Using multivariate techniques to quantitatively estimate ecological stages in a mixed grass prairie
Uresk DW. 1990. Using multivariate techniques to quantitatively estimate ecological stages in a mixed grass prairie. Journal of Range Management. 43(4):282-285
Cluster analysis followed by stepwise discriminant analysis was used to delineate ecological stages on a mixed grass prairie in western South Dakota. Forty-seven variables were analyzed for 48 sites ranging from potential vegetation to early seral stages. A cover-frequency index for western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), and buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) was the most valuable in identifying 4 different ecological stages. Ecological stage classification was estimated to be 95% accurate. The methods presented are quantitative, precise, easy, time-efficient, and meet the goals of resource managers with a minimum of bias.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Uresk, Daniel
- Units
- BADL
- Keywords
- Grassland, Plant Communities, Plant Studies