Pioneer Species Optimal Soil Conditions in Costa Rica's Central Pacific Tropical Rainforest

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Although I do think that my hypothesis is a solid one, I do see changes I would make in my research methods in the future.

In keeping with the idea of the transect an increased plot size would have increased the number of Cecropia and Pavilla by increasing the area studied. Also, conducting the same method of research on a couple more locations would give comparison data and greater number of data points from which to draw conclusions.

If I were to go back and rethink the entire experiment then I would have spent more time in evaluating sites before collecting data, such as looking into light gaps in the forest canopy to test the soils, or also I would have like to have tested canopy cover and air temperature.

I believe that with enough variables and collection sites that relationships would have been found between at least some specific soil conditions and the number of Cecropia and/or Pavilla in that same area.

Other variables and conditions to be changed in the future:

• Competing pioneering plants observed

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• Measure canopy cover and air temp also