Agricultural landscapes of Costa Rica

Abstract

Agricultural activities and introduction of new crops result in significant changes in society, culture, and most evident in short-term, the transformation of landscapes. For instance, the introduction of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) in Costa Rica and its further extension into the Central Valley during the 1800s led to substantial changes in socio-economic, geophysical, and infrastructural aspects of Costa Rican society. More recently, banana (Musa spp.), pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.), sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plantations were established in specific regions of Costa Rica, where geomorphic features and agroecological conditions are considered suitable for their extensive production and economic revenue, affecting the evolution of demography and landscapes. The chapter summarizes essential information about landforms, soils, and climatic conditions in areas that have extensive agriculture as their main economic activity. This study highlights the regions and soils dedicated to cash crops and agricultural activities of Costa Rica. For instance, coffee, pineapple, and sugarcane production develop within highly weathered soils (Ultisols and Oxisols). Banana and oil palm production are mainly located in the coastal plains, where soil genesis is mostly associated with alluvial processes (Entisols and Inceptisols). Finally, horticultural crops like potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) and onions (Allium cepa L.) were mainly identified within the volcanic piedmonts, where volcanic ash soils (Andisols) are dominant.