RECRUITMENT OF MICROCYSTIS (CYANOPHYCEAE) FROM LAKE SEDIMENTS: THE IMPORTANCE OF LITTORAL INOCULA1

Recruitment of Microcystis from sediments to the water column was investigated in shallow (1–2 m) and deep (6–7 m) areas of Lake Limmaren, central Sweden. Recruitment traps attached to the bottom were sampled on a weekly basis throughout the summer season ( June–September). A comparison between the two sites showed that the recruitment from the shallow bay was significantly higher over the entire season for all three Microcystis species present in the lake. Maximum rates of recruitment were found in August, when 2.3 × 10⁵ colonies m ^{? 2}·day ^{? 1} 1 Received 18 April 2002. Accepted 29 October 2002. left the sediments of the shallow area. Calculated over the entire summer, Microcystis colonies corresponding to 50% of the initial abundance in the surface sediments were recruited in the shallow bay, whereas recruitment from the deep area was only 8% of the sediment colonies. From these results we conclude that shallow areas, which to a large extent have been overlooked in studies of recruitment of phytoplankton, may be crucial to the dynamics of these organisms by playing an important role as inoculation sites for pelagic populations.     

Recruitment of Total Phytoplankton,Chlorophytes and Cyanobacteria from Lake Sediments Recorded by Photosynthetic Pigments in a Large,Shallow Lake (Lake Taihu,China)

Recruitment of total phytoplankton, chlorophytes and cyanobacteria from lake sediments to the water column was studied using photosynthetic pigments at one site (1.5 m) in Lake Taihu, a large shallow lake in China. Samples were taken weekly from the migration traps installed on the bottom from March to May 2004. Abundance of total phytoplankton, chlorophytes and cyanobacteria were represented by Chlorophyll (Chl) a, b, and phycocyanin (PC), respectively. Over the three months, total phytoplankton, chlorophytes, and cyanobacteria corresponding to 48.9%, 68.9% and 316.2% of their initial concentrations in surface sediments were recruited in Lake Taihu. However, compared with their increase in pelagic abundance over the same period, the recruitment accounted for a rather small inoculum. Accompanying the recruitment, total phytoplankton and chlorophytes declined and cyanobacteria increased in the upper 0–2 cm sediments; colonies of Microcystis aeruginosa in the water column enlarged from small size with several cells to large colonies with hundreds of cells. Thus, overwintering and subsequent growth renewal of pelagic phytoplankton merits further study and comparison with benthic survival and recruitment. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

RECRUITMENT AND PELAGIC GROWTH OF GLOEOTRICHIA ECHINULATA (CYANOPHYCEAE) IN LAKE ERKEN1

Different parameters in the life cycle of the colony forming cyanobacterium Gloeotrichia echinulata (J.E. Smith) Richter was evaluated in Lake Erken, Sweden. Recruitment of colonies from the sediments and pelagic abundance were measured during 2 years. These data were then used in a model to evaluate and estimate parameters of the life cycle. In our study, recruitment alone only contributed to a small part (<5%) of the maximum G. echinulata abundance that occurred during late summer. However, recruitment from shallow sediments forms the important seed for the pelagic population. Together with measured rates of migration from the sediment, variations in either pelagic colony division rate or pelagic residence time could explain variations in the measured abundance of G. echinulata in situ.     

RECRUITMENT OF BENTHIC MICROCYSTIS (CYANOPHYCEAE) TO THE WATER COLUMN: INTERNAL BUOYANCY CHANGES OR RESUSPENSION?1

In some lakes, large amounts of the potentially toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis overwinter in the sediment. This overwintering population might inoculate the water column in spring and promote the development of dense surface blooms of Microcystis during summer. In the Dutch Lake Volkerak, we found photochemically active Microcystis colonies in the sediment throughout the year. The most vital colonies originated from shallow sediments within the euphotic zone. We investigated whether recruitment of Microcystis colonies from the sediment to the water column was an active process, through production of gas vesicles or respiration of carbohydrate ballast. We calculated net buoyancy, as an indication of relative density, using the amounts and densities of the major cell constituents (carbohydrates, proteins, and gas vesicles). Carbohydrate content of benthic Microcystis cells was very low throughout the year. Buoyancy changes of benthic Microcystis were mostly a result of changes in gas vesicle volume. Before the summer bloom, net buoyancy and the amount of buoyant colonies in the sediment did not change. Therefore, recruitment of Microcystis from the sediment does not seem to be an active process regulated by internal buoyancy changes. Instead, our observations indicate that attachment of sediment particles to colonies plays an important part in the buoyancy state of benthic colonies. Therefore, we suggest that recruitment of Microcystis is more likely a passive process resulting from resuspension by wind‐induced mixing or bioturbation. Consequently, shallow areas of the lake probably play a more important role in recruitment of benthic Microcystis than deep areas.     

