AgroforestryX Conservation Pilot

Conservation implementation

Study 05

Conservation implementation

Study ID: CHRS 05

Research question

How can erosion control and agroforestry planning be applied on steep coffee ground?

Location and scope: Puerto Rico · Copper Hill.

Principal site: Copper Hill, Las Marías & Maricao, Puerto Rico · Programs: USDA NRCS conservation contract (2019–2024) and conservation planning · Design tool: AgroforestryX

Documented period 2019–2024 conservation contract.

Approach and context

Conservation work at Copper Hill included terraces, cover cropping and erosion controls under a USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service contract from 2019 to 2024. Copper Hill is working with AgroforestryX (NRCS) and is among the first to implement it.

Classification: Conservation implementation
Research domain: Tropical Agroforestry
Research site: Copper Hill Farm, Las Marías & Maricao, Puerto Rico

Data and figures

Timeline of planned conservation practices by land unit, 2026 to 2029 — Planned NRCS conservation practices by planning land unit. As reported in the NRCS conservation planning activity (CPA 106) plan, prepared by an independent consultant, June 2026, §5–6, pp. 18–21.

What the record supports

A June 2026 conservation plan prepared under the NRCS CPA 106 program schedules (planned, not yet completed) forest farming (NRCS code 379) on 53.34 acres across four planning units from 2026 to 2029, pollinator habitat (code 420) on 0.45 acres in 2027, and three firebreaks (code 394) totalling 1,398 feet. Figures as reported in the plan. Conservation practice records provide a basis for comparing how agroforestry plans translate to steep coffee ground.

Implementation summary; priority claims await written confirmation.

All foundational studies Research inquiry