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European Journal of Applied Sciences – Vol. 13, No. 1
Publication Date: February 25, 2025
DOI:10.14738/aivp.131.18294.
Rudragouda, Girijesh, G. K., Nagaraja, J. S., Veeranna, H. K., Adivappar, N., Devagiri, G. M., Dinesh Kumar, M., Nadaf, S. A., &
Suchitra, M. A. (2025). Litter Dynamics and Nutrient Contributions in Arabica Coffee Agroforestry Systems Under Varied Shade
Regimes in the Central Western Ghats, India. European Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol - 13(1). 335-351.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Litter Dynamics and Nutrient Contributions in Arabica Coffee
Agroforestry Systems Under Varied Shade Regimes in the Central
Western Ghats, India
Rudragouda*
ORCID: 0009-0003-1703-4346
Corresponding Email ID: rudragouda@uahs.edu.in / rudragouda.cb@gov.in
Central Coffee Research Institute, Coffee Research Station Post – 577 117,
Chikkamagaluru, India andDepartment of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,
KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, India
Girijesh, G. K.
Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,
KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, India
Nagaraja, J. S.
Central Coffee Research Institute, Coffee Research Station
Post – 577 117, Chikkamagaluru, India
Veeranna, H. K.
Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,
KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, India
Nagarajappa Adivappar
Department of Horticulture,
KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, India
Devagiri, G. M.
Collage of Forestry KSNUAHS,
Shivamogga, India
Dinesh Kumar, M.
Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,
KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, India
Nadaf, S. A.
Coffee Research Sub Station,
Chettalli, Kodagu, India
Suchitra, M. A.
Coffee Research Sub Station,
Chettalli, Kodagu, India
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European Journal of Applied Sciences (EJAS) Vol. 13, Issue 1, February-2025
ABSTRACT
Coffee agroforestry systems (CAS) are increasingly recognized as an effective
climate change mitigation strategy due to their ability to sequester carbon.
However, most studies on CAS have focused on the management and productivity of
coffee plants, with limited attention to litterfall dynamics and their contribution to
soil nutrients, particularly in Indian coffee plantations. In this study, quantified and
compared litterfall dynamics in arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) grown under
different shade patterns. Litterfall collected from designated quadrants was
analyzed using standard soil testing procedures. Results showed significant
variation in litterfall across treatments, ranging from 3.43 to 13.54 MT ha-1. The
highest litterfall was recorded under exotic species shade with 13.54 MT ha-1,
followed by native species shade with 11.68 MT ha-1. In terms of nutrient
contributions to the soil, coffee grown under native species shade recorded the
highest addition of nitrogen (301.37 kg ha-1) and phosphorus (22.19 kg ha-1),
significantly exceeding other treatments. Conversely, potassium addition was
highest under exotic species shade (257.30 kg ha-1). The findings suggest that coffee
grown under a two-tier mixed shade system, comprising both native and exotic
species, benefits from enhanced litterfall dynamics and improved nutrient
contributions to the soil compared to unshaded systems. To promote soil health and
sustainability, policy incentives should encourage the adoption and maintenance of
two-tier mixed shade systems in coffee plantations.
INTRODUCTION
Coffee cultivation in India, rooted in the biodiverse landscapes of the Western and Eastern
Ghats, represents a unique blend of ecological sustainability and agricultural productivity. The
traditional coffee-growing regions of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu trace their origins to
the pioneering efforts of colonial planters, which were later advanced by Indian successors.
