Air temperature trends and the diurnal temperature range in the Central Region of Costa Rica: Agroclimatic implications for coffee cultivation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31062/agrom.v33-34.e027992Keywords:
climate change, air temperature trends, agroclimatology, coffee cultivation, diurnal temperature range, Coffea arabica, Costa RicaAbstract
The magnitude and spatial variability of thermal trends in the Central Region of Costa Rica have been poorly documented despite the agroclimatic and historical importance of this area for the country’s coffee cultivation. This study aimed to analyze trends in air temperature and the diurnal temperature range (DTR), as well as their agroclimatic implications for coffee cultivation. Historical records of maximum, minimum, and mean air temperature from five meteorological stations covering the 1982–2017 period were analyzed after applying quality control, descriptive statistics, and trend analysis. Significant increases were identified in maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures. At the regional scale, mean maximum temperature increased by 0.14 °C decade⁻¹, whereas absolute maximum temperature increased by 0.47 °C decade⁻¹. Mean minimum temperature and mean air temperature increased by 0.06 and 0.10 °C decade⁻¹, respectively. The highest warming rates were recorded at the Fabio Baudrit and RECOPE La Garita stations, confirming the spatial variability of warming patterns. The results suggest gradual changes in agroclimatic conditions and in the regional diurnal temperature range, with potential implications for crop agroclimatic suitability, bean quality, and the development of adaptation and agroclimatic planning strategies for the Costa Rican coffee sector.
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