Land use capability for coffee (Coffea arabica L.) cultivation: A case study in the Mid-Upper Pirrís River Watershed, Costa Rica

Abstract

Introduction. The region of Los Santos (Central Region of Costa Rica) is characterized by steep topography and intensive coffee cultivation, which faces critical challenges in the management and conservation of its natural resources, such as soil and water. Objective. To determine the land-use capability of coffee-cultivated areas in a sector of the middle-upper Pirrís River basin, analyzing the discrepancies between biophysical soil suitability and current land use. Materials and methods. Land units were classified based on determining variables such as slope, soil effective depth, soil texture, and local climatic factors, using data obtained from 110 field observations. These units were then contrasted with current land cover and land use maps. Additionally, these units were mapped using digital soil mapping techniques. Results. The coffee plantations evaluated were distributed across Classes II (0.3%), III (3.3%), IV (4.7%), V (15.3%), VI (53.3%), VII (8.9%), and VIII (14.2%). Areas with land-use conflicts accounted for 26.7% of the total area, of which 3.6% was underutilized and 23.1% overutilized. The remaining 73.3% of the studied plantations showed suitable (conforming) use for coffee cultivation. Conclusions. The main limitations for coffee cultivation were associated with slope, erosion, soil fertility, and effective soil depth. We suggest maintaining coffee farming on Class VI lands, if soil conservation and fertility management practices remain continuous and effective.