Ecología de los robledales de altura (bosque de Quercus) maduros y en recuperación en la Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica
This study focuses on agroecological zonation along an altitudinal gradient in the montane oak forest belt of the Los Santos Forest Reserve in Costa Rica. Above 2000 m alt. three major agroecological zones were distinguished: (i) a lowe montane fruit-tree zone (ca. 2000-2300 m), (ii) an upper montane potato zone (ca. 2300-2700 m) and (iii) an upper montane charcoal zone (ca. 2700-3000 m). This zonation is determined by changes in both climate and socioeconomic conditions. Socieconomic welfare (measured as monthly income per farm) changes with altitude, the fruit-tree zone being the most productive and the charcoal zone being the most marginal. At lower altitudes fuelwood is becoming scarce and erosion risks are high due to a history of indiscriminate deforestation and the present uncontrolled use of herbicides. Reforestation activities at the farm level are few and involve mainly exotic species as well as a native alder. Deforestation is still continuing at higher elevations, but at a slower pace than two to three decades ago. Fragments of oak forest still provide peasants with sufficient fuelwood. When compared and contrasted with similar Mexican, Ecuadorian and Peruvian human-occupied mountain regions, a greater agroecological affinity with the Andes becomes manifest.
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | biblioteca |
| Published: |
Amsterdam (Países Bajos)
1995
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| Subjects: | QUERCUS, DEFORESTACION, MANEJO FORESTAL, COLONIZACION, ASPECTOS SOCIOECONOMICOS, RESERVA FORESTAL LOS SANTOS, COSTA RICA, |
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