Abstract
Wide areas containing peat deposits have been found in Costa Rica. Three of them were selected for a preliminary evaluation.
ln the Talamanca range peat occurs as a thin blanket deposit about 1 m thick in an area of about 150 km2. It is very decomposed (about 28% fibers), with high ash content, (21%) and extensively bioturbated. They have the lowest water content (84%), pH, fixed carbon (23%) and sulphur (0.2%) from all sampled sites. However, they have the highest bulk density (0.22 g/cm3) and volatil components (55%). Their caloric value averages 7700 BTU/lb, dry.
ln Medio Queso de Upala, several peat horizons are interbeded with alluvium layers within a 70 km2 flood plain. They have the highest caloric values (800 BTU/ lb, dry), fixed carbon (30%) and ash content (22%). Their fiber content is low (27%), and the bulk density 0.20 g/cm3.
In El Silencio, near Siquirres, the thickness of the main layer exceeds 3.5 m, averaging 19% 0f ash, 53% of fibers, 5.8 pH, 0.6% of sulphur 0.13 g/cm3 of bulk density, and 7500 BTU/lb, dry.