Reforestation Success and Soilscapes in Montane Tropical Forests of Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Conversion of native forests to agricultural land in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica has resulted in reduced habitat and fragmentation of vital migration corridors. Efforts to restore forest corridors have seen mixed success. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of soilscapes on forest re-establishment. Three land use types were examined: intact forest, low seedling survivorship, and high seedling survivorship. After preliminary soil exploration, two representative soil pits were excavated and sampled for basic soil characterization parameters: horizons, texture, pH, and NPK. For each site, a random grid of sample points was generated, designed to encompass terrain variability. At each point a probe sample was collected to determine depth to Bt horizon and record texture and color. Probe data were geospatially analyzed to determine expected conditions in intact forests and soilscape variables most associated with seedling success or failure. Preliminary data indicate that depth to clay and organic carbon content best are best indicators of seedling success. Geospatial analysis suggest that terrain attributes of slope and plan hillslope position best define differences between intact and converted land and can be used to map basic distribution of soil types, which will be useful in prioritizing restoration efforts for success and more effective reforestation.