VECTOR ANALYSIS AND ITS USE FOR INTERPRETING PLANT NUTRIENT SHIFTS IN RESPONSE TO SILVICULTURAL TREATMENTS

Vector analysis is a technique that allows for simultaneous comparison of plant growth, nutrient concentration, and nutrient content in an integrated graphic format. Vector analysis offers several advantages over conventional methods. Because it is comparative, it allows interpretation independent of predetermined critical levels or ratios. It is also useful for examining plant responses to various silvicultural treatments and for comparing differences among plants subjected to specific conditions. The construction, interpretation, and application of vector diagrams are described.