DefinePK

Abstract

ABSTRACT To assess the accuracy and average deviation percent of prism sampling vis-a-vis total enumeration in the mixed temperate coniferous forests, seven compartments (390 hectares) of varying density, varying slope and species composition of Kaghan Reserved Forests, were sampled, by prism of B.A.F. 20 and also enumerated totally. This paper is confined to the discussion of conifers only. The deviation of Basal Area varies from 13 to 29%for different compartments. The compartment wise variation between total number of trees and total volume with prism sampling and total enumeration ranged from 12 to 46% and 11 to 28% respectively. The variation between stand tables (5 centimeters diameter classes) prepared with prism sampling and those derived from total enumeration was much wider. The volume estimates with prism sampling for all area, varied from the volume estimates of the total enumeration by minus 12% i.e., the prism sampling estimates were on lower side. It was concluded that prism sampling technique may be used for basal area and volume estimates with a per missile deviation of 20% in the mixed temperate coniferous forests, but it will not be advisable to use it for the preparation of the stand tables, unless acceptable accuracy is achieved by improving the application of point sampling in all its ramification.