An appropriate designed and constructed drainage system removes excess water from the land lowering the water level. It permits aeration of the root area, warming of the soil, maintain biological activity, and facilitate properly he physiological processes of root development of crops 

One of the main reasons for remove this excess water is when precipitation is far in excess of crop necessities. In areas with low precipitation is proved necessary to apply frequent watering, which in some cases tend to raise the water table bringing problems to crops, so drainage is required to remove this excess water. 

WHY THE CROPS REQUIRES DRAINAGE

Nutrients are better utilized by plants in well drained Also nutrients are better utilized by plants in good drained soils. 

Air is required in the soil for facilitating seed germination, growing roots and for the development of microorganisms and benefit of higher organisms like earth worms, which result in good soil structure. Oxygen is not available in poorly drained soils, which is necessary for growth and production of plants. 

Plants require the right amount of water for growth. Too much will limit root and plant development, as well as, result in poor traffic ability for fieldwork. Too little water will likewise limit crop growth. 

Plants need heat to germinate and to develop to full potential. Well-drained soils warm up more quickly, resulting in earlier, more productive growth 

It is a fact that plants use fertilizers more efficiently in well-drained soils. Moreover drainage allows the root system to develop properly. 

The drainage allows the removal of excess salts in the soil and balances these. When rain falls on poorly drained soils, it runs off overland and may carry soil particles with it. Well drained soils have a capacity take up rainfall and runoff resulting in some control of erosion by water. 

Good soil structure occurs in well-drained soils. A drainage system should, with time, change this by better soil structure.

Well-drained soils require less power to till and make more efficient field work.

If you need more information write  us.

A drainage system should be well planned and properly installed. The permeability of the soil should be evaluated before to design a drainage system.

It is possible place surface drainage groundwater, depending on the intended purpose and type of crop.

In our organic farm we try to make a responsible waste management, considering these three elements, reduce, reuse and recycle. For example all our organic waste we process them through a good system for efficient composting with worms. Produce these organic fertilizers used in the production process of the farm and the surplus is sold to people interested in environmentally friendly production. If people or company are interested in advise on waste management, we can help, just contact us through our email. 

Moreover, it is necessary that the citizen support any public or private initiative to promote recycling in communities, these needs to be aware of the importance of proper segregation of waste and thereby reduce the volume of waste deposited in landfills.

These three elements are the foundation of environmental awareness and environmental protection. They can help reduce consumption of raw materials and energy saving in the production process.

Recycle: waste materials can be transformed into other materials with different uses, through an industrial process. These include paper, plastics, glass, metals, and organic materials, among others.

Reuse: many materials can be reused without discarding, for example batteries, containers, bags.

Reduce: it is necessary to make an effort to reduce the consumption of goods and materials that pose greater production of waste pollutants, such bottles, buy drinks in returnable and carry bags or containers to avoid getting more waste.

Should consider three key elements in the responsible management of wastes, which are: reduce, reuse and recycle..

We need to implement effective production systems that reduce the use of polluting materials and minimize waste volumes.

Should be aware of how to extract the maximum practical benefits from products and to provide the minimum amount of waste

Gives the impression that there is a very limited effect in the field of environmental education should be offered at home and certainly in formal education.

It’s depressing as household solid waste is collected and delivered to the collection trucks without any separation. For some people get together to deliver the same recyclable materials, reusable or organic.

Social activities are organized massive concerts, sports, and others, leaving the places full of garbage at a glance, leads to feelings of frustration, lack of environmental awareness and responsibility towards the environment.

It is depressing to find all rights in places such as streets, drains, sewers, parks, beaches, rivers, pavements, sports places of our towns and cities.

It is worrying as each day is observed as the citizens have so little responsibility to the daily waste we produce.

Jdhernan27@yahoo.es

When deciding to establish a sustainable agricultural system in harmony with the environment, one element to consider is the protection and responsible management of soil and water in the production system. For this reason it is fundamental basic levels that allow us the direction and destination of the surplus water generated by rainfall. Moreover farm levels will allow us to properly establish the soil conservation works.