Benthic–pelagic coupling in the population dynamics of the harmful cyanobacterium Microcystis

1. In eutrophic lakes, large amounts of the cyanobacterium Microcystis may overwinter in the sediment and re‐inoculate the water column in spring. 2. We monitored changes in pelagic and benthic populations of Microcystis in Lake Volkerak, The Netherlands. In addition, sedimentation rates and the rate of recruitment from the sediment were measured using traps. These data were used to model the coupling between the benthic and pelagic populations and to calculate the contribution of overwintering benthic and pelagic populations to the magnitude of the pelagic summer bloom. 3. Changes in the benthic Microcystis population showed a time lag of 3–14 weeks compared with the pelagic population. This time lag increased with lake depth. The largest amount of benthic Microcystis was found in the deepest parts of the lake. These observations suggest horizontal transport of sedimented Microcystis from shallow to deep parts of the lake. 4. Recruitment from and sedimentation to the sediment occurred throughout the year, with highest recruitment and sedimentation rates during summer. Model simulations indicate that the absence of benthic recruitment would reduce the summer bloom by 50%. 5. In spring, the total pelagic population was three to six times smaller than the total benthic population. Yet, model simulations predict that the absence of this small overwintering pelagic population would reduce the summer bloom by more than 64%. 6. Reduction of the overwintering pelagic populations, for instance by flushing, may be a useful management strategy to suppress or at least delay summer blooms of Microcystis.     

Factors regulating recruitment from the sediment to the water column in the bloom-forming cyanobacterium Gloeotrichia echinulata

1. The influence of light, temperature, sediment mixing and sediment origin (water depth) on the recruitment of the cyanobacterium Gloeotrichia echinulata was examined in the laboratory. 2. Light and temperature were the most important factors initiating germination in G. echinulata. 3. The extent of germination (recruited biovolume) was mainly regulated by temperature and sediment mixing. Furthermore, sediment mixing significantly enhanced the frequency of observed heterocysts and colonies. 4. Despite the fact that the deep and shallow sediments contained a similar number of akinete colonies, the highest recruitment occurred from shallow sediments, indicating that akinetes from shallow sediments have a higher viability than those from deeper parts of the lake. 5. Our results support the hypothesis that shallow sediments are more important than profundal sediments for the recruitment of G. echinulata to the pelagic zone.     

ROLE OF RECRUITMENT IN STRUCTURING BEDS OF SARGASSUM SPP. (PHAEOPHYTA) AT ROTTNEST ISLAND,WESTERN AUSTRALIA1

The importance of annual recruitment to the structure of adult stands of Sargassum was determined for a mixed species Sargassum bed at Rottnest Island, Western Australia. The morphologically similar species Sargassum spinuligerum Sonder, S. distichum Sonder, and S. podacanthum Sonder grew together in the shallow subtidal (6 m). Positive species determinations were only possible when thalli were reproductive, so recruits, bases, and vegetative annuals for all species were grouped together. Densities of recruits, perennial bases, vegetative annuals, and reproductive annuals were determined at monthly intervals from 20 randomly placed 0.25-m^?2 quadrats. Recruitment and mortality for recruits and adults were further determined at three monthly intervals from 6-×-1-m^?2 permanent quadrats. The density of adults varied little with season (between 32 and 58 m^?2). Growth of annuals was initiated in April, thalli became reproductive by late August–early September, and senescence occurred in December–January. Density of recruits was highly variable (1.6–210 individuals-m^?2) and peaked seasonally during late summer (January–February) and then declined rapidly. Adults showed a complete turnover of thalli in the bed over 25–27 months. Adult mortality was compensated by annual recruitment from propagules (43%) and vegetative regeneration from fragments of holdfasts left on the reef (57%). A seasonal pattern in survivorship was observed for adults that grew from recruits with higher initial numbers and lower mortalities for August and November cohorts. Little seasonally was observed in survivorship of adults that grew vegetatively from remnant crusts. Although initial cohort sizes were smaller for adults grown from recruits than from remnant crusts, mortality was lower, resulting in similar contributions to adult density from both recruits and remnant crusts. Recruitment from propagules and vegetative regeneration played an important role in buffering the adult stand from high rates of mortality and reducing seasonal variation in adult density and contributed to the persistence and seasonal structure of Sargassum beds at Rottnest Island.     

