Optimization of sample size for forest inventories using random sampling in a tropical dry forest of Manabí, Ecuador
Authors
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Nestor Leopoldo Tarazona Meza
Escuela Superior Politécnica Agropecuaria de Manabí Manuel Félix López
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2145-6475
-
Gabriela Delgado Macias
Escuela Superior Politécnica Agropecuaria de Manabí Manuel Félix López
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2065-5085
-
Marcos Vinicio Loor Alcívar
manuel f,Escuela Superior Politécnica Agropecuaria de Manabí Manuel Félix López
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3195-7166
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2Sandra Grace Pincay Sánchez
Escuela Superior Politécnica Agropecuaria de Manabí Manuel Félix López
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5218-5839
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Maverick Ángel Magallan Rodríguez
Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabi
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8343-5868
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33936/la_tecnica.v16i2.8381Keywords:
forestry, trees, plots, estimation, calculation.Abstract
Optimizing sample size in forest inventories is key to generating reliable information that supports the management and conservation of vulnerable ecosystems such as tropical dry forests. In this context, the present study aimed to optimize sample size for forest inventories using simple random sampling in a tropical dry forest in Manabí, Ecuador. The research was conducted in 20 ha of main forest belonging to the Andil community, where a simple random sampling design was applied with nine rectangular plots of 20 × 25 m, equivalent to 500 m² each, for a total sampled area of 0.45 ha. In each plot, all individuals with a DBH ≥ 10 cm were measured, recording diameter, total height, basal area, and volume. Variance, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, standard error, and 95% confidence limits were calculated and processed using RStudio software. The results recorded 203 individuals distributed among 17 species, with Guazuma ulmifolia, Senna mollissima, and Cochlospermum vitifolium being dominant. Additionally, a total volume of 62.37 m³ was estimated, with an average of 6.93 m³ per plot, a coefficient of variation of 31.22%, and a calculated sample size of 8.82 plots, rounded to 9. It is concluded that simple random sampling allowed for a technically sufficient sample size to generally characterize the forest stand, although the heterogeneity of the forest suggests increasing the number of plots if greater precision is desired.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Nestor Leopoldo Tarazona Meza, Gabriela Delgado Macias, Marcos Vinicio Loor Alcívar, 2Sandra Grace Pincay Sánchez, Maverick Ángel Magallan Rodríguez
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