Tree spatial patterns and stand attributes in temperate forests: The importance of plot size, sampling design, and null model

• Published in: Forest ecology and management Vol. 407; pp. 125 - 134
• Main Authors: Carrer, Marco, Castagneri, Daniele, Popa, Ionel, Pividori, Mario, Lingua, Emanuele
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.01.2018
• Subjects: Central European region; forest stands; Forest structure; Permanent plot; Sampling design; Spatial pattern analysis; stand basal area; temperate forests; trees; Central European region; Spatial pattern analysis; Forest structure; Sampling design; Permanent plot

•Plot size and null model on tree spatial patterns were evaluated in four forests.•Small plots (0.25 ha) provided reliable information for stand basal area.•Larger plots (≥ 1 ha) were required to properly assess tree spatial patterns.•Null model accounting for site heterogeneity improved reliability...