Multivariate Statistical Methods to Determine Changes in Botanical Composition Vegetation

Abstract

Confusion exists over the proper statistical methodology to use in analyzing the effect of treatments on changes in botanical composition over time. A rationale for using multivariate statistics is presented. Basic considerations involved in the use and interpretation of multivariate statistics specifically appropriate to the botanical composition problem are given. An example of how such an analysis can be performed using a common statistical computing package (SAS) is demonstrated.