Abstract
ABSTRACT This study compares sampling methods based on plots of fixed area and based on a fixed number of trees. The study was conducted in a Eucalyptus forest surveyed using three plot types: rectangular with fixed area, circular with fixed area and fixed number of trees. The estimation accuracies were evaluated for the average diameter per plot and for the number of stems, the basal area and the volume per plot. The null hypothesis of equality between the sampling methods was assessed by t-test. No significant differences were found between the three sampling methods.
Highlights
Eucalyptus plantations provide for the growing demand of charcoal for coking, of cellulose for paper, and of wood, among others
If all trees are measured within the stand or population, the technique is referred as 100% inventory, or census (SOARES et al, 2006)
The biggest differences observed between two means (n=30) for the three sampling alternatives were related to number of stems, diameter, basal area and volume
Summary
Eucalyptus plantations provide for the growing demand of charcoal for coking, of cellulose for paper, and of wood, among others. Rapid growth and high production of these forests supply market demands and allow a good financial return, and contribute to the loss of native forests. Precise and accurate information allows better decision-making regarding silvicultural treatments, management, planning and market options. Forest inventories are indispensable for monitoring production, providing qualitative and quantitative information (SOARES et al, 2006). A forest inventory is based on field measurements of treesattributes, such as total height (Ht) and diameter at breast height of 1.3 m (DBH), among other quantitative and qualitative variables. If all trees are measured within the stand or population, the technique is referred as 100% inventory, or census (SOARES et al, 2006).
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