Tillage erosion by the disc plow on steepland volcanic soils in Costa Rica

Abstract

This paper focuses on a study that measured tillage translocation and tillage erosion by the disc plow, the most common mechanized primary tillage implement used in the cultivated region of Irazú volcano slopes. Results revealed that the potential for tillage erosion on Irazú volcano is extremely high, as tillage erosivity values  measured for the disc plow were twice of those reported for primary tillage implements used in Europe and North America. We believe that a reduction in both, tillage and water erosion, is necessary to reduce soil losses and maintain the long-term viability of crop production in this region of Costa Rica.