(DBH > 10 cm) and identified and counted coffee shrubs in the entire
circular plot (radius 17 m).// We identified and counted seedlings
(>50 cm in height, DBH > 10 cm) in the 12 m radius circle.// We measured percent
canopy closure with a densiometer at four cardinal points 10 m
away from the center.// We recorded elevation and location with
a global positioning system device.// We collected voucher specimens
from sampled species and deposited them at the Herbarium
at El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR) //in San Cristobal, Chiapas.
Owners of farms were interviewed to collect data on farm age,//
previous land use,// and management practices.// We selected ten forest
sites at the same elevation range as sampled farms;// on average
sampled forest occurred at a slightly higher elevation,// however,
climatic,// edaphic, and vegetative characteristics remained comparable.//
At each forest site,// we collected the same data and used the
same sampling design as used in farms.