Over time, coffee cultivation extended to newer regions such as Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and
the northeastern states, where it emerged post-independence as a catalyst for the socio- economic development of tribal communities (Raghuramulu and Rudragouda, 2017). In these
regions, coffee cultivation not only drives economic activity but also plays a pivotal role in
fostering rural livelihoods. Unlike many other coffee-producing countries, Indian coffee is
predominantly cultivated under agroforestry systems. These systems integrate coffee plants
with a canopy of native shade trees, creating a multi-strata cropping system interspersed with
high-value intercrops such as black pepper, cardamom, orange, banana and avocado. This
traditional practice ensures biodiversity conservation, supports ecosystem services such as
carbon sequestration and soil stabilization, and enhances microclimatic conditions favorable
for coffee production (Vaast et al., 2006). Notably, Indian coffee cultivation in the Western and
Eastern Ghats contributes significantly to preserving these ecologically sensitive biodiversity
hotspots. However, changing cultivation practices and climate variability pose challenges to the
sustainability of Indian coffee agroforestry systems. Over the past few decades, coffee growers
have increasingly shifted from shaded, biodiverse systems toward more intensive, mono shade- based practices aimed at maximizing yields. These shifts have resulted in reduced shade cover,
diminished biodiversity and altered microclimatic conditions, which together exacerbate the
effects of climate variability on coffee yield and quality (Chengappa et al., 2017). Similar
challenges have been observed globally in other coffee-producing countries such as Brazil,
Colombia, and Vietnam, where excessive rainfall, temperature fluctuations and reduced
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Rudragouda, Girijesh, G. K., Nagaraja, J. S., Veeranna, H. K., Adivappar, N., Devagiri, G. M., Dinesh Kumar, M., Nadaf, S. A., & Suchitra, M. A. (2025).
Litter Dynamics and Nutrient Contributions in Arabica Coffee Agroforestry Systems Under Varied Shade Regimes in the Central Western Ghats, India.
European Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol - 13(1). 335-351.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.131.18294
biodiversity have led to significant declines in coffee production (Cristancho et al., 2012; Bunn
et al., 2015).
Research highlights the ecological and agronomic importance of shaded coffee systems in
mitigating the effects of climatic stressors. Shade trees moderate extreme temperatures, reduce
soil erosion, enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) levels and improve nutrient cycling through leaf
litterfall and decomposition processes (Somarriba et al., 2004). In agroforestry systems,
litterfall serves as a primary pathway for the return of organic matter and nutrients such as
nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to the soil. These nutrients are critical for maintaining soil
fertility and sustaining long-term agricultural productivity. Additionally, the decomposition of
organic matter enriches soil organic carbon pools, sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide
and contributing to climate change mitigation. The dynamics of litterfall production vary widely
across different ecological and management contexts. Tropical agroforestry systems, such as
coffee plantations, exhibit significant variation in litterfall quality and quantity due to factors
such as shade tree species, stand characteristics and climatic conditions (Kim et al., 2010).
Empirical evidence from studies conducted in Central America and Sub-Saharan Africa
highlights the role of litterfall in sustaining SOC levels, moderating nutrient cycling and
improving soil health (Negash and Starr, 2013). However, research on litterfall dynamics in
Indian coffee agroforestry systems, particularly in the Central Western Ghats, remains limited,
despite their ecological significance and contribution to sustainable coffee cultivation. The
Central Western Ghats offer an ideal setting to study the interplay of shade regimes, litterfall
dynamics and nutrient cycling in coffee agroforestry systems. This region, characterized by
diverse ecological conditions and traditional agroforestry practices, provides a valuable
opportunity to explore how shade management influences litter production, carbon
sequestration and nutrient flux. Seasonal and annual patterns of litterfall production, along
with the decomposition and mineralization processes, directly impact soil fertility and crop
productivity in these systems. Moreover, litter dynamics under varied shade regimes can offer
insights into optimizing coffee agroforestry practices to enhance ecosystem services and
maintain ecological resilience. This study aims to address the existing knowledge gap by
evaluating the leaf litter dynamics and nutrient contributions in arabica coffee agroforestry
systems under varied shade conditions in the Central Western Ghats of India. Specifically, the
research focuses on understanding the seasonal patterns of litterfall production, the associated
carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) inputs to the soil, and the implications of different shade regimes
on nutrient cycling and soil organic matter. By analyzing these dynamics, the study seeks to
provide empirical evidence to support sustainable coffee cultivation practices that balance
productivity with biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health. The findings will contribute
to the broader understanding of agroforestry systems’ role in mitigating climate change,
enhancing soil fertility and fostering sustainable agricultural development in tropical coffee- growing regions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study Location and Climate
The study was conducted at the Coffee Research Sub Station (CRSS), Chettalli, North Kodagu,
Karnataka (12°23'N, 75°49'E, 950 m AMSL). Weather data for 2022–2023, obtained from the
CRSS Meteorological Observatory, revealed significant deviations in temperature and rainfall
from historical averages. In 2023, the average minimum and maximum temperatures were
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18.15 °C and 28.57 °C, respectively, exceeding those in 2022 (17.20 °C and 26.58 °C) and the
long-term normal (17.36 °C and 27.26 °C). Rainfall also exhibited notable variations: total
precipitation in 2022 (2128 mm) was significantly higher than in 2023 (1218 mm) and the
historical norm (1579 mm). Additionally, the number of rainy days decreased from 117 in 2022
to 89 in 2023, suggesting increased rainfall intensity per event. Monthly trends indicated
warming during January–February, heavy rainfall in March–April, and a substantial
temperature rise in June 2023. The highest rainfall occurred in July–August, with extreme
precipitation in 2022. The period from September to December showed a general warming
trend, particularly in minimum temperatures. These climatic variations highlight the need for
adaptive strategies in coffee cultivation. Detailed climate data is presented in Table 1.
