Soil analysis data of forest plots affected and unaffected by southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) in Uyuca Biological Reserve, Honduras.

Published: 10 April 2020| Version 2 | DOI: 10.17632/rt5whz6jp9.2
Contributors:
Javier García Reynaud, Rider Coello Mejía, Fany Yanez Murcia, Glinis Salinas

Description

In order to evaluate differences in soil invertebrates and soil characteristics between forest plots affected and not affected by the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis), samples were extracted consistently with the standard methods for assessment of soil biodiversity and land use practice (Swift and Bignell, 2001). The raw data of the analysis of soil samples are presented in three files, including macronutrients and micronutrients, texture and cationic exchange capacity. To select the plots in the study area, the physical characteristics reported by the New York State Land and Forest Division (2016) were taken as a reference as indicators of the different stages of affectation by Dendroctonus frontalis in southern pine forests. A patch of pine forest with trees showing popcorn-like clumps of resin in the bark, shot hole-like tree hole patterns, S-shaped tunnels under the bark and brown and reddish needles was selected as the affected sample. The plot had a total surface that allowed the tracing of a transect located randomly in a zig zag pattern, with no intersections that added up to a total length of 40 meters with a side band of 5 meters. A healthy plot, with no evidence of any of the above characteristics, but similar regarding slope, tree density and tree diversity, and located within the forest from the affected plot, was selected as a control group for the comparison of the characteristics of soil and macro-fauna diversity. Six monoliths (25x25x30 cm) were extracted from each plot's transects, which were analyzed by the laboratory of the Honduran Foundation for Agricultural Development (FHIA).

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Institutions

Universidad Zamorano, Universidad Pedagogica Nacional Francisco Morazan

Categories

Forest Disease

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