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Shade canopy density variables in cocoa and coffee agroforestry systems

Somarriba, Eduardo; Saj, Stéphane; Orozco-Aguilar, Luis; Somarriba, Aurelio and Rapidel, Bruno (2023) Shade canopy density variables in cocoa and coffee agroforestry systems. Agroforestry Systems, online, pp. 1-17.

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Document available online at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10457-023-00931-2


Summary in the original language of the document

An estimated 3.4 million hectares of cocoa and 9.7 million hectares of coffee are cultivated, globally, under shade trees, i.e. in agroforestry systems. Shade canopies are characterized in terms of tree density (N, trees ha−1), tree basal area (G, m2 ha−1) and percent canopy cover (%Cov). N, G and %Cov are named shade canopy density variables (SCDV). The use of these SCDV has two important limitations: (1) different combinations of values of the three SCDV variables generate very different shade tree stands (hence very different shading levels), and (2) Additional factors modify shading under shade canopies with constant SCDV values. This article uses the software ShadeMotion (www.shademotion.net) to show how 24 different, simple, even-sized, mono-layered, Cordia alliodora shade canopies with constant N, G and %Cov display significantly different shade levels and temporal patterns of shading depending on tree stem and crown diameter ratios, tree height, spatial planting configurations (square, random and alleys) and leaf fall patterns. A minimum set of variables capable of providing a more accurate description of the shading characteristics of a cocoa or coffee shade canopy is proposed. Our findings can shed light on the current debate on the pros and cons of the definitions of cocoa agroforestry used by chocolate and certification companies, governments, non-governmental organizations, and donors, especially in West and Central Africa. In this article, emphasis is given to cocoa, but the analysis, results and conclusions are equally applicable to coffee agroforestry systems.


EPrint Type:Journal paper
Keywords:cocoa, coffee, agroforestry systems, ShadeMotion, Cordia alliodora, Basal area, Canopy cover, Shade tree density, Spatial planting patterns, Monthly leaf fall pattern
Agrovoc keywords:
Language
Value
URI
English
Cordia alliodora
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_27166
English
basal area
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_fdca82ae
English
canopy cover -> canopy
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_1262
English
cocoa (plant) -> Theobroma cacao
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_7713
English
coffee (plant) -> Coffea
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_1720
English
agroforestry systems
http://aims.fao.org/aos/agrovoc/c_330982
Subjects: Crop husbandry > Production systems
"Organics" in general > Countries and regions > Africa
Research affiliation:Costa Rica
France > CIRAD - Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement
France > Other organizations France
Nicaragua
DOI:10.1007/s10457-023-00931-2
Deposited By: Rinke, Frau Christina
ID Code:52710
Deposited On:06 Mar 2024 09:53
Last Modified:06 Mar 2024 09:53
Document Language:English
Status:Published
Refereed:Peer-reviewed and accepted

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