The importance of coffee shade trees the benefits of coffee shade trees

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The importance of shade trees in coffee

In this era of climate change, shade trees are undoubtedly very important in coffee cultivation. Their umbrella awnings provide shade, relieving the high temperatures and pressures that lead to miscarriage of flowers and fruits. Shade also offers many other benefits.

Benefits

Deep-rooted shade trees recover soil nutrients from deeper soil layers and transport them to their leaves. When leaves wither and rot, they provide organic matter or fertilizer, which is released into coffee plantations. This organic matter improves the texture and moisture retention of the soil, thus providing much-needed moisture for coffee. In addition, deep-rooted trees do not compete with coffee for water and other nutrients. In addition, legumes growing in the shade get the nitrogen they need from the atmosphere and convert it into nitrates, which are used by coffee for many purposes.

Shaded trees can act as windbreaks, protecting coffee trees from excessive and destructive winds, and some can even repel dangerous pests found in the environment.

Some shaded trees are a source of leaves for livestock and an important source of firewood for rural families when pruning trees to regulate shade. This process is called pollarding.