Effects of a Whole-lake,Experimental Fertilization on Lake Trout in a Small Oligotrophic Arctic Lake

We tested whether increased phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations would affect a lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) population in a small oligotrophic lake with a benthically dominated food web. From 1990 to 1994, nitrogen and phosphorus were added to Lake N1 (4.4 ha) at the arctic Long-Term Ecological Research site in Alaska. We used mark/recapture methods to determine the lake trout population size, size structure, recruitment, and individual growth from 1987 to 1999. Data were also collected on water chemistry and food availability. Fertilization resulted in increased pelagic primary productivity, chlorophyll a, turbidity, snail density, and hypoxia in summer and winter. Lake trout density was not affected by the manipulation however growth and average size increased. Recruitment was high initially, but declined throughout the fertilization. These results suggest that lake trout were affected through increased food availability and changes to the physical characteristics of the lake. During fertilization, hypoxia near the sediments may have killed over-wintering embryos and decreased habitat availability. Although lake trout responded strongly to increased nutrients, loss of recruitment might jeopardize lake trout persistence if arctic lakes undergo eutrophication.     

Spatial and temporal structure of the trematode component community in Valvata macrostoma (Gastropoda, Prosobranchia)

We conducted the first comprehensive study on the spatiotemporal structure of trematode communities in the large-mouthed valve snail, Valvata macrostoma. A total of 1103 snails were examined monthly between May and October 2007 from Lake Konnevesi, Central Finland, from a shallow (1-2 m deep) and an offshore site (5-6 m deep), located ca. 50-70 m apart. Snails were infected by 10 trematode species. The species composition and prevalence were strikingly different between the sites with high species diversity in the shallow site (all 10 species; total prevalence of sporocysts/rediae 12.1%, metacercariae 55.4%) compared to the deeper site (3 species; prevalence 15.0% and 1.9%, respectively). This difference persisted throughout our study and is probably related to the spatial distribution of bird definitive hosts, whereas the seasonal parasite dynamics are likely to be affected by changes in the age-structure of the snail population. The probability of sporocyst infections increased with snail size, but no such trend was observed in redial or metacercarial infections which decreased with host size. Our results show that generally well-described spatiotemporal differences in trematode infection of molluscs can emerge in very narrow spatial and temporal scales, which emphasizes the importance of these factors in community studies.     

Life history flexibility allows Sargassum polyceratium to persist in different environments subjected to stochastic disturbance events

Stochastic, stage-based matrix models were used to investigate the life history strategy of the seaweed Sargassum polyceratium in shallow intertidal and deep-water (18 m) populations. Matrix models were parameterized with 3 years of yearly transitions among four plant stages quantified from three bays on Curaçao (Netherlands Antilles). There were years without a storm, with a moderate (winter) storm and with a strong storm (Hurricane Lenny). The stochastic population growth rate varied among populations (λ_s: 0.54–1.03) but was not related to depth. The most important stages for population growth were reproductive adults (shallow) and non-reproductive adults (deep). With the occurrence of storms, vegetative growth (mainly deep) and fertility (mainly shallow) became the most important processes. Recruitment (shallow) and regeneration from holdfasts (deep) only contributed to population persistence after the hurricane. It is concluded that S. polyceratium has a flexible, depth-dependent, life history strategy that is adjusted to disturbance events.     

OSTRACODS AS MARKERS OF THE PERMIAN/TRIASSIC BOUNDARY IN THE KHUFF FORMATION OF SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract:  Ostracods are described for the first time from Permian–Triassic shallow marine sediments of the Khuff Formation of central Saudi Arabia. They were collected using a modified acetolysis technique for releasing calcareous shells from limestones that is described herein. Thirty-four species belonging to 17 genera are recognized. Two new species are described: Arqoviella arabica sp. nov. and A. khartamensis sp. nov. The ostracod fauna supports a Late Permian age for the lower Khartam Member and a probable Early Triassic age for the upper Khartam Member of the Khuff Formation of central Saudi Arabia. This suggests that the Permian/Triassic boundary is located within the Khartam Member, rather than at the major lithological break between the Midhnab and Khartam members. Palaeoecological analysis suggests that the palaeoenvironment of the Khuff Formation was shallow marine (between 1 and 50 m deep) on an internal shelf.     