Table 1: Meteorological data recorded during experimental period (2022 and 2023) and the
normal at Coffee Research Sub Station, Chettalli, Kodagu
Months
Year
Min Temp (oC) Max Temp (oC) Mean RH (%) Rainfall (mm) Rainy days (no)
Normal 2022 2023 Normal 2022 2023 Normal 2022 2023 Normal 2022 2023 Normal 2022 2023
January 14.30 15.60 16.36 27.52 27.70 27.85 81.04 91.70 86.00 3.00 0.00 21.00 0.21 0.00 1.00
February 15.17 16.70 16.19 29.68 29.80 29.83 79.58 88.20 84.00 4.49 0.00 0.00 0.44 0.00 0.00
March 16.97 18.70 17.84 31.40 31.80 30.28 79.86 89.60 84.50 25.83 33.00 12.00 1.97 5.00 2.00
April 18.54 18.80 18.95 31.55 31.90 31.91 83.98 92.30 87.89 76.85 120.00 13.75 5.95 9.00 2.00
May 19.37 16.77 17.77 29.87 25.93 30.94 86.76 95.22 89.92 103.81 232.00 194.45 8.13 13.00 11.00
June 18.91 17.82 19.14 25.28 25.82 29.43 91.43 98.66 82.00 304.84 121.00 47.10 18.26 19.00 7.00
July 18.56 16.93 18.41 23.54 21.26 26.04 92.59 97.89 91.00 406.40 701.00 553.72 22.51 21.00 30.00
August 18.55 17.85 19.11 23.83 23.98 27.73 91.80 98.90 90.80 293.18 619.50 57.40 20.03 22.00 7.00
September 18.07 17.74 19.32 25.34 24.92 27.64 89.81 97.55 88.23 135.25 124.80 102.95 11.67 11.00 16.00
October 18.07 16.86 18.45 26.37 24.87 26.90 87.27 96.84 89.90 145.53 121.20 131.92 10.31 10.00 5.00
November 16.94 16.91 18.64 26.34 26.01 27.59 85.93 94.28 94.60 68.25 25.50 76.06 5.08 5.00 7.00
December 14.90 15.77 17.57 26.40 24.93 26.66 82.10 95.66 92.00 12.08 30.00 7.66 1.00 2.00 1.00
Total/Avg. 17.36 17.20 18.15 27.26 26.58 28.57 86.02 94.73 88.40 1579.49 2128.00 1218.01 105.54 117.00 89.00
Soil Type and Properties
The experimental plot soil is classified as fine loamy mixed isohyperthermic Typic Haplastepts
with a sandy loam texture (Table 2). It is deep, well-drained, very dark brown to red, gravelly
loam derived from weathered granite. Soil samples were collected (0–30 cm depth), air-dried,
sieved (2 mm) and analyzed for physical and chemical properties. The results indicated slightly
acidic pH (5.90), low electrical conductivity (0.23 dSm−1), high organic carbon (2.96%),
available phosphorus (72 kg ha−1), and potassium (434 kg ha−1), while available nitrogen was
moderate (515 kg ha−1).
Table 2: Initial physical and chemical properties of soil of the experimental site
Properties Values
obtained
Remarks Method
followed
Reference
Soil physical parameters
Mechanical analysis (%) Textural class -
Sandy clay loam
International
pipette method
Piper, 1966
Sand (%) 67.00
Silt (%) 4.00
Clay (%) 29.00
Soil chemical properties
Soil pH (1:2.5 soil water
suspension)
5.90 Acidic Potentiometric
method
Jackson, 1973
Electrical Conductivity
(dS m-1)
0.23 Normal Conductometric
method
Jackson, 1973
Organic Carbon (%) 2.96 High Walkley and
Black wet
oxidation method
Jackson, 1973
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Rudragouda, Girijesh, G. K., Nagaraja, J. S., Veeranna, H. K., Adivappar, N., Devagiri, G. M., Dinesh Kumar, M., Nadaf, S. A., & Suchitra, M. A. (2025).
