Improved model for estimating coffee arabica yield losses induced by Gravillea robusta timber trees felling in agroforestry farming system

Kweka, A. E. (2008) Improved model for estimating coffee arabica yield losses induced by Gravillea robusta timber trees felling in agroforestry farming system. Journal of Tropical Plant Physiology, 2. pp. 31-41.

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Abstract

This study was carried out to establish a method of estimating the extent of damage to coffee plants (Coffea arabica) and yield reduction due to Gravillea robusta timber tree harvesting in agroforestry farming systems. Costs benefit analysis was used to determine the economic gains from tree harvesting/selling and to justify the necessary interventions to reduce the damage to coffee plants. Results show that a net loss ranging from Tshs 2,500 to 12,500 (US$ 2.5-12.5) occur per each felling of a tree, which deems the coffee shade-trees harvesting operation not profitable. Furthermore, it was found that the extent of damage caused by the felled trees significantly depended on; the angle between coffee rows and the felled tree, the total area covered by the tree crown, and the length of the felled tree trunk. Thus, the extent of damage to coffee plants by the felled tree will be highly reduced if the local skilled tree fellers apply practices such as crown pruning and directional felling. Interventions to minimize the damages should be training the harvesting crews in directional felling and provision of low cost felling tools.

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