Chemical characteristics od the surface soil of three forests in San Carlos, Costa Rica

Abstract

The chemical characteristics of surface soils from three forested sites in San Carlos, Costa Rica, are presented. All soils were different in texture, color, pH, percent organic matter and nitrogen, and in concentrations of potassium, zinc, and iron. All soils were identical in sodium concentration. There were no significant differences between depths down to 30 cm in pH or in concentrations of sodium, zinc, iron, manganese, or in percent sand, silt, and clay. However, depth-dependent differences were found in organic matter, nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and aluminum. These differences follow patterns observed by other researchers in the tropics.