Forestry in El Salvador.

  • Raymond M. Keogh F.A.O., Associate Expert, Forestry Investigation, Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganaderia, E.L.S./73/004, P.O. Box (06) 1114, San Salvador, El Salvador, Centro America.
Keywords: Soil, agriculture, Central America, coffee.

Abstract

El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated of the five Central American Republics. It has an area of 21,000km2, a population of 4.0 millions, resulting in a population density of almost 200/km2. Its economy is very much dependent on agriculture. Coffee is a very important product and is grown mostly on the fertile soils of the Volcanic Chain between 500 and 1,500m above sea level. Cotton and sugar cane are other important crops, found on the coastal plain, while sugar cane is also grown on good soils north of the Volcanic Chain. These crops are products of the big "Haciendas," "fincas" or farms and contrast sharply with the small holdings of the peasant population. The latter grows subsistence crops such as beans and maize and is often found inhabiting the poorer soils. The small holders contribute to the labour force of the three main crops whose requirements are seasonal in nature; peak needs cause periodic migrations of workers. Livestock play an important role in the economy and livestock holdings are spread over much of the country.
Published
1977-11-01
How to Cite
Keogh, R. M. (1977) “Forestry in El Salvador.”, Irish Forestry. Available at: https://journal.societyofirishforesters.ie/index.php/forestry/article/view/9375 (Accessed: 29March2024).
Section
Articles