Contributions of the Soil and Foliar Laboratory to Soil Science Development and Agricultural Sustainability in Costa Rica

Abstract

Introduction. The Soil and Foliar Laboratory (LSF), part of the Soil Fertility and Crop Nutrition Area (AFSNC) of the Agronomic Research Center (CIA) at the University of Costa Rica, has become a national reference in the study of soil–plant relationships and plant nutrition. Its work has provided key scientific evidence for understanding and diagnosing soil fertility, as well as supporting decision‑making aimed at the sustainable management of agricultural soils. In this context, the present study offers an approach to identify the main scientific contributions of the AFSNC and LSF, the areas with emerging advances, and potential research and/or development in Costa Rica. Methods. A systematic analysis of 308 publications (1960–2025) related to the work of the AFSNC was conducted. Publications were classified according to research area, crop and land use, soil order, and associated elements. Results. Research has been conducted on eight soil orders: Andisols, Inceptisols, Ultisols, Vertisols, Mollisols, Entisols, Alfisols, and Oxisols. Plant nutrition stands out as the main research field (31.7% of studies), followed by soil chemistry, nutritional diagnosis, and soil fertility. Regarding crops and land uses, forest plantations and coffee were the most studied (16% and 14% of publications, respectively). Research was identified for 19 chemical elements. The most studied elements were P, Ca, K, Mg, and N, reflecting their high relevance in national agricultural management. Conclusions. This analysis highlights potential research lines for the AFSNC related to crops and land uses, soil orders, chemical elements, and regions of Costa Rica. These insights can help to strategically guide future research.