Low Cost and Easy to Implement Physical and Hydrological Soil Assessment of Shade-Grown Coffee in Santa Rosa, Guatemala

Coffee agroecosystems are considered to have the potential impact soil hydrological functions positively, such as water infiltration and moisture retention; however, it is not clear how hydrodynamic properties regenerate after land-use change what easy implement low-cost indicators there are. Common methodologies assess hydraulic time consuming expensive. Therefore, development of easy, robust, inexpensive one main steps in achieving a comprehensive understanding effects on physical characteristics space. In order properties, we investigated saturated conductivity (Ks), two micro-climatic indicators: volumetric content (VWC) temperature above (TAL) below cover (TBL) four types: thirty-year-old shade-grown coffee (CN); seven-year-old (CP); one-year-old (CC) well non-commercial pasture (PR), municipality Nueva Santa Rosa, Rosa department, Guatemala. Additionally, conducted visual assessment (VSA) elaborated by Catholic Relief Services for soils Central America. We used steady version simplified method based Beerkan Infiltration run (SSBI method) obtain Ks values determining historical land use. The SSBI methodology thought be suitable compromise between measurement reliability, applicability, simplicity, necessity repeated sampling space time. also counted number shade trees, canopy cover, vegetation height, diameter at breast total trees. Our findings contend that CN had highest values, indicating trees positive agroecosystems. CP VWC greatest effect leaf litter temperature, microclimatic conditions seven years agroforestry plantation. suggested score followed CP, corroborating results VWC. selected proved low cost implement. To counter shortcomings these methodologies, recommend monitoring tropical systems regular intervals better understand temporal variability recovery ensure robust data