Plot Sampling with Plots of Unequal Sizes

Abstract

Assuming that the trees in the forests are randomly distributed, it is demonstrated that plot sampling with unequal sized plots generally leads to a more precise estimate of the tree parameter totals than that with plots of equal sizes. The optimUlll choice of individual plot sizes has been discussed for a given (i) total plot size and (ii) cost (with an assumed cost structure). The problem of variance estimation when the plots are of unequal sizes has also been addressed .