Whittaker’s plant diversity sampling method

A nested vegetation sampling method which was developed by R.H. Whittaker for comparison of plant species diversity is described. The species richness of an area of 0.1 ha (1 dunam; 20 X 50 m) is analyzed by a special procedure in which different parameters of diversity such as differential diversity, point diversity, equibility and dominance are recorded. Normal supplementary observations such as plant coverage, growth forms, phenology and vertical foliage profile are added to the sample. By standardization of data collection for diversity samples, different plant communities from different regions of the world can be compared.