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The Rangeland Journal The Rangeland Journal Society
Journal of the Australian Rangeland Society
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Points of reference in the assessment of change in vegetation and land condition.

AD Wilson

The Australian Rangeland Journal 6(2) 69 - 74
Published: 1984

Abstract

An analysis is made of the selection and application of reference areas in the derivation of indices of range condition. In present usage there are deficiencies arising from bias in reference area selection, the absence of correction for natural variation, the designation of 'climax' as 'best' and the choice of grazing pressure as the only gradient of vegetation change. A system of nlultiple reference areas is proposed, based on a sampling of land units and the analysis of the principle vectors contributing to vegetation change. These areas would be chosen ;IS a statisticai sample of the land unit they represent and the calculation of indices of difference or change would be corrected for errors arising from natural variatio~i and measurement error. Reference areas would be chosen on the basis of their potential productivity in terms of the principal land use.

https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ9840069

© ARS 1984

Committee on Publication Ethics


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