Coffee farm shade planting: the integration of environment, ecology, and sustainable development.

Vela Ethan officially joins the Rainforest Certification.

In the coffee farms we choose, we have always been committed to supporting sustainable development and have long understood the importance of shade-grown coffee for maintaining ecological balance and improving coffee quality. In addition to continuously purchasing shade-grown, organic, and fair trade coffees from Peru, this year, we have also joined the Rainforest Certification.

Climate change, with rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and new challenges from coffee pests and diseases, is affecting the global coffee production timeline. Compared to last year, the development speed of coffee in Peru has been somewhat delayed this year.

Peruvian farmers, motivated by their respect and love for the land rooted in Inca culture, are also seeking more strategies to cope with climate change in coffee-growing regions. Therefore, they are researching how to retain or reintroduce canopy coverage within the coffee production ecosystem to create more opportunities for environmental protection and ecological maintenance.

Is planting coffee under shade good？

Advantages：

• Ecological Protection: Shade provides habitat, helping to protect wildlife diversity and promote ecological balance.

• Temperature Regulation: Shade helps regulate the temperature of coffee plants, reducing the impact of extreme temperatures on the coffee trees.

• Water Resource Management: Shade helps slow down rainwater runoff, aiding in soil moisture retention and reducing erosion.

• Reduce Pest Pressure: Shaded environments may host more natural predators, helping with natural pest control and reducing the need for pesticides.

Disadvantages：

• Production: Coffee grown under shade typically has a lower yield, which may impact farmers' income.

• Management Complexity: Managing a coffee farm under shade may require more labor and expertise, thus requiring higher investment.

• Choosing the Right Tree Species: Selecting suitable shading tree species is crucial for successful shade planting and requires careful consideration.

In summary, choosing to plant coffee under shade provides environmental and ecological benefits, but it is important to carefully balance economic and management considerations. This planting method is particularly suitable for coffee farms that emphasize sustainability and environmental protection.

Today, we will introduce the shade tree species commonly used in coffee cultivation in Peru, as well as the important ecological value these trees bring to the local bird and animal species' needs. These trees not only support the growth of coffee but also provide critical ecological contributions in many aspects.

Abarema jupunba：This tree species has multiple uses on coffee farms in Peru. Its wood is used for building houses and posts, while the inner bark is used to treat scalp itching. Additionally, soap extracted from the bark has antiparasitic properties, making it useful for personal care and hygiene. The leaves and inner bark of the tree are also used as detergents. On the farm, this tree provides moderate shade, making it ideal for coffee shading. It also plays a role in improving soil quality and nitrogen fixation, contributing to the health of the soil and ecosystem.

Abarema jupunba

Albizia carbonaria：This tree species has multiple uses in coffee cultivation. First, it is widely used as a shade tree for both coffee and cocoa, providing moderate shade for the coffee plants. It also plays a role in improving soil quality, helping to form and restore soil and regulate moisture. Additionally, it fixes nitrogen in the root zone, allowing it to thrive even in nutrient-poor areas. In terms of ecological diversity, this tree produces pod-like fruits, whose seeds are a food source for blue-headed parrots and other parrot species, while its flowers provide nectar, attracting hummingbirds and nectar-feeding birds. Furthermore, the leaves and bark of the tree provide food for many insects, which in turn serve as a food source for insectivorous birds. In addition, this tree can be used to produce wooden crates, build houses, and make fruit boxes, among other products.

Albizia carbonaria

Alchornea glandulosa：This tree species has multiple functions in coffee cultivation. Firstly, it provides moderate to dense shade for coffee plants, helping to create an ideal growing environment. It also plays an active role in improving soil quality by promoting nutrient recycling and recovery through the large amount of fallen leaves during the dry season. In terms of ecological diversity, this tree produces seeds with red seed coats, which are favored by toucans, Donacobius, and insectivorous species. For coffee cultivation, this tree has a relatively significant impact, commonly found in agroforestry systems associated with coffee. Additionally, this tree has various uses; farmers can use it as feed for livestock, gather firewood or timber, and use it for carpentry and making boxes, slats, and other products. The aerial parts of the tree are also consumed by animals, providing multiple values and uses for the farm.

Alchornea glandulosa

Carica papaya: This tree has multiple uses on the farm and brings positive impacts to coffee cultivation. Firstly, its fruit is edible, and people can enjoy these fruits and make sweet "meat-like" foods, while the young leaves are sometimes consumed. The seeds are used as a spice, especially in salad dressings. Male flowers, after cooking, can be consumed as a green vegetable. Additionally, when coffee sales are insufficient or cash is urgently needed, this tree can be sold in the market, with production available year-round. Dried leaves can be stirred in water to form a soap substitute. The seeds and immature fruits can be eaten to treat parasitic infections in children. The leaves and fruits, especially the unripe ones, are used internally to treat various digestive diseases, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and uterine pain. Furthermore, this tree contributes to soil quality improvement. In terms of ecological diversity, its seeds are dispersed by bats, contributing positively to the ecosystem.

Carica papaya

Cecropia sciadophylla: This tree has multiple uses and has a positive impact on both farmers and the coffee industry. Its wood can be used to make boxes, matches, and rafts, the seeds are edible, and the bark is used to treat kidney problems. When applied externally, it can also be used to treat abscesses and wounds. The leaves have diuretic properties, and an infusion of the leaves can relieve discomfort in the kidneys and bladder, while also being used to treat fever, heart, and liver issues. Furthermore, the juice extracted from the tree's leaves can be applied externally to treat eye problems.

At the same time, this tree provides valuable services for coffee cultivation, including offering moderate shading. It also has a positive impact on biodiversity, with its fruit providing food for many fruit-eating birds, such as the Donacobius, sodium-bird, euphonious bird, and toucans. Additionally, insects reside on the tree's leaves and bark, providing food for insect-eating birds like the hawk, woodpecker, and creepers.

Cecropia sciadophylla

In conclusion, this approach not only helps improve coffee quality and protect farmland ecosystems, but also benefits biodiversity, soil protection, carbon sequestration, and water resource management. This sustainable farming method not only meets the economic needs of farmers but also protects the shared environment of our planet. The shaded planting on coffee farms is a win-win solution that embodies the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, while providing high-quality coffee that allows us to taste sustainability in both the environment and society in every cup.

Data from: https://worldcoffeeresearch.org/resources

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