Hydrology and drainage options Atlantic Zone of Costa Rica

Abstract

The general aim of the Atlantic zone programme is to develop a methodology for sustainable land use planning, taking into account ecological as well as economic aspects. Drainage problems in large parts of the Atlantic Zone of Costa Rica are related to the humid tropical climate in this area and to the relatively flat topography and limited elevation above sea level. In general, drainage conditions are determined by (sub)regional conditions and have a clear effect on land use at the farm level. Measures to improve drainage conditions are mostly aimed at yield improvement but have effect also on nutrient and biocide leaching. Based on field observations and measurements, together with literature information. An effort is made to analyze the present drainage condition and suggest possible measures to improve drainage in perspective with crop production and nutrient and agrochemical leaching. Crop production and leaching of agrochemicals are also important components in the broader evaluation of the sustainability of a land use system. The scope of this report was to contribute to this evaluation. However to arrive at solid conclusions more information on the behaviour of the large diversity of agrochemicals is required; only indications can be presented in this study.