The main element to consider in a leveling of the contour line, which are key to the design and implementation of practices and works of conservation and land management within the farm.

The contour lines are formed by locating points of equal level, strategically on the ground. Having determined these points, and made the appropriate adjustment must be appropriately marked to leave these items in order to draw the curves that are necessary according to our plan for soil and water management.

The curves drawn in basic exercises allow sustainable management of our production system, such as:

-Contour cultivation

-Strip cropping

-Vegetative Barriers

Just as we allow the design and construction of defense against water erosion problem, including:

-Diversion canals

-Terrazas

-Hillside ditches

-Bench terraces

If you or company are interested to do grading on his farm, to ensure responsible management of soil and water in its production unit, we can assist you to achieve further optimization in the establishment and construction practices in ecology agriculture. So feel free to contact through our email indicated.

The establishments of trees on a farm or land is a key element in improving the landscaping of the same, plus provide many benefits primarily environmental, esthetic, scenic, recreation, economic and social development.

Trees have a great decorative effect and v order areas where they are located, in addition to their productive importance.

Among the most important benefits provided by trees in an ecosystem are the following:
As consumers trees CO2 (carbon dioxide) to the photosynthetic process, they become natural drivers of environmental pollution as a result of industrial emissions and urban areas. Reducing air pollution, protect water, wildlife or other plant. Sunlight control and reduce odors, hidden views unpleasant and reduce noise in urban areas.

They have a regulatory effect on the weather.

Land with trees has a positive damping effect on climate by changing the temperature, wind, moisture and evapotranspiration. This helps to improve the environment of each locality in particular the most affected by domestic activities, industrial and vehicular pollution in the fleet.

Combat erosion and stabilization of sensitive areas.

Trees according to the characteristics of their root systems (depth, length, and dimensions), play a valuable role, particularly in the stabilization of slopes and prevent landslides. They have a great capacity for physical restraint to act as barriers, because their roots work in vertical or inclined, producing a large mission of mooring.

Have reduced the exposure of soil to effects of water by both the vertical impact (rain) and by runoff, reducing erosion.

Watershed protection.

The establishment of trees, as well as add scenic beauty to protect and stabilize the banks, depending on your location and quantity, contributes to the regulation of the hydrological cycle.

Landscape

 The trees become more functional urban architecture. They provide an better definition of the spaces, break up the monotony of the landscape, create isolated and quiet environments, protect and provide visual entertainment centers for its multiple forms, volumes, shadows and colors. Tree species suitable for farm or land development in Costa Rica: 
 

Uruca Trichilia havanensis

Tuete Vernonia patens

Targua Croton draco

Malinche Delonix regia

El madero negro Gliricidia sepium

Madero Negro

Lorito

Jicaro Crescentia cujete

Jobo Spondias mombin

Laurel maderable Laurus nobilis

Llama del bosque

Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia

Higuito Ficus prinoides

Higueron Ficus jimenezii

Guitite Acnistus arborescens (L.) Schltdl

Guachipelin Ddiphysia robinoides

Guaba Inga spp

Cana Fistula Amarilla Cassia fistula

Acacia Rosada Acacia mangium

Caoba Swetenia macrophylla

Carao Cassia grandis L.

Candelillo Senna papilosa

Casco de venado Myrospermum frutescens

Aromo Acacia farnesiana

Calistimo Calistemun salignus

Almendro de Montaña Dipterix panamensis

Almendro de Playa Terminalia catappa

Aguacatillo Cinnamomun brenesii

Acacia Acacia siamea

Achiote Bixa Orellana

Costa Rica which has a relatively small surface area relative to other countries on the continent, but has the benefit of having different microclimates throughout. Also to have irregular topography, availability of moisture, rich soil and climatic stability hroughout the year. These factors  favors the emergence of diverse ecosystems that make it possible to have a wide diversity of fruit species, from temperate fruit to the  tropical climate, which allow a wide output, with fruits of high nutritional value in vitamins, minerals and fiber;  and adapted to the agro ecological conditions of our environment.    