Litter Dynamics and Nutrient Contributions in Arabica Coffee Agroforestry Systems Under Varied Shade Regimes in the Central Western Ghats, India.
European Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol - 13(1). 335-351.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.131.18294
Available Nitrogen
(kg ha-1)
515 Medium Alkaline
potassium
permanganate
method
Subbaiah and
Asija, 1956
Available phosphorus
(P2O5 kg ha-1)
72 High Colorimetric
method by using
Bray’s extractant
Jackson, 1973
Available potassium
(K2O kg ha-1)
434 High Flame
photometer
method
Jackson, 1973
Experimental Details
The study site spans 20 acres with varying shade patterns: native tree shade, mixed native and
exotic shade, predominantly exotic shade (Grevillea robusta) and relatively open conditions
(<20% tree cover). The native shade trees (e.g., Albizia spp., Ficus spp., Dalbergia spp.,
Terminalia spp., Pterocarpus marsupium, Syzygium jambolana) form an upper canopy, while
Erythrina lithosperma constitutes the lower tier. The experimental blocks (L and M) were
planted with Coffea arabica cv. Chandragiri in 2006 at 1.8 m × 1.8 m spacing, with stabilized
plants over 15 years old.
Experimental Design
A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was implemented with five replications. Each
treatment plot measured 20.12 m × 18.29 m (110 plants per plot). The treatments included T1:
Coffee under two-tier native shade (NS); T2: Coffee under two-tier mixed shade (MS); T3: Coffee
under two-tier exotic shade (ES) and T4: Coffee under relatively unshaded conditions (US)
Crop Management
Routine agronomic practices, including bush management, nutrition, weeding, plant protection,
and cultural operations, were followed as per the Coffee Guide (Anon., 2023).
Litterfall and Nutrient Contribution
Litterfall was collected monthly (January–December 2023) from three 1 m × 1 m quadrants per
treatment. Samples were air-dried, oven-dried at 60°C, and weighed (g m-2), then expressed as
kg ha-1. Composite soil samples were collected post-harvest, processed (air-dried, powdered,
sieved to 2 mm), and analyzed for nutrient content using standard procedures.
Nutrient Recycling via Litterfall
Ten grams of cumulative dried composite litter per treatment was powdered, thoroughly mixed
and analyzed for major nutrient content as per standard protocols (Table 3).
Table 3: Methods used for analysis of litter and soil samples
SN Determinations Method followed Reference
1 Carbon content Walkley and Black’s oxidation method Jackson
(1973)
2 Digestion of plant
sample
Wet digestion of litter samples with H2SO4 and
digestion mixture (K2SO4:CuSO4.5H2O: Se in the
Jackson
(1973)
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proportion of 100:20:1) till green residue was
obtained for nitrogen estimation
3 Nitrogen content Microkjeldahl distillation method usingGerhartz- Vapodest distillation unit
Piper (1966)
4 Digestion of sample
with di-acid mixture
Digestion with of litter sample with di-acid mixture
HNO3: H2ClO4 (10:4)
Johnson and
Ulrich (1959)
5 Phosphorus content Vanado-molybdo phosphoric acid yellow colour
method
Jackson
(1973)
6 Potassium content Analysis of suitable aliquot of acid digested plant
material by Flame photometer
Jackson
(1973)
Statistical Analysis
Data were analyzed following Gomez and Gomez (1984), with significance tested at p = 0.05.
ANOVA was performed using the Web Agri. Stat. Package (Jangam & Thali, 2004). Duncan’s
multiple-range test (DMRT) was used to compare treatment means where significant
differences were observed.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Effect of Different Shade Management Regimes on Litterfall / Residue Fall Dynamics
The dynamics of litterfall / residue fall i.e., total litterfall and litterfall pattern as influenced by
various shade management regimes are presented in Table 4 and illustrated in Figure 1.
