The primarily goal of plot-less sampling methods is to reduce costs and rapid survey of plant communities. First full inventory was conducted in two 30-ha sites of Saxaul populations geo-morphologically different. In first site (site I), population had random pattern while in second site (site II) clumped pattern was observed. Crown diameters and spatial situation of all trees were recorded using distance and azimuth. Data were transferred to computer and stem map was generated with ArcGIS Software. Distance sampling methods include point-centred quarter method (PCQ), joint-point method (JP), Random pairs method (RP), T-Square method (T-Sq) and Quartered neighbour methods beside fixed area plot (FAP), n-tree and variable area transect (VAT) methods were conducted on generated stem maps. A time study was done aiding indices determined in field works. In site I, point centred quarter estimator with measurements to the second closest individual in each quadrant had the lowest relative bias (RBIAS) in estimating density followed by 3-tree and closest individual methods. In clumped pattern (site II), variable area transect method with measurements to the 4th and 5th closest individuals in each transect brought the best results. The most time consuming methods after fixed area plot, were point centred quarter estimators while methods considering measurement to the closest individual were rapid. Considering RBIAS and Time together, VAT method was the best sampling method in clumped pattern followed by point centred quarter estimator with measurements to the second closest individual in each quadrant and closest individual estimators. In random pattern, point centred quarter estimator with measurements to the second closest individual in each quadrant was the best method followed by 3-treeandclosest individualestimators. But for estimating cover per unit area N-tree methods performed well. As in this site, VAT method located in 4th grade, and due to simplicity of field works related to this method, in the case that the investigator would not be able to clearly define spatial pattern of the population, this method can be recommended as well.
2
Dostęp do pełnego tekstu na zewnętrznej witrynie WWW
The assessment of the density and cover of very scarce vegetation in dry habitats may create methodological problems. The variable area transect method (VAT) is a potential labour-saving sampling method and an alternative to plot (quadrate) method. It allows for density estimation without the time-consuming studies associated with other plot-less density estimators. We used the method in a natural shrubland of Saxaul (Haloxylon ammodenderon C.A.M) to define optimum parameters include transect width and individual.s number to which, distance is measured. Three transect widths were chosen, 10-m, 15-m and 20-m and distances to the 3rd, 4th and 5th individual. Transect width affected the estimation, a 20-m width transect had the least relative bias (-0.5%), and a 10-m width sampling had the greatest bias (-20%). However, all methods underestimated the plant density. The most accurate estimation was with the 3rd plant distance and 20-m transect. As the VAT method is more efficient per unit effort in the field than the quadrate methods, it can be recommended for rapid assessment of desert communities density (like saxaul) especially when plants are dispersed at random.
3
Dostęp do pełnego tekstu na zewnętrznej witrynie WWW
For native species, mixed plantation systems seem to be the most appropriate for providing a broader range of options such as production, protection, biodiversity conservation and restoration. After 11 years, growth and nutrition and soil properties were examined in young plantation of two indigenous tree species in Hyrcanian forests of Iran. Quercus castaneifolia C.A. Mey. (as target species) and Celtis australis L. (as native component species) were planted in five proportions (100Q, 70Q:30C, 60Q:40C, 50Q:50C, 40Q:60C) in Noor, Iran. Diameter at breast height of individual Quercus trees and total basal area were affected by the presence of Celtis. Percent retranslocation of nutrients in Quercus followed in order: K> P> N. Leaf-litter fall production ranged from 4.10 to 6.14 t ha[^-1] year[^-1]. Ca and Mg concentrations in fully expanded leaves of Quercus, N and K retranslocation of Quercus, concentration of available P in soil were higher in some of the mixed plantations than in monoculture of Quercus. On the other hand, N concentration in fully expanded leaves of Quercus, N fluxes and soil C/N ratio were higher in monoculture of Quercus. Within the framework of this experiment, it appeared that production was maximized when these two species were grown together in the proportion of 60% Quercus and 40% Celtis.
4
Dostęp do pełnego tekstu na zewnętrznej witrynie WWW
The leaf morphology of Buxus hyrcana (Pojark.), shade-tolerant and evergreen species growing in understorey of Caspian Forest was studied in five natural Iranian populations in order to recognize the pattern of within- and among-population variation of selected leaf morphological traits. Fifteen traits were selected and measured or calculated - list in Appendix. Leaves were collected from different geographical (between 36[degree]13'N and 53[degree]15'E) populations of B. hyrcana growing in the Caspian Forests located in Mazandaran Province (northern Iran) in the similar vegetation and site conditions but on different altitudes. Ten mature trees from five relatively small areas (0.5-1 ha) were selected in June. Then ANOVA model was used with both crossed and nested effects. The results showed that variation among the populations was significant in 13 of 15 traits (P <0.05); variation among the trees in the population was significant in 14 of 15 traits (P <0.05). Among all characters measured, the greatest plasticity was found for weight, leaf area mass and specific leaf mass. Function 1 explained 30% of the total variance and Function 2 represented another 17% of the total variance. PCA analysis showed that the most important role in function 1 allocated to width of lamina and leaf figure ratio (length of lamina/width of lamina) and in function 2 to top of leaf figure (width of lamina in 0.1 its length/width of lamina). The results of the average linkage clustering method evidenced four distinct clusters. Generally, morphological traits of leaves of B. hyrcana showed low variation among the considered populations based on clustering analysis, although some trees inside the population showed significantly different values in comparison with other trees.
JavaScript jest wyłączony w Twojej przeglądarce internetowej. Włącz go, a następnie odśwież stronę, aby móc w pełni z niej korzystać.