Depth-related radiolarian assemblage in the water-column and surface sediments of the Japan Sea

Plankton tows and surface sediments from the Japan Sea, a marginal sea of the northwestern Pacific, were examined to study the depth distribution of modern radiolarians. The depth distribution patterns between the living assemblage in the water-column and the thanatocoenose in surface sediments are similar to each other, indicating that the depth-related assemblage in sediments is closely related to the living depths of major species. Four clear restrictions of many species to discrete depth zones are recognized in the water-column, from the surface down to 2000 m: (1) upper subsurface-water species, which are abundant from 40 to 120 m (Larcopyle butschlii juvenile form, Spirocyrtis subscalaris, Spongodiscus resurgens and Lipmanella virchowii); (2) lower subsurface-water species, which are abundant from 40 to 300 m (Larcopyle butschlii adult form, Ceratocyrtis histricosa and Spongotrochus glacialis); (3) intermediate-water species, which have population maxima from 160 to 300 m (Ceratospyris borealis); and (4) deep-water species, which have maxima between 1000 and 2000 m (Cycladophora davisiana and Actinomma boreale). Only a few specimens of A. boreale were found in the water-column ranging from 1000 to 2000 m depth, although this is a dominant species in surface sediments from depths below 2000 m of which the dominance increases with water depth. A. boreale may live mainly in the bottom water. Cycladophora davisiana and A. boreale, which characterize the Japan Sea deep assemblage, are naturally shallow or intermediate dwellers in other oceans. On the other hand, the typical deep-dwellers (e.g. Cornutella profunda, Cyrtopera languncula and Peripyramis circumtexta) of other oceans have not been found in the Japan Sea. Such a peculiar deep assemblage is a result of the deep circulation system in the Japan Sea and the shallow depths of the sills around it.     

Population ecology and juvenile density hotspots of thornback ray (Raja clavata) around the Shetland Islands,Scotland

Elasmobranchs are facing global decline, and so there is a pressing need for research into their populations to inform effective conservation and management strategies. Little information exists on the population ecology of skate species around the British Isles, presenting an important knowledge gap that this study aimed to reduce. The population ecology of thornback ray (Raja clavata) around the Shetland Islands, Scotland, was investigated in two habitats: inshore (50–150 m deep) and shallow coastal (20–50 m deep), from 2011 to 2022, and 2017 to 2022, respectively. Using trawl survey data from the annual Shetland Inshore Fish Survey, the size composition of R. clavata catches was compared between shallow and inshore habitats across 157 trawl sets, and 885 individuals, over the years 2017–2022. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) of R. clavata was significantly higher in shallow than that in inshore areas (ANOVA, F = 72.52, df = 1, 5, p < 0.001). Size composition also significantly differed between the two habitats (analysis of similarities, R = 0.96, p = 0.002), with R. clavata being smaller in shallow areas and juveniles (<60 cm) occurring more frequently. Spatial distribution maps confirmed density hotspots of juveniles in shallow habitats, with repeated use of certain locations consistent over time. The results of this study provide the first evidence for R. clavata using shallow areas for potential nurseries in Shetland, which can inform the IUCN's Important Shark and Ray Area process. Furthermore, this study provides important new population ecology information for R. clavata around Shetland, which may have important conservation implications and be valuable for informing species and fisheries stock assessments in this region.     

Seasonal variations of Microcystis populations in sediments of Lake Biwa, Japan

Seasonal variations of colony numbers of Microcystis aeruginosa(Kütz.) Kütz. and M. wesenbergii(Komárek) Komárek in N. V. Kondrat. in sediments of Lake Biwa were investigated over a period of 1 year. At two stations located in the shallow South Basin of Lake Biwa (ca. 4 m water depth), the colony number of Microcystisfluctuated seasonally. The number had a tendency to gradually decrease from winter to early summer, while it increased through mid-summer and autumn. Since the Microcystispopulation in sediment was rather small, intensive growth and accumulation in the water column should be important for the formation of Microcystisblooms in Lake Biwa. Microcystiscolonies in the sediment samples after June were observed to be floating in a counting chamber under a microscope. The observation suggests that the recruitment of Microcystis colonies into the water column mostly occurs in early summer. The number of Microcystiscolonies in the deep North Basin of Lake Biwa (70 – 90 m water depth) was larger than in the South Basin. Because the seasonal variation of colony numbers was not observed in the North Basin, and Microcystiscells do not have gas vesicles, these colonies will not return into the water column. The colonies isolated from the sediment of the North Basin were able to grow in cultured conditions, in the same way as those from the sediment of the South Basin. Therefore, Microcystiscolonies may survive for a long time under stable conditions of low temperature (ca. 8 °C) and darkness, in the sediment of the deep North Basin, accumulating gradually each year.     