Litterfall /residue fall refers to the shedding of leaves, twig sand other organic material from
plants within agro forestry systems (AFS). The dynamics of litterfall are influenced by a range
of factors including the species composition, climate and environmental conditions of the
system. Understanding litterfall dynamics is critical for nutrient cycling, soil health and
maintaining ecosystem services in agroforestry systems. The composition and timing of
litterfall contribute to soil organic matter, influence microbial communities and can affect plant
growth and water retention. The amount of litterfall varies from 3.43 to 13.54 MT ha-1. Litterfall
dynamics varied notably across the treatments. T3 (Exotic sp. shade) recorded significantly
higher litterfall of 13.54 MT ha−1 (1354.23 g m−2) followed by T1 (native sp. shade) recorded
11.68 MT ha−1 (1168.09 g m−2), also showing strong litter production and T2 (mixed sp. shade)
produced 10.08 MT ha−1 (1007.66 g m−2), slightly lower than T1 and T3 but still substantial. In
contrast, T4 (unshaded systems) had recorded the lowest litterfall of 3.43 MT ha−1 (343.28 g
m−2), emphasizing the lack of organic input in unshaded environments.
Table 4: Quantity of litter fall of in Arabica coffee as influenced by different shade
management regimes
Months /
Treatments
Quantity of litter fall (g m-2)
T1 T2 T3 T4 Mean S.Em± CD
(0.05)
JAN 85.30 ±6.76 b 83.26 ±6.60 b 150.00 ±11.89 a 12.48 ±0.99 c 82.76 4.45 13.72
FEB 165.90 ±13.15 b 170.26 ±13.49 b 210.00 ±16.64 a 10.00 ±0.79 c 139.06 7 21.56
MAR 88.11 ±6.98 a 72.11 ±5.71 b 68.00 ±5.39 b 20.00 ±1.58 c 62.06 2.33 7.17
APR 75.00 ±5.94 b 69.02 ±5.47 c 77.54 ±6.14 a 69.00 ±5.47 c 72.64 0.34 1.05
MAY 99.69 ±7.90 c 111.80 ±8.86 b 125.69 ±9.96 a 81.80 ±6.48 d 104.75 1.48 4.55
JUN 68.59 ±5.44 a 53.60 ±4.25 b 21.00 ±1.66 c 15.00 ±1.19 c 39.55 2.04 6.29
JULY 54.60 ±4.33 a 33.44 ±2.65 c 38.00 ±3.01 b 20.00 ±1.58 d 36.51 1.13 3.49
AUG 21.00 ±1.16 c 30.48 ±2.42 b 54.00 ±4.28 a 31.00 ±2.46 b 34.12 1.11 3.43
SEPT 47.50 ±3.76 b 52.20 ±4.14 a 40.00 ±3.17 c 35.00 ±2.77 d 43.68 0.61 1.87
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changes, management activities, timing of leaf senescence, age of the stand etc. The interplay of
these factors contributes to the observed variations in litterfall across different treatments and
months.
The month-wise litter/residue fall exhibited a bimodal distribution pattern, with peaks
occurring from January to March and again from October to December, alongside management- induced drops in April and May due to pruning activities (Fig. 1). The peaks during these
months could be attributed to the increased sunlight, which influences the litterfall rhythm in
forests. This phenomenon facilitates the replacement of old leaves with new, more efficient
ones, optimizing canopy photosynthesis. Such leaf shedding acts as an adaptive mechanism,
enhancing the tree's ability to harness sunlight effectively (Carswell et al., 2002). The quantity
of litterfall observed in this study aligns closely with previous research findings. For instance,
Petit-Aldanaet al. (2019) reported similar litterfall values in coffee monocultures and
intercropped systems with Gliricidia sepium. Similarly, Chandrappa (2005) reported that
litterfall in coffee AFS varies from 10,076 to 13,920 kg ha-1 yr-1. The findings also in consistent
with Xiao et al. (2020), who attributed seasonal variations in litterfall to climatic factors and
the physiological responses of trees. The increase in litterfall in unshaded systems during April
and May, due to pruning, indicates that management practices can temporarily boost litterfall.
However, the decline in litterfall during June and July reflected the natural cycle of tree growth
and recovery following pruning, as documented by Rodriguez et al.(2023). Month wise analysis
effectively illustrates the dynamic nature of litterfall across different treatments, emphasizing
the superior organic contributions of shaded system compared to unshaded systems. The clear
seasonal patterns observed reinforce the importance of tree species selection and management
practices in agroforestry and land restoration efforts.
