Watershed Conservation Farming «A Friendly Solution to Soils Degradation»

Abstract

Strategically, the problem and solution to soils degradation in Costa Rica should begin by establishing the current correlation between watersheds and activities conducted in them. To associate the activities carried out at the watershed such as housing, commerce, agro-industry and production, among others, motivates people and awakens their interest. There are three elements common to the extension work conducted in the watershed, sub-watershed and micro-watershed: the aquifer recharge area, the spring and the water border division. The aquifer recharge zone is emphasized as the watershed area intervened by people. It is important for people to relate technology currently employed for production at the watershed with its potential to produce water, oxygen and clean air, as well as carbon capture, biodiversity, food production, landscape improvement and recreation. In this way, the interest to make a change towards conservation farming, as a way of producing without degrading natural resources, mainly soil and water takes place. Several examples of conservation farming practices in Costa Rica are also presented.