Tropical Agroforestry Implementation

Field implementation

Young plants growing on a sloped plot — Field plantings at Copper Hill.

Study 06

Field implementation

Study ID: CHRS 06

Research question

How can shade and fruit trees be established on formerly full-sun coffee ground?

Location and scope: Puerto Rico · Copper Hill.

Principal site: Copper Hill, Las Marías & Maricao, Puerto Rico · Independent consultant: Forest Stewardship Plan, 2022–2032

Documented period Replanting and regenerative transition since 2018.

Approach and context

Since 2018, Copper Hill has replanted previously full-sun coffee ground with coffee, shade and fruit trees. Banana and plantain provide temporary shade while longer-lived trees establish.

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

Data and figures

The 2022 Forest Stewardship Plan, prepared by an independent forestry consultant, reports forest cover on about 437 acres (90% of the property) and recommends 1,400 native trees of 12 species, chosen mainly as food sources for birds.

Donut chart of 90 percent forest cover and bar chart of species recorded — Land allocation (437 ac forest conservation, 49 ac agricultural production) and species recorded in field visits. As reported in the Forest Stewardship Plan 2022–2032, prepared by an independent forestry consultant (2022), pp. 15, 23, 60.

Bar chart of 1,400 suggested native trees by species — Suggested native reforestation species and quantities. As reported in the Forest Stewardship Plan 2022–2032, prepared by an independent forestry consultant (2022), p. 59.

What the record supports

Research questions include the effects of shade, pruning and leaf harvest on regrowth and bean yield.

Field implementation documented; trial protocols and results await review.

All foundational studies Research inquiry