A dataset of arbor diversity and soil physicochemical properties in Hainan tropical forests

Hainan tropical forests have extremely high biodiversity. However, large-scale field surveys are highly challenging owing to the complex topographic conditions in tropical regions. Obtaining the distribution patterns of arbor diversity and soil physicochemical properties in Hainan tropical forests can provide a scientific basis for biodiversity conservation in the Hainan tropical forest ecosystem. This dataset is based on the results of a 2024 survey on tropical forest communities and soils in Hainan. It covers core tropical forest areas including Wuzhi Mountain, Bawangling, Diaoluo Mountain, Yinggeling, Jianfengling, and Tongguling in Hainan Province. Based on the census of all arbors in 120 quadrats (each measuring 20 m × 20 m) and the collection of surface soil samples (0-20 cm depth) under the forest canopy, arbor diversity was evaluated using Alpha diversity indices (including Simpson index, Shannon-Wiener index, Species richness, and Pielou evenness index) and Beta diversity indices (Sørensen pairwise dissimilarity index, along with its species turnover component and nestedness component). Soil pH value, total carbon content, total nitrogen content, total phosphorus content, and available phosphorus content were determined. This dataset has undergone a rigorous data quality control process, providing data support for studying the spatial distribution patterns of plant diversity in tropical forests and the gradient variation characteristics of soil physical-chemical properties.