Coffee Agroforestry Information

Coffee System

Arabica

Coffee Impact

Beneficial to coffee

Prevalence

Unknown

Cultivation

Planted

Natural

Tree Management

It is easily propagated by seeds, which easily germinate inside the pod. Seeds cannot be stored and must be planted immediately after opening the pod. Germination begins from the third day and reaches a rate of 90%. Farmers usually select the best pods and use direct seeding, making a small hole with a stick and planting 2-4 seeds inside. Black seeds become "female" trees with abundant annual fruit production, while yellow seeds become "male" trees that do not produce much fruit. Transplant the seedling when it reaches a height of 40-60 cm. As shade trees for coffee and cocoa, the planting distance should be 10-15 m between the trees. It has rapid growth and is tolerant of acidic soil.

Tree Benefits and Uses

Farmer Uses

Food
Livestock Forage
Firewood
Lumber
Medicinal

Cultivated for its fruits, and the sales of fruit or wood can be a good source of income for farmers. The white pulp surrounding the seeds when the fruits are ripe is edible. The cottony aril is consumed fresh for its sweet taste, and also used to prepare alcoholic beverages. Low-quality fruits are consumed by livestock, pigs, poultry or fish. The leaves and seeds have a high protein content so they are also used as forage for some animals. Used to treat rheumatism. The seeds are used as a natural purgative for humans and livestock.

Farm Services

Coffee Shade
Soil Improvement
Erosion Control
Reforestation
Nitrogen Fixation
Weed Control

Coffee Shade: the species is used as a shade tree in coffee or cocoa plantations

Biodiversity Benefits

Unknown

Reforestation: it has great potential to restore degraded soils as part of an agroforestry system

Inga alba

Monte pacae, Shimbillo

Inga lineata

Shimillo, Rufinde