COMPARISON OF PRISMS OF DIFFERENT BASAL AREA FACTORS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF DIAMETRICAL STRUCTURE OF AN UNEVEN-AGED STAND

A complete forest survey was conducted on an 18-ha unevenaged maple st and to derive its diameter structure. Seventy-two sampling points were also established in the same area using prisms of basal area factor o f 2, 3, 4 and 5 m2/ha. Simulation of sampling was performed by varying number and dispersion of points. Two sampling points per hectare with a prism of basal area factor of 2 m2/ha gave the best results in repr esenting this entire stand at a probability level of 90%, with a confi dence level of alpha = 0.05. Sampling units have to be scattered as mu ch as possible in the forest area to be surveyed.