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Shade Effect on Coffee Production at the Northern Tzeltal Zone of the State of Chiapas, Mexico
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The necessity of on-farm research to assess the relationship between shade ecological features and yields has been broadly recognised. On this basis, a more sustainable coffee system could be developed, with better conservation of natural resources. An on-farm research project was conducted in the municipality of Chilón, Chiapas, Mexico, with the objectives of investigating the effect of shade structure on coffee grain yield and assessing the potential uses of associated plant species.Results showed that shade cover percentage and coffee shrub density had significant effects on yields. Maintaining coffee shrub density as a constant, a regression equation related yield to percentage shade by a quadratic polynomial. Coffee density had a significant effect on yields but shade tree density had no effect. Coffee cultivar, age of coffee stand, species richness, shade tree density, basal area, slope and aspect did not have significant effects on coffee yields. Shade tree cover had a positive effect between 23 and 38% shade cover and yield was then maintained up to 48%. Production may decrease under shade cover >50%. A total of 61 shade species were found, with an average density of 260 trees per hectare, the majority of them being indigenous species, used as food, construction materials and as firewood. The role of ecological features associated with shade on yields and availability of natural resources obtained from coffee systems are discussed.
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... They include higher biodiversity [9], improved soil fertility [10], increased nutrient cycling [11] and soil conservation [6], improved microclimate [12], higher soil cover [13], and pest, disease, and weed control e.g., by increasing natural enemies, distancing between plants of the same species, and trapping or outcompeting harmful agents [14,15]. Disadvantages of agroforestry include competition between trees and crops for water [16], nutrients [17,18], and light [19], and increased pest and disease pressure if one component tree or crop hosts organisms can cause damage to another component crop [20][21][22]. Hence, proper design and management are necessary to ensure the sustainability of agroforestry. ...
... The responses to light modified by trees differ between crop species. Positive effects of reduced light intensity include increased nutrient uptake and chlorophyll content in leaves, and more favorable microclimate close to tree canopies, in some cases resulting in increased growth rate and leaf area index (LAI) of crops [22,26,30,31]. ...
... In the fruit-coffee-AF system, coffee received 0.50-0.70 and intercepted 0.20-0.50 fraction of total incident light, and apparently adapted well to the shaded conditions, corroborating findings by Soto-Pinto et al. [22] that 38-48 % shade cover produces the highest coffee yield. However, Muschler [75] found that coffee performed differently when intercropped with different tree species and at reduced distance to tree rows, due to variations in competition, compatibility, weeds suppression, and disease control [76]. ...
crop systems, but its benefits are limited by competitive interactions between tree and crop components. Studies on light competition have been performed on relatively flat land, but slope can influence light distribution. Little is known about optimizing light utilization and enhancing system productivity and/or income from agroforestry on sloping land. This study examined how slope influences the light distribution and performance of maize and coffee crops in fruit tree-crop agroforestry. Starting hypotheses were that 1) crops upslope of tree rows receive and intercept greater amounts of light than those downslope; and 2) position of the crop is more important for light interception and yield when fruit trees have a large, dense canopy. Five-year-old fruit-crop agroforestry experiments on west-southwest facing slopes were revisited. Each agroforestry treatment was divided into nine zones relative to the tree rows (zone 5), with zones 1–4 upslope and 6–9 downslope of the fruit tree row. Light distribution was assessed using Hemiview and SunScan and compared with that in sole-maize and sole-coffee systems. Crop growth and yield were also recorded. Incident light to the crop was higher in the sole-crop system than in agroforestry. In agroforestry, incident light to the crops was lower downslope of trees than upslope but increased with increasing distance from the tree rows. On average, 0.40–0.50 fraction of total light reached the soil surface. Downslope had a stronger negative effect on light distribution and crop yield than upslope. The available light at the soil surface provides scope for additional components. Further studies on the light demands of different crops during the season could improve system design.
... Coffee shading systems vary across regions and sites, with dense systems exceeding 50% (DaMatta 2004;Koutouleas et al. 2022;Piato et al. 2020). To optimize production, a shading not exceeding 50% is recommended, as more would cause yield and quality penalties (Bosselmann et al. 2009;Charbonnier et al. 2017;Durand-Bessart et al. 2020;Soto-Pinto et al. 2000). However, climate change makes it unclear whether this threshold still applies. ...
... Framework 2 involves exploring the microclimate effect of agroforestry on coffee systems and how this can buffer area loss due to climate change. Shading in agroforestry can reduce the average maximum temperature by up to 4 °C compared to open sun systems (Charbonnier et al. 2017;Merle et al. 2022;Moreira et al. 2018;Muschler 2001;Soto-Pinto et al. 2000). In our study, we represent the diverse shading by using two contrasting shading levels. ...
