The Quila Lagoon, located at 3010 m.a.s.l. (19°4.5', N 99°18.9' W), has an area of 5.2 ha, is situated in a steep valley, surrounded by a forest of Pinus montezumae, however, on the western slope the trees were cut down and currently this area is converted into pasture. The lagoon is fed naturally by two streams on the northern slope, it also has a sinkhole that controls the water table, which was formed when the infrastructure for water extraction was built. Both for the above reason, and due to the changes between the dry and rainy seasons, the water level in the lagoon varies considerably. In recent years, a progressive drying up has been observed due to water extraction, which directly affects the vegetation. The study area has a semi-cold subhumid climate, presents a summer rainfall regime (from April to October), the annual average temperature is in the order of 5° to 12° C.
The substrate of Laguna Quila is made up of clay with a high percentage of organic matter.
> Acta Botánica Mexicana ISSN: 0187-7151