Data on the physicochemical characteristics and texture classification of soil in Bornean tropical heath forests affected by exotic Acacia mangium

Abstract

This article describes distinctive soil properties within three Bornean tropical heath forest habitats associated with Acacia invasion in Brunei Darussalam. The data was systematically collected from eighteen 20 × 20 m plots set up within an Acacia mangium plantation, the adjacent intact heath forest, and Acacia mangium invaded heath forest. Within each plot, we collected eight soil cores from both topsoil and subsoil depths and measured soil pH, soil gravimetric water content, organic matter content, and concentrations of soil nutrients (total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, as well as exchangeable magnesium, calcium, and potassium and available phosphorus). Soil texture classification across all three habitats were also determined. This comprehensive dataset offers valuable insights into the ecological consequences of Acacia invasion into Bornean heath forests. Given the scarcity of studies focusing on diverse Bornean soil types and the impacts of invasive plants, our dataset can supplement future research efforts. Consequently, this dataset holds considerable value as a tool to offer insights to effectively address the challenge posed by exotic plant invasions on native tropical ecosystems.

Keywords

• Brunei
• Edaphic properties
• Exotic plants
• invasive Acacia
• Nutrients
• Physical composition