Depth-related differences in territory size and defense in the herbivorous cichlid,neolamprologus moorii, in lake tanganyika

Neolamprologus moorii, a small herbivorous cichlid of Lake Tanganyika, defends its territory against food competitors. Territory size and territorial defense were compared between two sites at different depths. In the shallow site, more fishes intruded into the territories than in the deep site, owing to the higher density fish population in the former. The territory holders in the shallow site attacked intruders more often, although the ratio of attacks to number of intruders was similar to that of the deep site. The territories in the deep site were larger and contained a greater amount of algae than the shallow site. The larger territory size in the deep site may have resulted from the lower cost of territory defense due to the lower competitor density and from the need to maintain a greater amount of food resources to compensate for lower algal productivity.     

UNDERSTANDING THE POPULATION GENETIC STRUCTURE OF GLEDITSIA TRIACANTHOS L.: THE SCALE AND PATTERN OF POLLEN GENE FLOW

Spatial and temporal patterns of gene flow determine the extent to which populations can differentiate from one another as a result of natural selection or genetic drift. In this study, we investigated pollen-mediated gene flow in two eastern Kansas populations of the subdioecious tree species, Gleditsia triacanthos L. (Leguminosae), or honeylocust. In 2 yr at each site, we used paternity-exclusion analysis to estimate the proportion of seeds sired by immigrant pollen. We also used a single-parent and parent-pair exclusion analysis on naturally established seedlings and saplings to estimate gene flow into one site over a 12-yr period and into the second site over a 22-yr period. Results of both analyses showed high minimum estimates of pollen gene flow into each site (17%–30%). In each population, we found significantly less gene flow in years of high fruit production than in years of low fruit production, but in one population, we observed little variation in gene-flow rates among age classes of seedlings and saplings. The level of pollen gene flow showed weak negative dependence on the relative isolation distances of the maternal trees sampled (140–240 m at one site vs. 85–120 m at the second site), and gene-flow estimates from naturally established juveniles were very similar at the two sites. Within populations, a multiple regression model showed that maximum-likelihood estimates of male fertility were negatively associated with distances between mates and positively associated with male size as measured by stem diameter. In neither population, however, did the regression explain more than 16% of the total variation in male fertilities.     

Contrasting population characteristics of yellow bass (Morone mississippiensis) in two southern Illinois reservoirs

Two southern Illinois reservoirs were investigated with contrasting size structures of yellow bass (Morone mississippiensis) to compare growth, mortality and recruitment patterns. Yellow bass were collected from Crab Orchard and Little Grassy lakes during April–May 2009 using AC electrofishing. Total length and weight were recorded and sagittal otoliths sectioned and aged by two readers. Increments between otolith annuli were measured and the Weisberg linear growth model was used to assess age and environmental (growth year) effects on individual growth for fish from the two lakes. Von Bertalanffy growth models indicated faster growth and a greater maximum total length for yellow bass in Little Grassy Lake. However, growth of fish in Little Grassy Lake nearly ceased after age 4. The Weisberg model indicated differences in individual growth rate between the two lakes that were consistent across years (age effects were significant, but growth year effects and the age‐growth year interaction were not). Inter‐lake differences in fish growth were present up to age 3. Recruitment was relatively stable in Crab Orchard, with year classes up to age 7 observed. Recruitment was more erratic in Little Grassy, with age 5 being the dominant year class and fish up to age 11 present. Differences in growth and recruitment patterns for yellow bass in the two lakes may be attributed to substantial inter‐lake differences in turbidity, morphoedaphic index, or yellow bass density. Maximum age of yellow bass (age 11) was higher than previously reported for this species, likely due to the use of otoliths to age fish rather than scales. This study provides baseline information on age and growth, mortality, recruitment, and size structure of yellow bass that can be compared to data in future studies to elucidate factors influencing population dynamics of this species.     

