Efficiency of distance sampling methods in quantitative assessment of Haloxylon forestsofKashan, Iran

Considering importance and role of forests in ecological protection and soil conservation in these regions, collection of appropriate qualitative and quantitative data is necessary for proper management and planning. In this study,in order to reach the best inventory method in Haloxylon stands of Kashan county in Isfahan province (in terms of accuracy and precision of results), full inventory of entire study area compared with some distance sampling methods.The assessment of the precision of sampling methods showed that the highest precision in estimating numbers and canopy cover per ha was belonged to T-Square and Joint-Point method, respectively. According to results, the second nearest neighbor and ordered distance for second nearest individual sampling methods have maximum and minimum accuracy in estimating canopy cover per hectare, respectively. Assessment of results with regard to (E%)2×Tfactor showed that the best method in estimating canopy cover and number per ha were Joint-Point method and ordered distance for third individual methods, respectively.