Research at EARTH is an integral part of the teaching and
learning process. By involving students in the research
process, we expose students to the scientific method and
develop creativity, curiosity and critical thinking skills.
More importantly, they see the real benefit of the
science, as research at EARTH is focused on developing
innovative and relevant solutions to problems facing rural
communities in the tropics.
RECENT RESEARCH PROJECTS INCLUDE:
•
The development and dissemination of biological
indicator manuals for monitoring the environmental
impact of agricultural activities on Costa Rica’s rivers.
The manuals allow farmers and communities to evaluate
water quality without expensive chemical analysis.
•
The evaluation of the selection criteria and
performanceof energycane clones for biomass production
under tropical conditions in order to identify lines that
could be grown in poor soils, thereby providing extra
income for growers and potentially electricity for entire
communities.
•
The survey of pineapple farming practices in Costa
Rica to identify opportunities to reduce costs, increase
efficiency and improve environmental sustainability. The
final survey results will be published in a peer-reviewed
journal and available online for public use. We are also
seeking funding to start an inter-institutional program to
conduct field days and validate results.
The EARTH-La Flor Campus located in the dry tropics
of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province also holds vast
potential for becoming a center for research in climate
change adaptation. With warmer, dryer conditions
predicted in just 30 years’ time, EARTH can play a major
role in adapting GoodAgricultural Practices to these new
climatic conditions and in indentifying the most suitable
crop breeds for feeding the world.
In 2011, Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton praised
EARTH for combining
“
clean energy innovation
and cutting edge farming.”
Support EARTH’s Research Unit and its students in
developing applicable solutions to the urgent needs
of rural communities in the developing world.