Nutrient Content of Litter Residue and Its Total Nutrient Contribution to The Soil
The different shade management systems differed significantly with respect to nutrient
concentration and the total nutrient contribution from litter residue to the soil (Table 5 and
Figure 2). The exotic sp. shade system (T3) registered the highest carbon content of 67.00 per
cent, which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments. The next best treatment w.r.t
organic carbon was T2 (mixed sp. shade) (43 %). The treatment T2 and T4 and T1 and T2 are on
pare with each other. T1 (native sp. shade) exhibited the highest nitrogen concentration (2.58
%), significantly superior over remaining treatments. T2 (2.35%) and T4 (2.42 %) and T3 (1.65
%). Whereas T2 and T4 were found statistically on par and both are significantly better than T3.
Similarly, phosphorus content in native sp. shade (T1) was highest (0.19%), which was
significantly higher than T2 (0.17%) and T3 (0.11%) and at par with unshaded system T4
(0.18%). Contrasting to above the unshaded treatment (T4) statistically excelled over rest of
the treatment by registering the higher potassium content of 2.65 per cent. Next best treatment
w.r.t potassium content was mixed sp. shade (2.10). Regards to total amount of nutrients added
to soil (kg ha-1) through litter residue, coffee grown underneath of silver oak (exotic sp. shade)
trees (T3) contributed significantly higher carbon to the soil (9073.34 kg ha-1) than the other
treatments, particularly T4 (unshaded condition) added the least (1441.78kg ha-1). This was
almost double the quantity as that carbon sequestered with T1 and T2. Whereas T1 and T2 are
comparable with respect to amount carbon sequestered. With regard to major nutrient added
to the soil through litterfall, the higher nitrogen and phosphorous addition was noticed with
native sp. shade (301.37 and 22.19 kg ha-1) which was significantly superior over rest of the
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a pooled mean of 516.6 kg ha−1. Similarly, pooled data for phosphorus availability revealed
significant variation across treatments. Native species shade (T1) had a pooled mean of 77.7 kg
ha−1, while mixed species shade (T2) recorded a pooled mean of 75.5 kg ha−1, which was
comparable to T1. Exotic species shade exhibited a pooled mean of 70.8 kg ha−1. Unshaded
conditions (T4) showed the lowest pooled mean of 65.1 kg ha−1. Pooled data for potassium
availability showed significant variation across treatments. Native species shade (T1) had a
pooled mean of 490.8 kg ha−1. Mixed species shade (T2) recorded a pooled mean of 477.9 kg
ha−1, while T3 exhibited a pooled mean of 477.5 kg ha−1, with both T2 and T3 being comparable.
Unshaded conditions (T4) had the lowest pooled mean of 452.9 kg ha−1.The individual year data
for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium status followed trends that were largely consistent
with those of the pooled data.
Treatments with native or mixed species shade (T1 and T2) consistently registered higher levels
of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compared to unshaded conditions (T4). The
variations in available NPK across different shade management regimes in arabica coffee
cultivation could be attributed to several scientific factors. Shaded environments typically
experienced greater leaf litterfall and biomass accumulation, particularly with native and
diverse shade species due to their high nutrient concentration. This organic matter contributed
to soil nutrient pools as it decomposed, enhancing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
availability. Shaded systems often supported a richer microbial community, which played a
crucial role in nutrient cycling and these areas tended to retain more moisture, which was vital
for nutrient availability and microbial activity. The results agreed with the findings of Jha et al.
(2014), who demonstrated that shaded coffee systems, particularly those involving native
species, significantly enhanced nitrogen availability due to increased organic matter inputs
from leaf litter and root biomass. This was further supported by the work of Perfecto and
Vandermeer (2002), which emphasized that diverse shade could boost nitrogen cycling
through enhanced microbial activity and root interactions. In contrast, the lower nitrogen
availability in unshaded conditions (T4) reflected the findings of Asare et al. (2018) and
Sauvadet et al. (2019), which suggested that the absence of shade led to reduced nutrient
cycling and lower overall soil fertility. Research by Panta and Parajulee (2021) indicated that
shade trees contributed to improved soil nutrient status, particularly phosphorus, through
enhanced organic matter decomposition and microbial activity. Djukic et al. (2011) highlighted
the role of organic matter in enhancing potassium retention in the soil. The variations in
nutrient availability observed across different shade management treatments emphasized the
significance of incorporating shade into coffee cultivation practices. These findings not only
supported previous research but also provided a compelling case for sustainable management
strategies that prioritized shade to optimize soil fertility and enhance coffee production.
