal for reliable analysis in case of randomness.
DOI10.1111/aje.12269
Autre identifiantBECDB-11417
URIhttps://dspace.uac.bj/handle/123456789/10047
Languefr
Fait partie deAfrican Journal of Ecology
Sujetestimation error
Sujetinventory plot
Sujetnonrandomness
Sujetstructural parameters
Sujetvégétation
SujetWest Africa
TitreAccounting for tree spatial distribution in a comparison of plot sizes and shapes in dense forest and woodland in Benin (West Africa)"
TypeArticle

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