... Moreover, a reduction in the suitability of Arabica coffee is projected in low-land areas of northern Uganda, whose minimum temperatures are predicted to exceed the optimal thresholds for Arabica coffee production. We limit our analysis to 50% shading since extra shading has been found to reduce yield and quality directly through light and nutrient competition or indirectly through increased pest and disease incidence (Bosselmann et al. 2009;Charbonnier et al. 2017;Durand-Bessart et al. 2020;Soto-Pinto et al. 2000). ...
Coffee, an important global commodity, is threatened by climate change. Agroforestry has been considered as one option to maintain or enhance coffee production. In this study, we use a machine learning ensemble consisting of MaxEnt, Random Forest and Boosted Regression Trees to assess climate change impacts on the suitability to grow Arabica coffee, Robusta coffee and bananas in Uganda by 2050. Based on this, the buffering potential of Cordia africana and Ficus natalensis, the two commonly used shading trees in agroforestry systems is assessed. Our robust models (AUC of 0.7–0.9) indicate temperature-related variables as relevant for Arabica coffee suitability, while precipitation-related variables determine Robusta coffee and banana suitability. Under current climatic conditions, only a quarter of the total land area is suitable for growing Arabica coffee, while over three-quarters are suitable for Robusta coffee and bananas. Our results suggest that climate change will reduce the area suitable to grow Arabica coffee, Robusta coffee and bananas by 20%, 9% and 3.5%, respectively, under SSP3-RCP7.0 by 2050. A shift in areas suitable for Arabica coffee to highlands might occur, leading to potential encroachment on protected areas. In our model, implementing agroforestry with up to 50% shading could partially offset suitable area losses for Robusta coffee—but not for Arabica coffee. The potential to produce valuable Arabica coffee thus decreases under climate change and cannot be averted by agroforestry. We conclude that the implementation and design of agroforestry must be based on species, elevation, and regional climate projections to avoid maladaptation.
... Dans d'autres études, l'ombrage étant plus homogène et l'année plus productive, le seuil d'ombrage à ne pas dépasser n'est pas de 25% mais de 50 % [48]. Par ailleurs, des études montrent que sur le long terme, les caféiers sous ombrage étant plus durables, ils peuvent produire des rendements proches de ceux obtenus en plein soleil [49]. ...
A book describing the functioning of mycorrhizal systems in sugarcane, cocoa and coffee, based on field studies in Martinique and French Guiana and bibliographical studies. Numerous illustrations.
... Dans d'autres études, l'ombrage étant plus homogène et l'année plus productive, le seuil d'ombrage à ne pas dépasser n'est pas de 25% mais de 50 % [48]. Par ailleurs, des études montrent que sur le long terme, les caféiers sous ombrage étant plus durables, ils peuvent produire des rendements proches de ceux obtenus en plein soleil [49]. ...
A presentation of the symbiosis between cultivated plants and Arbuscular Endomycorrhizal Fungi, in the tropical context of Martinique. Volume 1 presents general information and includes numerous illustrations.
... This finding supports existing studies that emphasize the benefits of shade for coffee plants, particularly in reducing the risks associated with excessive solar radiation, photoinhibition, and water stress [13,45]. Coffee grown in the shade has been associated with greater resilience to climate variability and better microclimatic conditions, which promote greater ecosystem sustainability [46]. The dense canopy created by Cenízaro likely moderated temperature fluctuations and reduced water loss through evapotranspiration, promoting healthier plant development. ...
This study focused on evaluating the growth and productivity of Coffea arabica var. Esperanza L4A5 in different agroforestry systems in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica, a non-traditional area for coffee cultivation due to its low altitude and challenging climatic conditions. Three tree coverages were investigated, in combination with two types of differentiated fertilization (physical and chemical), comparing the results with full sun coffee plots as a control: (1) Albizia saman, (2) Hymenaea courbaril + Erythrina poeppigiana, and (3) Anacardium excelsum + Erythrina poeppigiana. The results showed that tree associations significantly reduced the mortality of coffee plants and increased both the height and mature cherry production compared to full sun treatments. In particular, the tree coverages associated with chemical and physical fertilization achieved the highest growth and production rates, with A. excelsum + E. poeppigiana and H. courbaril + E. poeppigiana standing out with maximum mature cherry productions of 3.35 t/ha and 3.28 t/ha, respectively. Growth analysis revealed that rapid initial growth, especially under chemical fertilization, is crucial for maximizing productivity, although a rapid slowdown in growth was also observed after reaching the peak. These findings underscore the importance of combining tree coverages with appropriate fertilization strategies to optimize coffee production in agroforestry systems, particularly in low-altitude areas like the Costa Rican Caribbean. This study concludes that agroforestry systems not only improve the resilience of coffee crops to adverse environmental conditions but can also be a viable strategy for increasing productivity in non-conventional regions. This suggests the need for further research to assess the long-term impacts on soil health, biodiversity, and the economic viability of these systems.