Clean Coffee Yield
The clean coffee yield realized as influenced by different shade management regimes varied
statistically both for pooled as well as individual year 2022 and 2023 (Table 7). The coffee
grown under native sp. shade (T1) registered the highest clean coffee yield of 0.33 kg plant-1.
Silver oak shade (T3) yielded moderately at 0.28 kg plant-1. Silver oak provided some benefits
as shade, it was not as effective as native or mixed species. Statistically, all shade treatments
paralleled each other. In contrast, the unshaded system (T4) recorded the significantly lowest
yield at 0.22 kg plant-1. Similarly, pooled data on clean coffee yield (kg ha-1) revealed that coffee
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(2018) noted that optimal shade coverage (15% to 54%) positively influences coffee yield by
improving moisture retention and reducing competition for water. This is particularly
important in regions where water scarcity is of concern. The study conducted by Nibasumba et
al. (2011) in Burundi also revealed improved growth metrics of coffee with higher coffee yield,
heavier berries and berry thickness with intercropping of coffee and bananas (Coffee grown
under banana shade). Observations are also in consistent with findings those by Kufa et al.,
2007; Partelli et al. (2014); Gleison et al. (2016) and Amanuel Tilahun Etafa (2022). The
importance of shade in coffee yields is well-supported by various studies, indicating that it
offers numerous benefits from improved microclimates and soil health to enhanced
biodiversity and water conservation. As the coffee industry faces challenges such as climate
change and pest pressures, adopting shaded coffee systems could be a viable strategy for
sustainable production.
CONCLUSION
This study highlights the crucial role of shade management in regulating litter dynamics,
nutrient contributions, soil health and clean coffee yield in Arabica coffee agroforestry systems
in the Central Western Ghats, India. The results demonstrate that shaded systems, particularly
those with native and mixed tree species, significantly enhance litterfall, leading to increased
organic matter accumulation and improved soil fertility. The exotic species shade contributed
the highest carbon and potassium, while native species shade provided superior nitrogen and
phosphorus enrichment. These variations in nutrient dynamics underscore the importance of
shade tree selection in optimizing nutrient cycling and soil sustainability.
Furthermore, shade management regimes influenced soil organic carbon levels, with shaded
treatments (T1–T3) showing significantly higher SOC compared to unshaded systems (T4). The
availability of primary nutrients (NPK) was also highest under native and mixed species shade,
reinforcing the benefits of diverse shade species for soil enrichment and long-term ecosystem
stability. Importantly, the study confirms that coffee grown under shaded environments
outperformed unshaded systems in clean coffee yield, with the highest productivity recorded
under native shade. This finding accentuates the ecological and agronomic advantages of shade- grown coffee, as it fosters a stable microclimate, improves soil health and sustains higher yields.
These results emphasize the necessity of integrating diverse native tree species into coffee
agroforestry systems for sustainable production. Given the increasing challenges posed by
climate change and soil degradation, shade-based management strategies should be prioritized
to enhance coffee resilience, maintain ecosystem services and ensure long-term agricultural
sustainability. Future research should focus on optimizing shade tree compositions to
maximize coffee yield while balancing ecological benefits, thereby promoting climate-smart
and environmentally sustainable coffee farming practices.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest associated with this manuscript.
Acknowledgements
The author expressed gratitude to the Coffee Board, Ministry of Commerce & Industry,
Government of India, for granting study leave to pursue higher studies leading to a Ph.D. at
Keladi Shivappa Nayak University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga,
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Rudragouda, Girijesh, G. K., Nagaraja, J. S., Veeranna, H. K., Adivappar, N., Devagiri, G. M., Dinesh Kumar, M., Nadaf, S. A., & Suchitra, M. A. (2025).
Litter Dynamics and Nutrient Contributions in Arabica Coffee Agroforestry Systems Under Varied Shade Regimes in the Central Western Ghats, India.
European Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol - 13(1). 335-351.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.131.18294
Karnataka, India. The author also acknowledged the Advisory Committee and all the well- wishers who supported them during the course of the Ph.D. journey.
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