User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
My data collection is proceeding smoothly. I have settled on a strategic sampling design that involves 15 replicates located along 5 bearings. I have not had any problems implementing my sampling design as it is a fairly simple method of standing at the base of a tree, taking 3 separate bearings, and establishing plots along each of the bearings. More specifically, each bearing consists of a transect that is 15 m long and has a plot located at 5m, 10m, and 15m. Each plot is a 1m2 square with the middle located at the predetermined point on the transect.
I had to look up the word ancillary and now that I know that it means providing support or serving as an aid, I have noticed some additional variables within my site that may be contributing to the stand density that my hypothesis is based on. For instance, the plots that have the most saplings present are also located close to large rocks (warmer microclimates for germination?) and all are leaning in a similar direction, towards the area that has the most solar impact.