... El impacto de sombra puede reducir los daños causados por plagas y enfermedades para ambos cultivos (Ratnadass et al., 2012), aunque también se han reportado efectos negativos sobre el crecimiento y rendimiento de café (Avelino et al., 2020;Durand-Bessart et al., 2020;Haggar et al., 2011) y cacao (Beer et al., 1998). En la misma línea, y en relación con el efecto de la sombra y su relación con la productividad en el cafetal, Soto-Pinto et al. (2000) observaron mejores rendimientos con cobertura de sombra entre 30 y 45 %. Porcentajes menores de sombra y mayores a este rango redujeron el rendimiento, lo cual es coherente con los determinados por Durand-Bessart et al. (2020), quienes indican que un porcentaje de sombra excesivo tiene un efecto negativo indirecto en el crecimiento y rendimiento del café debido a la mayor prevalencia de enfermedades foliares, concluyendo que, la cobertura de sombra óptima, puede ayudar a reducir las enfermedades foliares y mejorar la producción de granos de café. ...
No existe claridad sobre el impacto en la productividad de diversos cultivos agrícolas con Sistemas Agroforestales (SAF). El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo cuantificar el cambio en la productividad de los cultivos café y cacao en fincas con y sin SAF en la Amazonia Peruana. Para ello, empleamos la metodología del emparejamiento de puntaje de propensión. Los resultados muestran un incremento de la productividad para cultivos con cacao, pero una disminución en cultivos con café. Concluimos que amerita generar información y estudios para proponer SAF compatibles con mejoras en productividad a través de acciones conjuntas entre actores.
... For this reason, it is advisable to promote the combined use of chemical and organic fertilizers in order to provide valuable guidelines on coffee management practices in the Ecuadorian Amazon, because the excessive use of chemical fertilizers can increase soil acidity, reduce beneficial microorganisms, and accumulate other plant nutrients that can lead to a reduction in yield and production. In contrast, the use of organic fertilizers improves soil texture, creates a favorable environment for microorganisms, and improves water uptake and retention and the efficient use of nutrients [75,78]. ...
Agroforestry systems (AFSs) seek synergies that improve productivity, sustainability, and environmental benefits. This is achieved through the supplying of nutrients to the soil, carbon storage, and sequestration. In the Ecuadorian Amazon, Coffea canephora is planted together with leguminous, woody, forest, and secondary forest species, where the continuous incorporation of vegetative residues from shade species represents a substantial addition of nutrients within these systems. This study was carried out from 2018 to 2022 to determine the contribution of nutrients contained in the biomass and C sequestration in agroforestry systems of coffee with conventional (high use of agrochemicals) and organic (without the use of chemicals) management. The study was carried out with a randomized complete block design, using a factorial arrangement (2 × 4 with three replications). This arrangement included two types of systems (agroforestry and monoculture) and four agronomic management practices (high and medium for conventional, and intensive and low organic). The biomass and nutrient content were measured twice a year (every 180 days); in addition, the yield was also recorded. A multivariate and univariate analysis was used for data analysis through R and SAS software. After five years of evaluation, it was determined that the N, K, Ca, and Mg contents were higher in the agroforestry systems than the monocultures. In the AFSs, the highest nutrient content was obtained with the medium conventional and low organic agronomic management, while in the monocultures, it was obtained with the high and medium conventional management. In addition, at a soil depth of 20 cm, the total storage and CO2 were 38.12 and 139.8 t ha−1, respectively. The highest yields were obtained with conventional management in AFSs (1599 kg ha−1) and monoculture (1789.45 kg ha−1). Overall, AFSs showed a significant contribution of nutrients, such as N, K, Ca, and Mg, for coffee cultivation; moreover, yields were similar in the AFS and monoculture with both conventional and organic management, which is positive, since AFSs also contribute environmental benefits.
... Moreover, it requires the condition of nonsteep and nonmuddy slopes in the field, which is impractical in many locations [8]. Other studies [10][11][12] propose productivity prediction using a sample of the productive lateral branches and an estimate of the quantity per lateral. Furthermore, [13] introduced a method based on genomic information for coffee production and [14] with agrometeorological information. ...
