Riparian Strip Model for Extensive Farming Activities: the Case of Finca La Vega, Costa Rica (PAP014984)

Código

PAP014984

Autores

Cristian Moreira-Segura, Freddy Araya Rodriguez

Tema

Land use and Floods, landslides and erosion

Resumo

There is an inseparable relationship between forest, water and soil. The alteration of this relationship affects and increases erosion processes and the variation of the hydrological cycle and it is enhanced by current environmental changes. Forest ecosystems perform key functions in benefit of conservation and protection of natural resources including soil, water and biodiversity. These forest ecosystems fulfill an anti-erosion and hydrological function when located on the banks of rivers and other water bodies. It is because a forest absorbs water, product of precipitation and runoff, called the Forest Buffer Strips; as a result of this absorption, the volume of water reaching the river network is minimal. The main objective of this proposal is the generation of a Forest Buffer Strip where vegetation grows naturally on the banks of streams; in this way it is possible to regulate flows, impact on water quality, and recovery of vegetation and associated ecosystems. In addition, it contributes significantly to the implementation of a mechanism to reduce the sediment transport affecting agricultural production. In order to design this Model Strip field visits and evaluations in the riverbed and its banks were carried out with the purpose of determining significant elements such as estimating the amount of sediment washed, the ideal width of the strip, flow measurements, average biomass produced by the recovering forest, among others. For data analysis, mathematical modeling was applied to provide necessary information to design and implement a viable, functional and replicable model for farms with similar characteristics and conditions. Extensive livestock farming and the lack of adequate vegetative cover emphasize the risks and associated critical points to an inadequate management of extensive agriculture activities that directly affects the so-called Forest-Soil-Water triad.