So i have to compare tree data (densities, tree diameter and height) from 3 habitats (monsoon forest, savanna, ecoton), the first data is my field data and the plot size is 4 meter square with total 17 plot, the other two are 1 meter square with total 5 plot for the second data and 15 plot for the third data. To compare them i was trying to extrapolate the 2nd and 3rd data so it could be more "valid" (e.g multiple the density by 4) but it turns out weird like the density for savanna is higher than the monsoon forest. is there any other way to compare my data to make them less "weird" or is it just impossible to compare them because they have different plot size?
#statistic #agriculturestatistic #forestrystatistic #forestry
In my view, opting to compute densities, basal area, and volume per hectare rather than at the plot level is preferable when comparing variation between forest types. As you mentioned, contrasting forests using disparate data lengths and plot sizes appears unconventional and can introduce bias to your audience.
yes, you may go for floristic richness and other qualitative analysis and not quantitative analysis as plot size and shape may vary. Density is a dependent measurement.
I do not know if that is the solution but if the side length of your monsoon forest plot is 4m instead of being a plot with an area of 4m² the area of this plot is 16m², so you would have to multiple the other plots with 16 instead of 4 or divide these monsoon forest plots with 16 instead of 4. Then the problem would be the difference between a 4 meter square and 4 square meters? Best regards.
In general, we are doing quantitative ecological analysis, considering acceptable sampling parameters like edge effects and the impact of perimeter effect, etc. So, if you think about those, you can't get scientifically accurate results from such a comparison.
Yes, it is possible to compare tree density with different plot sizes. For a precise and meaningful comparison, it is essential to ensure that the sampling plot areas within the plots are the same. For example, if the size of the plot is 100 square meters, this dimension must be respected in all other plots to assess their density and subsequently compare them.
David Schlauß sorry for the typo, the first data plot size is 4m² and the second is 1m² so i was trying to extrapolate the second by multiplying them by 4
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