Experiences with coffee-shade trees in Costa Rica
Research on Coffea spp. (coffee)-shade systems in Costa Rica is reviewed under the themes of characterization, wood production, Coffea production and nutrient cycling. Traditional shade species, typical tree densities and the reasons for these choices are presented. Timber production values of up to 20 m3.ha-1.a-1 are cited, and even with lower productivity the combined value of timber plus Coffee harvest will frequently exceed the value of Coffea harvests from monocultures. Fueldwood production volumes can be even higher especially when Coffea prunings are included. However, there is evidence for a reduction in Coffea yields fue to tree-crop competition. The importance of shade tree litterfall for nutrient cycling and erosion control is discussed. Finally the need to extend the studies to associations other than those which include Cordia alliodora or Erythrina spp. is stressed
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | biblioteca |
| Published: |
Turrialba (Costa Rica), 1987
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| Subjects: | ARBOLES DE SOMBRA, ARBOLES Y CULTIVOS PERENNES, NUTRIMENTOS, MADERA, LEÑA, PODA, COFFEA, CORDIA, ERYTHRINA, COSTA RICA, |
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| Summary: | Research on Coffea spp. (coffee)-shade systems in Costa Rica is reviewed under the themes of characterization, wood production, Coffea production and nutrient cycling. Traditional shade species, typical tree densities and the reasons for these choices are presented. Timber production values of up to 20 m3.ha-1.a-1 are cited, and even with lower productivity the combined value of timber plus Coffee harvest will frequently exceed the value of Coffea harvests from monocultures. Fueldwood production volumes can be even higher especially when Coffea prunings are included. However, there is evidence for a reduction in Coffea yields fue to tree-crop competition. The importance of shade tree litterfall for nutrient cycling and erosion control is discussed. Finally the need to extend the studies to associations other than those which include Cordia alliodora or Erythrina spp. is stressed |
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