Methodology for Sampling Design for Assessment of Growing Stock in Plantation over Degraded Land at Gwal Pahari

Abstract

Although several sampling techniques are avai1able for natural forests as well as mature plantations, no low-cost techniques have been evolved for plantations of mixed species on degraded sites. Such sites are characterized by high degree of variation in microclimatic conditions and, therefore, in growing stock. Survival percent, a commonly used criteria for assessing the success of such plantations,is not a reliable criteria. The situation becomes more complicated if the plantation is being assessed for the first time. The present case study uses Basal Area as an indicator of growing stock and lays down a systematic methodology for calculating the sampling intensity.