Abstract
An evaluation of sampling techniques was conducted on Highland Sourveld in the Natal Drakensberg. The quadrat, Levy bridge, step point, wheel point, metric belt transect and 't Mannetje & Haydock methods were used. In order to compare these methods the scores were standardized against the wheel point. The results of analyses of variance showed that the quadrat and point techniques were the most consistent. The metric belt transect and 't Mannetje & Haydock methods were shown to be not suitable for detailed botanical analysis. Operator differences and time of day had little effect on the results. It is concluded that the wheel point method is most suitable for determining grassland species composition in the Natal Drakensberg.
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Everson, C.S., Clarke, G.P.Y. A comparison of six methods of botanical analysis in the montane grasslands of Natal. Vegetatio 73, 47–51 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00031850
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00031850