Lithic dystrapepts are shallower soils of recent erosion surfaces having bedrock at 50 cm depth or less. Weatherable minerals release nutrients and exchangeable aluminum. All of these soils have a low base saturation. The climate of the Cotobrus area is mild and fairly constant. Precipitation varies somewhat, being low during January through March, and higher the rest of the year.
Temperature is relatively constant year-round.
This figure shows the 30- year averages for the Las Cruces biological station, on a monthly basis. The vegetation cover information is available from a set of 93 air photos taken in February 1992 around Las Cruces. The coverage extends from the Osa Peninsula north to Paso Real and La Amistad and then from the Panamanian border west to the Coast near Sierpe.