ON THE RACE OF CARDINAL WOODPECKER Dendropicos fuscescens (Vieillot) OCCURRING IN THE EASTERN TRANSVAAL

Summary

Hustler, K. &; Marshall, B.E. 1996. The abundance and food consumption of piscivorous birds on Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe-Zambia. Ostrich 67:23-32.

About 40 species of piscivorous birds have been recorded on Lake Kariba (Zimbabwe-Zambia) but only 26 were observed during this study, carried out in 1986–87. The Reed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus was the most numerous and made up 51.4% of all the birds seen, followed by the Whitewinged Black Tern Chlidonias leucoptera (26.7%), and the Darter Anhinga melanogaster (10.8%). Several species roosted or bred in the drowned trees which project above the lake surface but gently sloping shores were the most important feeding grounds. Relatively few birds were seen on steeply sloping shores or in open water. There was a distinct pattern of seasonal abundance, with birds being most numerous in the rainy season (November-April). The relative abundance of some fish species also was greatest during this period. There was a positive relationship between the numbers of some bird species and the relative abundance of these fish. The mean density of piscivores (0.05 ha^?1) was low compared to some other African waters. This is attributed to the fact that Lake Kariba is relatively deep and its shoreline is mostly steep. The mean population of 25 000 birds consumed less than 1000 t of fish per annum, compared to almost 40000 t taken by the commercial fisheries. A considerable portion of the birds' diet was fish that were not taken commercially.     

AN ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL CHANGES DURING THE RECENT HISTORY OF LAKE ONTARIO BASED ON SILICEOUS ALGAL MICROFOSSILS PRESERVED IN THE SEDIMENTS1,2

Quantitative analysis of siliceous algal microfossils (diatoms and chrysophytes) in a radiometrically dated core of Lake Ontario sediments shows striking modifications of the flora produced and preserved, apparently as a result of anthropogenic modification of nutrient loadings to the lake, Qualitatively similar microfossil assemblages were deposited during the period ca. 1700–1815. A single major event is recorded in assemblages deposited ca. 1769. Between this event horizon and ca. 1815 there was an apparent increase in algal production, but minimal change in species composition. A major disturbance occurred at the level of the Ambrosia horizon, ca. 1831–1847. Assemblages deposited between ca. 1855 and 1900 indicate increasing eutrophication. We infer that silica limitation became important by about 1860 and that the system reached its greatest effective production ca. 1900. Major modification of the flora occurred in the period ca. 1900–1945, with most local extinctions of major indigenous populations occurring ca. 1920–1945. Assemblages deposited in the period ca. 1945–1975 are composed of some stenothermal populations also present in pre-disturbance assemblages, a large component of benthic and nearshore planktonic species, and a number of apparently planktonic populations rarely recorded from large temperate lakes, particularly species of the genus Nitzschia. Our results indicate that the major factor driving species succession in Lake Ontario was phosphorus enrichment and consequent depletion of available silica supplies. Our results also show the importance of a species' physical niche in determining its survival under these conditions.     

Seedling and Sapling Dynamics of Treefall Pits in Puerto Rico1

Seedling and sapling dynamics in a Puerto Rican rain forest were compared between forest understory and soil pits created by the uprooting of 27 trees during Hurricane Hugo. Soil N and P, organic matter, and soil moisture were lower and bulk densities were higher in the disturbed mineral soils of the pits than in undisturbed forest soils ten months after the hurricane. No differences in N and P levels were found in pit or forest soils under two trees with N–fixing symbionts (Inga laurina and Ormosia krugii) compared to soils under a tree species without N–fixing sym–bionts (Casearia arborea), but other soil variables (Al, Fe, K) did vary by tree species. Forest plots had greater species richness of seedlings (<10 cm tall) and saplings (10–100 cm tall) than plots in the soil pits (and greater sapling densities), but seedling densities were similar between plot types. Species richness and seedling densities did not vary among plots associated with the three tree species, but some saplings were more abundant under trees of the same species. Pit size did not affect species richness or seedling and sapling densities. Recruitment of young Cecropia schreberiana trees (>5 m tall) 45 months after the hurricane was entirely from the soil pits, with no tree recruitment from forest plots. Larger soil pits had more tree recruitment than smaller pits. Defoliation of the forest by the hurricane created a large but temporary increase in light availability. Recruitment of C. schreberiana to the canopy occurred in gaps created by the treefall pits that had lower soil nutrients but provided a longer–term increase in light availability. Treefall pits also significantly altered the recruitment and mortality of many understory species in the Puerto Rican rain forest but did not alter species richness.