Comparison on canopy coverage estimation methods of Calligonum comosum L Her. and Amygdalus eburnea Spach in Shahr-e-babak of Kerman (Iran)

In this research, the coverage of Amygdalus eburnea and Calligonum comosum was evaluated by three quadrat, visual estimation in quadrat and line-interception on rangelands of Shahr-e babak (Kerman province) in summer season of 2009. The goal was determination of the accuracy and effectiveness (speed of sampling) of these methods. The methods were compared by t-test. Coverage estimation of A. eburnea with quadrat and line-interception methods (except for the habitat with moderate density) showed no significant difference to control method, but visual estimation in quadrat method showed significant difference with control method in three habitats. Also, coverage estimation of C. comosum with quadrat method, visual estimation in quadrat method (except of moderate density habitat) and line-interception method (except for the habitat with high density) showed no significant difference to control method. In the case of A. eburnean, the highest and lowest accuracy were recorded for quadrat method and line-interception method in all three habitats, respectively. In the case of C. comosum, line-interception method and visual estimation method had the highest and lowest degree of accuracy in all three habitats, respectively. Therefore, quadrat method and line-interception method are suggested for coverage estimation of A. eburnean and C. comosum, respectively.