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Species Composition

Species composition refers to the contribution of each plant species to the vegetation. Botanical composition is another term used to describe species composition. Species composition is generally expressed as a percent, so that all species components add up to 100%.

Species composition can be expressed on either an individual species basis, or by species groups that are defined according to the objectives of the inventory or monitoring program (eg., Aristida spp., perennial forage grasses, etc.).

Separation of Dead and Live Material

The actual components of above-ground biomass that are considered during sampling depend upon the biomass property to sample. Biomass categories that may be identified include:

a. Living, actively growing material.

b. Recent dead - current year's growth which is no longer actively growing.

Sampling Terminology and Theory

Much of the terminology and concepts related to sampling is derived from the theory of statistical inference. People often become uncomfortable with statistical theory, but only an elementary understanding is required to understand the general concepts of sampling and data analysis covered here.

Rangeland Inventory, Monitoring, and Evaluation:
Sampling Concepts

Introduction | General Principles | Sampling Concepts | Vegetation Attributes
Rangeland Evaluation | Management Applications | Chapter Outline