Use of Microsite Sampling to Reduce Inventory Sample Size

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine if a stratification of microsites within range communities could be used to effectively reduce sampling variation and hence sample size. Two grassland communities were stratified by microrelief patterns. Random sampling designs were applied to each community as well as microsites within the community. Stratification of the community, based on local drainage patterns, reduced standard errors significantly. The pooled microsite data sets were not significantly different from simple random sample data sets for the communities. Sample size reductions of 50 and 60% were observed using the microsite sampling technique.