Using multivariate techniques to quantitatively estimate ecological stages in a mixed grass prairie
نویسنده
چکیده
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 (P<0.0001) 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.
منابع مشابه
Estimation of Carbon Sequestration by Combining Remote Sensing and Net Ecosystem Exchange Data for Northern Mixed-Grass Prairie and Sagebrush–Steppe Ecosystems
WILLIAM A. REINERS Department of Botany University of Wyoming PO Box 3165 Laramie, Wyoming 82071-3165, USA ABSTRACT / Carbon sequestration was estimated a northern mixed-grass prairie site and a sagebrush–steppe site in southeastern Wyoming using an approach that integrates remote sensing, CO2 flux measurements, and meteorological data. Net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 was measured using air...
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