Deep learning and computer vision, using remote sensing and drones, are 2 promising nondestructive methods for plant monitoring and phenotyping. However, their applications are infeasible for many crop systems under tree canopies, such as coffee crops, making it challenging to perform plant monitoring and phenotyping at a large spatial scale at a low cost. This study aims to develop a geographic-scale monitoring method for coffee cherry counting, supported by an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered citizen science approach. The approach uses basic smartphones to take a few pictures of coffee trees; 2,968 trees were investigated with 8,904 pictures in Junín and Piura (Peru), Cauca, and Quindío (Colombia) in 2022, with the help of nearly 1,000 smallholder coffee farmers. Then, we trained and validated YOLO (You Only Look Once) v8 for detecting cherries in the dataset in Peru. An average number of cherries per picture was multiplied by the number of branches to estimate the total number of cherries per tree. The model's performance in Peru showed an R² of 0.59. When the model was tested in Colombia, where different varieties are grown in different biogeoclimatic conditions, the model showed an R² of 0.71. The overall performance in both countries reached an R² of 0.72. The results suggest that the method can be applied to much broader scales and is transferable to other varieties, countries, and regions. To our knowledge, this is the first AI-powered method for counting coffee cherries and has the potential for a geographic-scale, multiyear, photo-based phenotypic monitoring for coffee crops in low-income countries worldwide.
... However, the impact of agroforestry on coffee production, the essential provisioning service in coffee systems, varies in different places. According to some research, monoculture coffee yields were higher than those produced by coffee agroforestry systems [35], while others discovered no appreciable effects on yield [36,37], and yet more research discovered a hump-shaped link between shade cover and coffee yield, with low shade cover (50%) negatively affecting yields and high shade cover (>50%) favorably increasing yields [38]. Moreover, factors specific to the location, including altitude, soil characteristics, rainfall, cloudiness, and the degree of farm management, impact the relationship between coffee productivity and shade [39]. ...
Indonesia has a long history of social forestry (SF). The essence of this scheme is to involve the community in managing state forests. The agroforestry system is the main choice, with trees already on forest land. The combination of trees and crops provides an alternative livelihood for the community. Coffee plants are one of the choices for undergrowth plants. This study aims to explain the management of coffee agroforestry in social forestry programs. The method used was direct observation in the field combined with a focus group discussion involving six Forest Village Community Institutions (LMDH) with 15 respondents for each LMDH. The results showed that farmers mainly chose coffee because it was shade-tolerant, allowing it to grow well under tree stands. Coffee management in SF with an agroforestry system differs from a monoculture cultivation system in terms of spacing, number of coffee plants per hectare, land preparation techniques, planting, maintenance, and productivity. The government can encourage the management of coffee agroforestry systems in state forests through social forestry schemes by providing training and facilities to increase the added value of coffee in advanced products, providing access to production facilities, capital, and markets, and institutionally strengthening farmer groups.
A theoretical analysis to predict changes in minimum air temperatures resulting from removing shade trees of coffee agroecosystems in the central region of the state of Veracruz, Mexico, is presented. Measurements of air temperature taken in shade and open sun plantations are compared. Although the model predicts a decrease of 2 °C in air temperature as a result of an increase of radiative and advective cooling in areas without shade, in situ air temperature measurements indicated that minimum mean annual air temperature decreased by 1.1 °C. It is concluded that proliferation of coffee in open sun plantations increase the risk of frost in the coffee region of the state o Veracruz.
Each established silvicultural system for tropical forests reflects its time and place of origin. There is much to be learned from these systems, but it is dangerous to apply them without modification to forests about which little is known. Instead, it is preferable to begin by testing the forest's reactions to individual silvicultural operations and to simple improvement treatments. This approach will rapidly provide reliable information upon which to develop a suitable silvicultural system. -Author
When analysing the woodland light climate, the effect of the canopy on diffuse light from the sky and on direct sunlight must be considered separately. Instantaneous measurements can be made to estimate the percentage of diffuse light cut off, the `day-light factor', but problems of spectral composition and instrument response, of unequal distribution of light over the sky, and of short-term fluctuations of light in the open are all liable to bias such estimates. Integrated measurements of light totals at any considerable number of sites are costly, require considerable maintenance, and do not permit prediction of light condition at other times of year. A reasonably accurate estimate of the mean percentage of diffuse and direct light cut off by the canopy can be obtained from hemispherical photographs, and from these percentages, the actual total of light received over any desired period may be calculated. The photographs, taken with a special camera, cover a whole hemisphere. On the circular image grids can be placed to estimate the light conditions, and details of grid construction are given. These photographic estimates compare well with estimates made from the partial regression of daily or hourly totals of light at three sites, in a deciduous wood in east England, on diffuse and direct light over equivalent periods in the open nearby. The evidence suggests that the percentage reduction of diffuse and direct light can be treated as constant over a period of a month, but these are only averages, and over shorter periods discrepancies might appear. Figures for the mean percentage reduction of diffuse light over an hour for the month may be slightly biased by unequal light distribution over the sky. As `daylight factor' has often been misapplied by biologists, and has also an architectural definition, the term `site factor', with appropriate qualifications as to type of light and time, has been adopted instead for the percentage reduction of light. When presenting results, however, these should as far as possible be given as absolute amounts of light, not as percentage reductions. Light conditions in the open vary greatly with climate and latitude, and equal figures for the percentage reduction of light from two different areas may well represent quite different absolute quantities.