Study the plant population density by Quadrat Method

Introduction

A single quadrat is just a simple range of fields in which a certain range of plants is planted. In utilizing the quadrat method, the specialty of considering a quadrat in this measurement process is very important. Each of the quadrats possesses a specific shape and size. In measuring the exact amount of a plant’s community value, the quadrat method of plant population density is the most applicable one. Also in relation to ecology, the quadrat method is the most applicable and suitable one for measuring the exact value of any plant’s population.

What is the Quadrat Method?

The relevance of a quadrat method is widely found in relation to the measurement procedure of any plant’s population frequency. The calculation of a huge bunch of any particular plant species is very difficult at a certain time. The range of time, being limited, can present challenges in this measurement process. Therefore, the quadrat method is the most applicable and easiest one for measuring the density of any particular plant species by which the species of a particular area (habitat) are counted directly.

Figure 1: A sample of a quadrat grid

Quadrat sampling is an important and integral part of generating information about the plant habitat. This process is estimated in relation to the abundance of a plant’s population. All the density, distribution, and frequency value of the plants can be measured by considering all the associated concerns.

Frequency Value of Plant Population

Measurement of plant frequency and biomass is done based on each specification and characteristic value of quadrats. The frequency value of a quadrat indicates the range at which, a specific plant species are planted in a certain range area. The frequency of the plant’s repetition in a particular range of fields is associated with this. The concerned plant species for a particular study is associated with the generation of this value. Therefore, it can be stated that the most appropriate value of any specific plant’s frequency is fully dependent on the different sizes and individual shapes of each quadrant. All the quadrat positions and measurements are decided randomly. All of these samplings are paced along with a specific transect.

Aim of the Experiment

The main aim of this specific experiment is to study plant population density with the help of a quadrat method.

Required Materials

In this study, only three materials are required and these are as follows.

• Thread

• Nail

• Hammer

Procedure

In executing the whole experiment, certain measures are to be followed.

• The investigation area is to be selected at the very first stage. The firm vegetation is to be ensured as well.

• In making a square at that place, a measurement of 1m * 1m dimensions is to be granted. At the four corners of that measured place, four nails are put.

• This measured place is bounded with a thread and the structure of a square by taking the help of these nails.

• This same procedure is followed in making nine more quadrats.

• A specific plant species is selected for this experiment.

• That specific species can be provided with a relevant name.

• All the specimens of this species are placed into all the ten quadrats and arranged in a table format.

• A second and third option of plant species is to be selected after that and placed in the same manner.

• In measuring the frequency of each significant plant population, a formula can be used.

• The formula is

Percentage Frequency = (Number of sampling units in which the species occurs) / (Total number of sampling units, employed for the study) * 100.

Observation

In understanding the density of plant population, the number of arranged trees can be considered important. The observation can present that the first considered sample plant possesses a high-frequency rate. In that exact amount of space, a high number of plant species indicated a high-frequency rate. Whereas, in case the other species are low in number, the frequency rate in quadrat is low. The highest frequency rate of any of the three selected plants can be easily observed by this measurement.

Conclusion

In finding the population and frequency of any specific plant, one can face several difficulties. At the current time, with the help of a quadrat method, the population and frequency of any particular plant can be easily measured. This procedure is implied in a specific area and plot as well. All the considered quadrats are to be of the same in size and shape. In this frequency measurement process, each of the selected species of the plant plays an important role. The easiest method to conduct this experiment is to first divide all the selected areas into grids and then count the number of available species. In placing the first quadrat at a proper place, all the grids are to be built, and strong coordination within this is to be ensured.

FAQs

Q1. What is meant by population frequency?

Ans. The population frequency of a plant is the exact number of times in which a plant species is present in a particular place.

Q2. What is the core meaning of plant population density?

Ans. The number of specific plant species planted in a given unit area. A certain amount of quadrat is used to depict this.

Q3. What is the indication of a high plant population density?

Ans. In comparison to other quadrats, the number of times in which a specific plant is repeatedly planted within a quadrat is found to be high. This high range of numbers can indicate a very high plant population frequency.

Q4. What is the reason behind variations within density?

Ans. The value of frequency is found to vary at certain times. Some associated factors such as biotic activities, soil qualities, different conditions of the soil, grazing of animals, and topography impact the frequency value.