EXERCISE 6: Terrestrial Sampling Techniques

Grei Angelo E. Cuadrasal, Jhoanna Rein S. Duzon, Jericho F. Salviejo, Mitzi Mariano
Department of Biological Sciences
College of Science, University of Santo Tomas
España, Manila Philippines 1008
Abstract
Three field sampling methods: Quadrat method, Transect Method and Point Quarter
Method were used in the landscape ecosystem on University of Santo Tomas’ Benavides Park.
Among the 3 methods, the Point quarter method is the most preferred technique and has the highest
number of different plant species.
Keywords: Sampling, Quadrat, Transect, Point Quarter and Relative Density

INTRODUCTION
METHODOLOGY
The following materials were used in this exercise: Table of random numbers (appendix
2), prepared tally worksheets (appendix 3), list of 3 species present at the UST campus (appendix
4), improvised nylon/plastic, transect lines, 1.0 x 1.0 m- squared quadrat, mobile compass, and
scientific calculator.
The sample area of a landscape ecosystem that we have observed was located along the
UST Benavides Park (Lover’s lane). Three sampling methods: Quadrat method, Transect method
and Point-quarter method were used to assess the composition of the entire forest/patch of
shrubs/trees. All living tree individuals taller than head height (2.0 m) were counted and identified.
Quadrat Method
A random number was used to select a point between 0-60 somewhere on the baseline.
Another random number, less than 55 was chosen to represent a distance (meters) from the
baseline. A point within a line perpendicular to the baseline was randomly selected as distance
from the baseline. The chosen point was used as the lower left corner of a 1.0 m x 2.0 m=2m2
rectangular plot or quadrat. All living trees above head height that are in or partially in the
quadrat were identified. The relative abundance (relative density, RDi) of each tree species in the
quadrat was calculated.
Transect Method
The specific type of transect procedure used was the line-intercept method. A random
number between 0-60 was chosen to determine a spot in the baseline. Approximately 20 m line
(transect) was established perpendicular to the baseline through the point. Different living trees
whose crown overhangs the line were identified. The relative density of each species was
calculated.
Point-Quarter Method
A random number was used to select a point on the baseline. Another random number,
less than 65 was chosen and was used to move that distance in meters on a line perpendicular to
the baseline. The origin of a set of Cartesian coordinates was the point located at the end of the
line. The Y-axis which coincided with north-south axis and the X axis coincided with east-west
axis. A compass was used to establish the north-south, east-west axis which resulted into four
quadrants.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The given formula was used to obtain the succeeding data:
Relative Density (RDi):
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑠 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝐴
RDi = x 100
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐼𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑠
 I. Quadrat Method

Table 1. Data recorded using Quadrat method

Species Tally ni RDi

(%)

Fan tree xx 2 5

Cordyline xxxxxxxxxxx 17 42.5

fruticosa xxxxxx

Euphorbia xxxxxxxxxxx 11 27.5

Balete x 1 2.5

“Light green xxxxxxxxx 9 22.5

plant”

TOTAL 40 100

Figure 1. Relative density of plants in Quadrat method

5
22.5
Fan tree
Cordyline fruticosa
2.5 Euphorbia
42.5
Balete
“Light green plant”
27.5
II. Transect Data
Table 2. Data recorded using Transect line method

Species Tally ni RDi

(%)

Ficus elastica x 1 8.33

Ficus retusa x 1 8.33

Adonidia merilli xxx 3 25

Salmanea saman x 1 8.33

Bird’s nest xxxx 4 33.33

Maiden’s hair xx 2 50

TOTAL 12 100

Figure 2. Relative density of plants in Transect line method

8.33
8.33 Ficus elastica
Ficus retusa
50
Adonidia merilli
25
Salmanea saman
Bird’s nest

8.33 Maiden’s hair

33.33
III. Point Quarter

Table 3. Data recorded using Point Quarter method

Species Tally ni RDi

(%)

Ficus elastica x 1 3.57

Ficus retusa x 1 3.57

Adonidia merilli xxx 3 10.71

Salmanea saman x 1 3.57

Bird’s nest xxxx 4 14.29

Maiden’s hair xxx 3 10.71

Octopus tree xx 2 7.14

Syzygium myrtifolium xx 2 7.14

Ficus sp. xxxxxxxx 10 35.71

xx

Lemon tree x 1 3.57

TOTAL 28 100
Figure 3. Relative density of plants in Point Quarter method

3.57 3.57 3.57

Ficus elastica
10.71 Ficus retusa
Adonidia merilli
3.57 Salmanea saman
35.71
Bird’s nest
Maiden’s hair
14.29
Octopus tree
Syzygium myrtifolium
Ficus sp.
10.71
7.14 "Lemon tree"
7.14

CONCLUSION

Different field sampling techniques such as quadrat sampling, transect method and point
quarter method were used in assessing the population of plants in a given area. The 3 sampling
methods were compared and among these, the point quarter method….

REFERENCES