Topsoil Chemistry Along an Elevation Gradient in Far North Queensland

Encompassing information on topsoil chemistry from 20 soil cores sampled along an elevation gradient from 40 to 1550 meters above sea level in Far North Queensland. It provides soil C:N, N:P, and C:P ratios, pH, organic matter content, elemental composition, and δ13C and δ15N isotope concentrations.

Use Cases

• Analyze the relationship between soil pH and elemental composition like calcium, potassium, and phosphorus across the 40-1550 m elevation gradient.
• Model soil organic matter content as a function of elevation and soil C:N or C:P ratios.
• Investigate correlations between soil δ13C and δ15N isotope concentrations and other nutrient metrics such as nitrogen and phosphorus levels.
• Examine the distribution of trace elements like lead, chromium, and cadmium in relation to soil pH and organic matter in the Wet Tropical Rainforest.

Strengths

• Includes data from 20 distinct soil core samples, providing a spatial profile.
• Covers a wide elevation gradient from 40 to 1550 meters above sea level.
• Provides multiple analytical dimensions including elemental composition, nutrient ratios, pH, organic matter, and stable isotopes.

Limitations

• Small sample size of 20 soil cores may limit statistical power for some analyses.
• Data is from a single year (2019), limiting temporal trend analysis.
• Geographic scope is specific to Far North Queensland, which may limit generalizability.

Provenance

Source

Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network's Data Discovery

Collection Method

Analysis of 20, 10 cm deep soil cores sampled along an elevation gradient.

Time Range

2019

Freshness

Data is from 2019, but the record was last updated in March 2026.

Geography

Far North Queensland, specifically the Wet Tropical Rainforest region.