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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
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Diseases of Shade Trees, Revised Edition by Terry A. Tattar (Author) This revised edition maintains the clear, nontechnical format of the first, and covers the infectious diseases of shade trees, the major pathogens that cause them, and noninfectious diseases and their agents. Special topics include nonpathogenic conditions, disease diagnosis, and tree injection and implantation. Comprehensive disease control protocols, a detailed discussion of disease diagnosis, and tree diseases of the western and southern United States are among the useful additions to this widely used text and reference. This is an essential book for arboriculturists and students of aboriculture. Key Features * Only text available that deals exclusively with the diseases of shade trees * Emphasizes abiotic problems of shade trees,... |
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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. |
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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. |
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Track Tree Floor Lamp with 3 Metal Shades - Steel by Adesso 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". |
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The Shade Of The Cedar Tree Inside Straight Christian McBride (Primary Contributor) |
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Tree-Free Greetings Garden Dream Hummingbird, 12 Count EcoFriendly Note-card Assortment in a Collectible Photo Frame Tin, 5.5 x 7.5 x 0.75 Inches, Shades of Lavender and Green (95738) by Tree-Free Greetings It's two gifts in one. A contemporary recycled steel photo frame memory tin box, with 12 eco friendly themed notecards inside - AND 12 designed-to-match envelopes. It's a can't miss gift. Perfect for Mother's Day or any occasion. |
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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" |
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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. |
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Shade Tree Kit, 4" by Woodland Scenics These are highly-detailed, extremely versatile trees, designed to lend realism and variety to any layout. Use Hob-e-Tac or Scenic Glue to attach the pre-colored, non-metallic foliage to the bendable metal armatures. Lightly spray with Scenic Cement to add Fine or Coarse Turf accent colors, Fruit or Flowers.4" Shade Tree (2/kit) |
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Dashboard Confessional - The Shade of Poison Trees - Guitar Recorded Version by Hal Leonard All 12 tracks from the 2007 CD by Chris Carrabba and crew, a heralded return to form for the band. Includes the single Thick as Thieves and: Clean Breaks - Fever Dreams - Keep Watch for the Mines - Little Bombs - The Rush - The Shade of Poison Trees - Where There's Gold - and more. |
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