Among the most common fruit can be produced with the sustainable management, in the country are the following:    

Aguacate,Avocado, Aguacatero, Palta, Persea americana

Persea gratissima , Family Lauracea.

Anacardo, Anacardos,  Marañón.   Anacardium occidentale,

Theobroma cacao, Family Malvaceae

 Cas Psidium sp,  Family Myrtaceae.

 Carambola, Carambolo   Averrhoa carambola Family Oxalidaceae,

Cítricos: especies de cítricos  Especies Cidra, Lima, Limon dulce, Pomelo, Naranja dulce, Naranjo amargo, Mandarina

Citrus spp.   Family Rutaceae ,

Palma de coco, Cocos nucifera Family, Arecaceae

Guanábana  Annona muricata, Family  Anonacea muricata,

Guayaba  Psidium guajava, Family Myrtacea

Jocote Spondias purpurea, Family Anacardeceae,

Fruta de pan Artocarpus communis Family Moraceae,

Mango, Mangos Mangifera indica, Family Anacardeceae,

Maracuyá, Granadilla, Granadillas, Pasionaria, Passiflora edulis, Family  Passifloraceae,

Manzana de agua Syzygium samaragense, Family Myrtaceae

Macadamia, Mammea americana, Family  Proteaceae,

Mamón o mamoncillo  Melicoccus bijugatus, Famly Sapindeaceas,

Mamón chino, Rambután  Nephelium lappaceum Family: Sapindaceae,

Mora, Moras, Mora negra, Morus nigra, Family  Moraceae, Family: Sapindaceae,

Melocotón, Melocotones, Melocotonero, Melocotoneros
Prunus pérsica, Family Rosaceae,

Nance,  Byrsonima crassifolia, Familia Malpighiaceae.

Níspero, Nísperos. Eriobotrya japonica, Family  Rosaceae.

 Plátano, Plátanos, Banana,  Platanero. Musa paradisiaca, Musa cavendishii

Family  Musaceae,

Papaya, Papayas, Papayo, Papayero Carica papaya, Family Caricaea,

Tamarindo, Tamarindos, Tamarindus indica, Family Caesalpiniaceae,

Piña, Ananas comosus, Family Bbromeleaceae

Tomate de palo , arbol del tomate, Cyphomandra betacea, Family Solanaceae,

Zapote o mamey,  Calcarpum sp, Family Sapotaceae, ,

Zapote caimito o caimito, Chrysophylum cainito, Familia: Sapotaceae,

Aguacate, Avocado, Aguacatero, Palta. Mango. Mangiferra indica

Anacardo, Anacardos, Marañón.

  

cas Psidium sp

Carambola, Carambolo

Citricos Citrus spp.

Vermiculture, WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING

Currently due to increased population, there is a rapid increase in the production of waste, which in most cases not used and is causing serious pollution problems of soil, water and the same atmosphere.

Earthworms can help recycle much of this waste is currently becoming a difficult problem for government officials and agribusiness, as these not only directly involved in the process, but incorporated into the microorganisms in the system transformation.

There have been many attempts to establish recycling units with worms, but in many cases through ignorance and appropriate use of technology, it has failed, unlike other projects where it has been a major success in many parts of the world.

He also contributed to the enthusiasm of people beginners without knowledge and timely advice.

It should be remembered that one of the most influential factors in stimulating this type of project, is the great capacity of recycling of worms, since they are capable of consuming and excreting amount of food equivalent to their own weight every day. It must also be considered its high reproductive capacity, consumption and excretion.

But like any complex system presents problems that must be taken into consideration, among which are:

• Climatic conditions suitable for efficient work in order to enhance the system for this must be regulated certain adverse conditions such as humidity, light and temperature, among others.
 
Management: earthworms as well as other species that breed intensively, should be applied several management technologies, like any other business.
 
• Contamination of waste: this is a problem that must be taken into account, for example when there is no proper separation and waste management can make the material offered to the worms mixed with inorganic wastes containing metals and plastics, as well as they contain chemical waste besides being toxic to the worms, they may affect the quality of humus generated.

 This would be surpassed only if you apply a proper separation and pre-sorting, which has the disadvantage of increasing production costs, and the storage and transport techniques should be appropriate to avoid losing quality in thesubstrates used as food and also could impair the normal development of a vermiculture project.

With respect to storage must be considered that the storage methods are as insulated due to the proliferation showing some unwanted species such as rodents, cockroaches, earwigs, ants and others.

It is understood as sustainable or organic coffee which occurs for a balance between production efficiency and natural resource conservation, ie, employ a method that will help boostproduction and ensure optimal grain quality for human consumption, without affect natural resources in the agro ecosystem.

The importance of producing coffee without endangering the environment, is achieved by using a  practices to conserve and renew natural resources are essential, as are conservation practices and soil restoration, replacement of inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides systems, integrated pest control, and a more rational use of water in the stage of industrialization of the grain.

One of the fundamental aspects of organic coffee production is the shadow on the plantation, for the promotion of biodiversity and also help improve grain quality.

This biodiversity is induced by the interaction of plants and trees within the plantations, which in turn feed other animals, seasonal migratory birds and fauna. The existence of these ecosystems, allow reproduction of the species.

The conservation of moisture in these systems is essential in the production of quality coffee, allowing a balanced development of the fruit and therefore enhancing traits like acidity, aroma, flavor and body, which determine the ultimate quality product.

The main conditions to be considered in organic production of coffee are:

Agro ecological conditions, taking into account the altitude of the area, should be located in Costa Rica,  preferably between altitudes above 700 meters above sea level and less than 1700, humidity exceeding 1000 mm annually well distributed throughout the year, and with period restrictive post-harvest and pre-flowering, at not less than 10 º C and no greater than 30 º C, protection from wind in areas with problems related to this factor, use of pest-resistant varieties with good potential for production, selection and thoroughness in seed quality and efficiency management in nursery, planting systems according to the variety and climate, pest prevention and control, maintenance and fertility management through high quality of biofertilizer, systems and practices for conservation and soil improvement, appropriate technologies for the management of undesirable plants, careful selection of plants and species for shade, and its  management in plantations, and renewal systems,  pruning and planting appropriate among others.

On our farm we have an example of an ecological production system which can be visited free of charge for people staying  (hosting) at our property

Currently due to the global food demand is necessary to diversified agricultural production, and constant throughout the year, in order to be competitive and not lose market presence, so it is important to establish crops in water-limited period.

This requires that the producer has to be used to supply irrigation water deficit, which causes it to have to use water sources that are becoming more limited and more expensive to meet the needs of water by plants. Therefore it is necessary to use systems which are as efficient in water use on the ground, such as localized systems that potentiate and reduce water consumption and thus contribute to protecting the environment.

The drip irrigation is the application of water on the soil surface or under it, using low-pressure pipes and various types of emitters, so that only one hand gets wet soil, the close proximity to the plant root zone . Water applied by each device gets wet soil volume is called wet bulb.

  This irrigation is performed in small doses and with greater frequency. Thus the water content in the soil is kept at levels nearly constant and if there are problems with salts, these are always kept on the periphery of the bulb.
In some cases fruit trees, the high frequency of anchorage can create problems down the root system or lack of strength in times of drought or in those periods when you cannot give the planting of all the water they need. In these cases, reducing high frequencies and higher dosages to enhance the wetland, and to improve mooring.

The localized irrigation can be grouped according to the flow to provide irrigation emitters. Typically belongs to the concept “drip irrigation” all risks located in implementing low flow (2-4 l / h) using the so-called drip accessories, porous pipes, pipe oozes and others.

 The high flow localized irrigation water spray, which is distributed through the air to the ground and are usually applied to issuers called micro-sprinklers and broadcasters. For the foregoing is considered that localized systems are an excellent option to avoid wasting water in agricultural irrigation and thereby help preserve.

Also take other measures deemed appropriate in order to avoid applying unnecessary risks such as: use natural cover in the soil (mulch), using plants or trees that provide shade, plant it before the end of the rainy season and thus reduce water application, and use resistant varieties to deficit of water.

In Costa Rica there is a diversity of climates result of the action of prevailing winds and the smallness of the territory, also has a mountain chain that crosses the country from northwest to southeast with elevations up to 3820 meters over sea level (Cerro Chirripo).

In our region, being tropical, the temperature difference is generally not very sharp but between the coast and the highlands of the mountain, you see more variation. With the amount of rainfall, this difference is more pronounced, both in altitude as at sea level. For this reason and in order to further characterize the climate in our country, are designated six regions: Central Valley, North Pacific, Central Pacific, South Pacific, Caribbean slope and North Zone.

The Central Valley region includes part of the provinces of San José, Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago.

Precipitation. The recorded rainfall varies with the area, being at about 1967 millimeters per year. In mountainous ranges of 2500 to 3500 mm at both the beginning and end of the year it rains more than the valley. It reports an average temperature remains between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius and has no major changes throughout the year, while the average maximum do not exceed 30 º C and average minimum temperature hover around 18 º C.

North Pacific Climate
This region includes the Guanacaste province, west of the province of Alajuela, north of Puntarenas. The average temperature around 28 º C with maximum of 36 º C and minimum 23 º C
The rainy season is placed from May to November, appearing in July rainfall decreased product of “San Juan  Summer” that occurs at this time. The dry season covers the months from December to March

Rainfall is more abundant in the upper part compared to the lower, setting an average of about 1400mm (liters of rain per square meter) in the plains and 2500 mm in mountainous regions.
The relative humidity ranges from 60 to 65% in the dry season and the rainy season between 80 and 85%, June, September and October are the wettest, while the minimum occur in the month of March.

Central Pacific climate

It comprises part of the Puntarenas province south of San Jose The average annual temperature varies from 27 º C on the coasts, up to 20 º C on the summits of the mountains, warmer months can be placed between March and May.

Minimum temperatures in the lower parts are not descended from the 25 º C.
Rainfall varies between 3 000 and 4500 mm per year, the dry season in the coastal zone extends from January to March while the rainy season from April to December. Here there is also a decline in rainfall between July and August is typical of “San Juan  Summer”, the driest month is February and the wettest is October.

South Pacific climate
This region includes the southern part of the province of Puntarenas and the General Valley, which lies west of the province of San Jose.

Average annual temperatures are between 25 º C and 30 º C in places near the coast, while in the higher parts of the mountains of Talamanca are recorded up to 10 º C.
The topography of the region was very influential in making the annual precipitation varied. On the coast ranges from 3 000 to 4 000 mm. In the Valley of the General gives the minimum of precipitation in the region, 2 200 mm annually, and in the Osa Peninsula the most with more than 5 000 per year.
The coastal zone shows  decrease in rainfall during July and August (late summer), while on the Osa Peninsula and the Valle del General if perceptible.
In the South Pacific region there are two well defined seasons, the dry season being slightly shorter than that observed in the North Pacific, it begins in late December and ends around April. The wettest month is October, usually the driest is February, but here there is completely dry as the North Pacific.
Humidity
As for the relative humidity in this region the oscillation is very small, during the driest month (February), average remains 81% and in October, a month of more rain, we found averages of 91%.

Caribbean climate

Throughout the year this region are quite rainy, why cannot speak of a well defined dry season.
In the province of Limon amounts recorded from 3000 millimeters of rain in coastal regions up to 4 500 in the mountain area. In the coastal zone can define two relatively dry periods, one that goes from February to March and another, the months of September and October. The wettest months in both coastal and mountainous region are July and December;
The entire Caribbean region is the wettest of our country, due to the steady inflow of moisture transported by wind from the Caribbean Sea. Like the rest of the country the relative humidity has little annual variation in Limon province, during April and March averages reach levels of 84%, the rest of the year remains between 86% and 88%.

Temperature
The average temperature in this region, varies throughout the year between 25 º C and 27 ° C throughout the coast, the minimum temperatures occur during the months of December through February with values near 20 ° C, while thermometers maximum range up to 31 ° C in the warmer months.

Climate in the Northern Zone
It is considered under a type Caribe. A rainfall throughout the year, this region is quite rainy, why cannot speak of a well defined dry season.

Agricultural production of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is characterized by a wide variety of microclimates, which together with its rich soils and water availability, agricultural production has diversified throughout its territory. The same is reflected in the variety of agriculture products for each one of these regions. Thus we have the following pattern:

Central Valley

Starting at the beginning in this area of Cartago located at altitudes above 1500 m above sea level, underlines the horticulture crops like carrot Daucus carota,, celery Allium sativum, parsley Petroselinum sativum, lettuce Lactuca sativa, beet Beta vulgaris, spinach Spinacia oleracea, cabbage Brassica oleracea var. capilata,cauliflower Brassica oleracea var botritys, Broccoli Brassica oleracea var italic, onion Allium cepa, and producing dairy cattle. All these on the slopes of Volcan Irazu.
In the central area of San Jose stands out mainly coffee production in their upper parts and dairy cattle.
In Heredia there are coffee production in areas around the central  of the province, and parts adjacent to the mountains close to  Barva volcano. There is also a large production of horticultural crops such as tomato Lycopersicum sculentum,peper capsicum  sp, green beans Phaseolus vulgaris, cucumber Cucumis sativus, aromatic spices, fruits Asparagus Asparagus officianalis, fruits from hight lands (avocado, citrus, strawberries Fragaria vesca) and dairy cattle farms , goats, pigs and poultry laying and fattening. In the lower area of the adjoining province Alajuela there is production of Allium cepa onion, sweet potato Ipomoea batata, poultry broiler and position among others.
In the central area of the province of Alajuela is produced in greater proportion coffee, onion, sweet potato, citrus, sugar cane Saccharum oficianarum and in the high altitude fruit (avocado, strawberry, durasno Prumus persica), dairy cattle, pigs .

North Pacific
In the dry Pacific region there is a greater tendency to produce cattle for meat, rice Orysa sativa, Sacccharum oficianarum sugarcane, maiz Zea maiz fruits (melon Cucumis melo, watermelon Citrullus vulgaris, Carica papaya papaya avocado Persea americana Mill, citrus) , Manguifera indica mango, marañon Anacardium occidentale. Guava Psidium guava, P

Central pacific
This region produce sugar cane, melon, watermelon, mango, papaya, livestock farm, and on the most south region there is oil palm plantation.

South Pacific
Southern pacific  (Perez Zeledon to Panama border), there is coffee production (Perez Zeledon and Coto Brus), banana, pineapple, oil palm, citrus, beef and poultry

Northern Zone (San Carlos, Upala, Guatuzo, Los Chiles and Sarapiqui, produce: dairy cattle and fattening, bananas, pineapple, papaya, poultry broiler and laying hens, roots and tubers (tiquizque Xanthosomas sagitifolium, nampi Colocasia sculenta, Diascorea alata ñame ), peach palm Bactris spp
Caribbean or Atlantic Area (Limon), produces bananas Musa spp, broilers, cocoa, banana Musa spp pineapple, peach palm. Roots and tubers.