Costa Rica has wonderful rich
volcanic soil that allow almost everything to grow on it. One of the reasons is
the moderate to warm climate. Another reason is due to the sufficient
precipitation. The heavy rainfall that fall for half of the year keep the soils
moist. The main reason though is that there are erupting volcanoes in Costa
Rica constantly produce volcanic deposits that can develop some of the lands
into the richest agricultural lands on earth.
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| Rich
Volcanic Soil for Plantation http://www.locatelli1.net/gallery.php?ref=430043&lg=en |
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| Rich Volcanic Soil http://www.photoeverywhere.co.uk/west/usa/hawaii/slides/coconut-growing-volcanic-soil_3412_jpg_orig.htm |
The rich volcanic soil is vital for
plants and food to grow. However, the naturally sloping terrain is exposed to
extreme weather condition, such as extreme rainfalls, and could cause soil
erosions. Hydrology and soil are very closely related. Soil erosions are mainly
caused by heavy tropical rainfalls and Costa Rica nearly loses 860 million tons
of valuable topsoil every year.
Soil Erosion by Water
Soil Erosion by Water
A surface runoff is the water that
runs over the surface. In Costa Rica, high surface water runoff triggered the
loss of the most fertile top parts of the soil and also lessened the productivity
in upstream areas. The channel runoff is water in rivers, streams, and
channels. The high channel runoff in Costa Rica would cause the subsequent flow
of sediment downstream, which leads to the pollution of the water table and
reduction in drinking water quality. That is also why in recent decades, we
have been hearing about the low sanitation connections and poor water quality
in Costa Rica.
Surface Water Runoff
Channel Water Runoff
The
wastewater could affect both the residents and visitors of Costa Rica. The
wastewater that runs into water bodies without any treatment could generate
public health risks and water sources contamination. In 2011, Costa Rica
started the wastewater treatments and as well regulated numerous laws and
regulations.
Wastewater in Costa Rica
Content Sources:
http://volcanology.geol.ucsb.edu/soil.htm
http://www.adventure-inn.com/articles/everything_grows_here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_supply_and_sanitation_in_Costa_Rica
http://www.insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2012/april/09/costarica12040904.htm
http://weather.about.com/od/s/g/surface_runoff.htm
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