Changes in Soil Properties During Tropical Wet Forest Succession in Costa Rica

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Abstract
Changes in the properties of volcanic soil during wet forest succession in Costa Rica were determined by comparisons among 4 sites on a 31 yr successional continuum and a mature forest site. While physical properties were stable throughout, chemical properties showed 4 successional patterns: a temporary peak of organic matter and related total N, NH4-N and PO4-P at .apprx. 8 yr; a longer persisting peak of exchangeable Fe, Al and H between 8-16 yr; an inverse trend for nutrient cations and NO3-N reflecting easy leaching after the original vegetation had been cut; and the persistence of low values until 31 yr for deficient Ca and Mg possibly reflecting uptake by the regenerating vegetation. Levels of available nutrients were generally low in comparison with other tropical soils. Successional vegetation plays an essential role in making nutrients available from the soil''s total reserves. Total nutrient reserves were high and structural properties very good, and sustained productivity on this soil type primarily depends on these characteristics.

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