 |
|
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
Science News and Science Current Events Tag Cloud
This tag cloud is a visual representation of term frequencies of random science news topics with common terms grouped together and emphasized by their display size.
Cell Phone Bone Formation Hydrogen Ethanol Hepatitis Vision Loss Cardiovascular Risk Eczema Gallstones Tanning Embryonic Development Ecosystems Diatoms Chromatin Birth Defects Mobile Phone Autophagy Peripheral Artery Disease Earthquake Childhood Obesity Pesticides Nanospheres Saturns Rings Radiofrequency Ablation Palliative Care
See More: Science News Tags
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. |
 |
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. |
 |
How to Prune Trees Illustrated guide shows what to do, what not to do, tools to use, and when to trim to produce healthy, strong trees. |
 |
Willow Tree Shade: The Susan Ahn Cuddy Story by John Cha (Author) Impressive life story of Susan Ahn Cuddy a pioneer Korean American woman. She lived an immigrant life in the early 1900's in California and became the first Asian woman officer in the United States forces during WWII. She was the Navy's first female gunnery officer and later went on to work for US Navy Intelligence and NSA. She is the American born daughter of one of Korea's greatest patriots and follower of American democracy Dosan Ahn Chang Ho. |
 |
The Shade of Poison Trees by Dashboard Confessional Chris Carrabba has an underlying message in "Where There's Gold,"the lead track on Dashboard Confessional's fifth album. The band's singer and songwriter speaks up about breaking from the routine of "lights and praise" and "curtain calls," all under the navigation of a pair of acoustic guitars that prove paramount on the 12-song record. For as much as Carrabba preaches the band aspect, Poison Trees is as much a solo record as any in the Florida group's catalog. Dashboard recoils to the acoustic flair that marked its early output, with two of the stronger tracks--"Keep Watch for the Mines" and "Little Bombs"--skipping the rhythm section all together. Carraba still spews lyrics that seem governed by the opposite sex, asking, "Is there time to follow your heart?" in the Beatles-influenced... |
 |
The Shade Tree by Heads Up |
 |
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" |
 |
Track Tree Floor Lamp with 3 Metal Shades - Steel This classic track tree floor lamp lets you direct light where you need it most. Featuring a black finish with silver-colored accents, it has 3 metal shades that can be adjusted to shine light wherever you want it. Includes an on/off rotary switch on each shade. Uses three 60-watt maximum standard bulbs (not included). Imported. 66H". |
 |
Sealer Roses Shrubs Shade Tree by Ferti-lome - Easy to use aerosol spray can - Spray ends of pruned branches and limbs thoroughly to provide a tough, rapid drying coating over pruned areas - Formulation: Asphalt base - 15 oz aerosol - Available for sale in California - Not available for sale in Hawaii |
 |
Black Palm Tree Flip Flop Plastisol Key Chain by Plasticolor PlastiColor Black Palm Tree Flip Flop Plastisol Key Chain is one of the highest quality, molded key chains from PlastiColor. The color and detail compliment the world-class logos and characters that are featured. All key chains include a standard key ring as well as a ¿zipper hook¿, which allows the key chain to become a zipper pull on a back pack, belt pack, brief case, or jacket. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |