Forest Soil Cum Vegetation Survey and Classification with Special Reference to South India. II: Sampling Intensity

While various methods are available for collection of soil and vegetation data for further processing, no information is available from South Indian Forest, on the intensity of sampling for their survey, classification and mapping. An area of about 9000 ha in Coimbatore forest division was surveyed and both soil and vegetation data were collected at varying grid distances. The data were grouped, classified and mapped. Chi-square value of heterogeneity increased when the grid length was increased across the contour than along the contour. Considering the time and cost involved in survey, analysis of samples, processing of data and preparation of report, by compromising with accuracy, grid distance of 2km along the contour and 1 km across the contour may be used for forest soil and vegetation survey, classification and mapping.