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

Introduction

Purpose

Methods

Data

Results

Discussion

Future

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• Identify a disturbed edge area where Cecropia and Pavilla are known to grow
• Measure out a 100meter transect
• Every 10m measure out a 3x3m plot on each side of the transect
• Take temperature readings at each of the outside corners (A, B, C, D)
• Take one pH reading at roughly the center of each of the 3x3m plots
• Count the number of Cecropia and Pavilla over 1m in height in each of the plot areas

• Temperature and pH for each of the ten plots was averaged for use in statistical analysis
• Statistical analysis conducted in Microsoft Excel

Photo (left) of me using a machete to hack through the dense successional undergrowth in order to find the corners of my subplots.

Photo (right) of the transect line on the path as measured out with meter tape.