| Popis: |
Effectively sampling and analyzing wetland vegetation is an important part of wetland science, as an indicator of wetland health and quality, and jurisdictional and mitigation success determinations. This chapter explains spatiotemporal vegetation sampling considerations by addressing key questions, such as which wetlands should be sampled and when and at what scale sampling should occur. It also plainly discusses the advantages and disadvantages of basic sampling techniques, such as different types of plot-based, plotless, and releve systems. Methods of assessing different vegetation and environmental attributes, such as cover and functional groups are discussed in detail. The chapter then describes methods of analyzing wetland vegetation, including simple summary analyses and more complex multivariate methods, such as classification, ordination, and floristic quality indices. Explanations of different types of these analyses and their advantages and disadvantages are provided. Finally, both field and laboratory-based exercises in sampling and analysis are provided for faculty and students studying wetland vegetation. |
