The effect of shade trees on robusta coffee depends on tree age

Picture copyright Piato et al.

Coffee plantation productivity is threatened by both climate change and decreasing revenues of growers. Scientists Piato et al. analyzed how growing robusta coffee under shade trees impacts coffee growth, yield, and quality. They found that the effects depend on tree age and the robusta clone tested. Whereas moderate shade can increase growth and yield, excessive shade may alter cup quality.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.