 |
|
Shade trees can protect coffee crops
October 01, 2008Traditional techniques offer promise for guarding against temperature and precipitation extremes
Sustainable farming that employs shade trees may improve crops' resistance to temperature and precipitation extremes that climate changes are expected to trigger, according to an article published in the October issue of BioScience.
The article, by Brenda B. Lin, Ivette Perfecto, and John Vandermeer, of the University of Michigan, focuses on coffee production, although their conclusions could be applicable to other economically important crops, including cocoa and tea, which also were traditionally grown under shade trees.
The scientists marshal evidence that the intensification of coffee production in recent decades has made that crop--and the millions of people whose livelihood depends on it--more vulnerable to higher temperatures and changes in precipitation. In an effort to boost production, growers have increased their use of pesticides and relied less on shade trees, but the evidence suggests that these trends make the crop more susceptible to weather events. The benefits of shade trees appear greater in more marginal growing areas. Lin and her colleagues urge further efforts to determine where a return to more traditional agroforestry techniques is likely to protect the livelihoods of farmers threatened by climate change.
American Institute of Biological Sciences
The scientists marshal evidence that the intensification of coffee production in recent decades has made that crop--and the millions of people whose livelihood depends on it--more vulnerable to higher temperatures and changes in precipitation. In an effort to boost production, growers have increased their use of pesticides and relied less on shade trees, but the evidence suggests that these trends make the crop more susceptible to weather events. The benefits of shade trees appear greater in more marginal growing areas. Lin and her colleagues urge further efforts to determine where a return to more traditional agroforestry techniques is likely to protect the livelihoods of farmers threatened by climate change.
American Institute of Biological Sciences
Shade Trees Current Events and Shade Trees News RSSNew study: Home energy savings are made in the shade
Trees positioned to shade the west and south sides of a house may decrease summertime electric bills by 5 percent on average, according to a recent study* of California homes by researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Coffee cultivation good for diversity in agrarian settlements but not in forests
Coffee shrubs, both in themselves and because they are most often cultivated in the shade of large trees, can have a positive impact on plant and animal diversity in those parts of the landscape that are deforested and dominated by agriculture.
California study shows shade trees reduce summertime electricity use
A recent study shows that shade trees on the west and south sides of a house in California can reduce a homeowner's summertime electric bill by about $25.00 a year.
A win-win: U-pick pumpkin farms recycle urban leaves
Americans love pumpkins. The growing popularity of rural fall festivals, grade school farm tours, and "u-pick" pumpkin farms has resulted in an increase in consumer demand for pumpkins throughout the country.
Green coffee-growing practices buffer climate-change impacts
Chalk up another environmental benefit for shade-grown Latin American coffee: University of Michigan researchers say the technique will provide a buffer against the ravages of climate change in the coming decades.
Landscapes and human behavior
On Arizona State University's (ASU) Polytechnic campus, graduate student families in the cluster of six houses abutting lush lawns and ornamental bushes spend time together talking while their kids play outside.
Shade trees getting 'scorched' by plant disease
Bacterial leaf scorch is severely affecting urban shade trees grown not only to provide shade, but to help clear the air, reduce noise, and improve the aesthetics in many U.S. communities.
More Shade Trees Current Events and Shade Trees News Articles
 |
Taylor's Guide to Shade Gardening: More Than 350 Trees, Shrubs, and Flowers That Thrive Under Difficult Conditions, Illustrated with Color Photographs and Detailed Drawings (Taylor's Guides) by Frances Tenenbaum (Editor), Steve Buchanan (Editor) This comprehensive guide addresses one of the most common problems for gardeners. Shade Gardening has over 250 color photographs of the 350 best trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, bulbs, ground covers, vines, ferns, and grasses for shaded areas. Articles cover the basics of growing plants in the shade as well as such subjects as city gardens, flowers, foliage plants, pests and diseases, and lawns. |
 |
The Shade of Poison Trees by Dashboard Confessional U.S. vinyl LP pressing of the 2007 album from the American Alterna-Pop band. On Shade Of Poison Trees, Dashboard Confessional returns to his roots with an intimate album recorded in his home state of Florida in early 2007. With familiar song structures and lyrical content reminiscent of earlier releases, the album presents a great opportunity to reconnect with the core base as the artist's mainstream appeal continues to broaden. Vagrant. |
 |
Automotive Windshield Sun Shade - Tropical Palm Trees by Auto Unlimited Auto unlimited's foldable dual foil sun shade not only keep your car cool but add fun and style to your car. The vibrant finish is treated with UV protection to last for years. The edges are finish with spun bond finish for durability. The reverse interior side is a cool silver finish to maximized heat shield and give you a cooler interior. Make getting into your car more enjoyable with a sun shade from Auto Unlimited. Dimension: 23 1/2" x 48" |
 |
The Shade Of Poison Trees Dashboard Confessional (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Royal Empress Fast Growing Paulownia Shade Trees by Paulownia Tree Company Fast growing decorative/ornamental flowering shade trees. Reaches 30'- 40' in three years with full shade and blooms. Plant this spring, have shade by next summer.Trees are propagated from tissue culture and are guaranteed. |
 |
FAIRY TREE TABLE TOP DESK LAMP FABRIC SHADE TABLETOP A forest sprite enjoys the light she always finds under her favorite tree. Carved in alabastrite and hand-painted in striking woodland hues. Fabric shade, UL Recognized cord. 40 watt bulb not included. 6 1/2" diameter; 20" high. $ |
 |
Tree Tops Lamp Base and Shade by Carters |
 |
Tree-Free Greetings Dolphin Mother and Child, 160 Page Recycled Paper and Sugarcane Journal, 5.5 x 7.5 x 0.75 Inches, Shades of Blue and White (21038) by Tree-Free Greetings Possibly the MOST eco friendly journal available. The pages are 50% reclaimed sugarcane and 50% post-consumer waste. The pages are lush and smooth, offset printed lines with a delicate leaf pattern in the bottom corner, printed with soy-based ink. The journals are 100% made in the USA. Smythe-sewn binding insures that the journal opens flat and the pages don't fall out. |
 |
Grn Apple Tree Shades T-Shirt - Size: Medium - Color: White by Grn Apple Tree The Shades T-Shirt from Grn Apple Tree features a large artwork screen print on front with Grn Apple logo. This design is printed on 100% cotton heavy weight shirt. |
 |
Monkey Palm Tree Table Lamp Lighting Light w/ Shade NEW by Jed Mart The rich mahogany trunk of a palm holds a stretched animal skin pattern lampshade aloft as three lazy monkeys sit, see, speak or hear no evil at its base. UL Recognized. Max. 60 watt bulb (not included). Alabastrite. 12" x 6" x 27 1/2" high. **Alabastrite, also known as polyresin, is fashioned by combining oxylite and polystone to form a stone-based material. This unique combination allows the sculpting mastery of the artisan to be captured in intricate detail in each handsomely finished product |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |