Effects of shade trees on robusta coffee growth, yield and quality. A meta-analysis

• DOI: 10.1007/s13593-020-00642-3
• Publication Date: 2020-10-21T11:02:27Z
• Authors: Kevin Piato; François Lefort; Cristian Subía; Carlos Caicedo; Darío Calderón; Jimmy Pico; Lindsey Norgrove
• Keywords: Coffea canephora; Coffea

Abstract Productivity of coffee plantations is threatened by both climate change and decreasing revenues growers. Using shade trees might protect against temperature variability, erosion excessive radiation but there may be trade-offs in productivity quality. While impacts on arabica ( Coffea ) have been reviewed, a global synthesis robusta canephora lacking. We assessed how affects growth productivity, what are the interactions trade-offs. conducted systematic literature search Web Science CAB Abstracts 16 December 2019. Thirty papers fulfilled our inclusion criteria being experimental studies impact overstory with approximately half from Brazil or India. Shade improved tree yield some contrasting effects physicochemical biochemical properties. (> 30%) was associated reduced beverage Significant between location, rainfall level clone were found. Among clones tested, 06V, C153, LB1, GG229 JM2 showed higher (from + 17 to 280%) under moderate (41–65%). This first meta-analysis coffee. By synthesizing data different studies, we highlight for time that effect depends age. had positive older (mean years), while younger either insignificant negative. importance type ages. Research gaps included lack knowledge respect age as well interactive effects. More in-depth needed understand mechanisms affect