Apparent nitrogen limitation of Robusta coffee yields in young agroforestry systems

Abstract

Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) is an important cash crop in the lowland tropics. Similar to Arabica, agroforestry is common in these systems, though comparatively little is known about how nutrient inputs and shade influence Robusta nutritional status and yield. We evaluated how shading with leguminous trees across four input systems, defined largely by quantity and form (compost vs synthetic) of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), influenced Robusta-based cropping systems in the Ecuadorian Amazon.