Sampling Ranges by the Line Interception Method Plant Cover-Composition-Density-Degree of Forage Use
Canfield RH. 1942. Sampling Ranges by the Line Interception Method Plant Cover-Composition-Density-Degree of Forage Use. Southwestern Forest and Range Experiment Station 1. Tucson, AZ
The Southwestern Forest and Range Experiment Station has conducted several tests in sampling density and composition of range vegetation by the line interception method. These trials have included the sampling of numerous small expiermental plots, several experimental range pastures, and several large national-forest allotments. Once of the advantages obtained through these tests was the development of standard practices for use of the line interception method in the field. With each succeeding experience in the field work and in the analysis of such data as these projects produced as a guide, the method has been revised and extended. By this means the procedure followed in applying the line interception method of sampling plant density and composition was gradually molded to fit the requirements of many different phases in range research. Special attention was given to forage-plant inventory and the measurement of forage use. In this manner the field technique used in sampling forage composition, density, and grazing use has been brought to a stage of workability that appears to insure uniformly good results. In order that the methods used may be made available to other workers, a description of the line interception method and procedure followed in the testing og data obtained therefrom is herewith presented.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Canfield, R
- Date of Issue
- 1942-06
- Publisher
- Southwestern Forest and Range Experiment Station 1
- Units
- BRCA
- Keywords
- designs for random distribution, grazing use, line interception method, plant cover, plant density measurement, sampling ranges