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Quadrats
Quadrats
Quadrats are two-dimensional sample units of any size or shape. In some cases, a tape may be laid on the ground at each sampling location to define the quadrat, but more often the quadrat is a frame created from narrow steel or plastic piping and carried from one sampling location to the next. Quadrats are used to measure most vegetation attributes in most vegetation types.
Productivity
Productivity
Productivity refers to the biomass produced at a site over a given period of time. Most vegetation assessments are actually limited to estimating net above-ground primary productivity, by ignoring contributions from consumers (livestock, wildlife, microbial populations, etc.). It also circumvents complicated measurements to account for plant respiration and below-ground contributions.