A VARIATION OF LINE INTERCEPT SAMPLING: COMPARING LONG TRANSECTS TO SHORT TRANSECTS

摘要

Line intercept transects are commonly used to measure vegetation although their length and number are variable among studies. Although line intercepts are used to compare other sampling techniques, few studies have investigated the effect of changing the number and length of transects on measurements. This study compared results from line intercept sampling with conventional 45 m transects to 4 m transects at 10 study sites in south-central New Mexico. In a plant community dominated by creosotebush (Larrea tridentata), tarbush (Florensia cernua), and bush muhly (Muhlenbergia porteri) no differences were detected in measurements made with three 45 m transects compared to thirty 4 m transects or for six 45 m transects compared to one hundred 4 m transects (P>0.05). However, sampling with the 4 m transects can be easily conducted by a single technician Whereas the 45 m transects typically require a two person team. This study suggests that a Substantial amount of sampling efficiency can be gained through use of short line transects With no loss in data quality regarding estimates of mean and variance.