Measurements for terrestrial vegetation

Introduces the four commonly-used measures of vegetation and their associated units and integrates them into a practical statistical variability point of view. Presents comprehensive coverage of frequency, cover, density, and biomass measurements and considers the special case of measures of vegetation characteristics obtained via remote sensing. Provides a balanced view of conceptual and practical characteristics of measurement procedures. Includes references to numerous case studies and illustrates the differences in estimates of individual measures obtained by various techniques and units.

Bonham (emer., Colorado State Univ.) provides a comprehensive explanation of the wide variety of methods for measuring terrestrial vegetation. This updated edition (1st ed., CH, Jan'90, 27-2720) contains two additional chapters (nine chapters total), although it is nearly 100 pages shorter than its predecessor. The book is at its best when it describes the methods used for each of the four major types of vegetation measures: frequency, cover, density, and biomass. The book also discusses related topics, such as the basics of statistical analysis for vegetation and remote sensing, but these presentations are somewhat uneven. As an introduction to the topic, it is a bit confusing: concepts are often defined several pages after they are first introduced, and the organization is somewhat hard to follow. For example, the equipment used for measurement is described several chapters before the measurements are actually explained. In addition, a number of typographical errors make for difficult reading at times. The book will be most useful as a reference source for advanced students with some background in statistics and vegetation sampling, and it can be effectively used to help determine appropriate methods for a given study. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. C. C. Jones Connecticut College--Choice Reviews.