Cloud Forest Conservation in the Central Highlands of Guatemala Hinges on Soil Conservation and Intensifying Food Production. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pope, Ian; Harbor, Jon; Zanotti, Laura; Shao, Guofan; Bowen, Dawn; Burniske, Gary R.
• Is Part Of: Professional geographer. Volume 68:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 13
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: food security -- Guatemala -- soil erosion; 云雾森林 -- 粮食安全 -- 瓜地马拉 -- 土壤侵蚀。; bosque de niebla -- seguridad alimentaria -- Guatemala -- erosión del suelo; Geography -- Periodicals; 910
• DOI: 10.1080/00330124.2015.1006556
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-0124

Abstract

Abstract : Soil erosion threatens long-term soil fertility and food production in Q'eqchi' communities native to the Sierra Yalijux and Sierra Sacranix mountain ranges in the central highlands of Guatemala. Environmental factors such as steep topography, erodible soils, and intense precipitation events, combined with land subdivision and reduced fallow periods as a consequence of population growth, contribute to severe erosion and strain soil resources. The preservation of the region's cloud forests hinges on enhancing production of staple crops through agricultural intensification while maintaining soil fertility through implementation of soil conservation measures.