Effect of Tree Shade on Coffee Crop Production

Ethiopia is the primary centre of origin and genetic diversity of Arabica coffee plant. Factors that affect the development of plants including coffee are climate, soil type, mulching, shade farming method used, pruning, etc. Amongst the various factors for having a good yield of coffee is growing of shade trees with the coffee plant which has a great contribution on both the life span of the coffee trees and its yield. Many small coffee farms usually grow different species of trees as an integral part of the production system (e.g. fruit and nut trees). This in turn have manifold ecological benefits by serving as windbreaks and shelterbelts, for aesthetic value in residential areas, and more importantly to protect the coffee plants from excessive sun and high temperatures. Dealing with the pruning waste and managing shade trees to maintain at its optimal shade levels (around 40-50%) could however look a lot of work. Traditionally, all coffee plants were shade grown and most varieties are naturally intolerant of direct sunlight, and desire a canopy of sun-filtering shade trees. This paper is aimed at exploring the benefits of tree shade on coffee life span and yield.