The effect of tree shading on soil temperature at Arabica coffee plantation ( Coffea arabica L.)

Abstract

Coffee is a group of plants that require partial light (C3), whose cultivation combines the use of shade trees and cultivated plants with the aim of increasing production and maintaining the microclimate around the cultivated plants. The shade provided by shade trees will have a significant effect on soil temperature and water content. The growth and development of a cultivated plant is strongly influenced by water content, on the other hand, water content also affects soil temperature. The optimal air temperature needed by Arabica coffee plants is 18-21°C, while the soil temperature suitable for Arabica coffee plants is 21°C. The research was needed to determine the effect of shade tree type on the soil temperature of Arabica coffee plants. This research was at the Koperasi Ribang Gayo Musara, Pantan Musara Village, Pegasing Subdistrict, Central Aceh District, Aceh Province. This research used a non-factorial randomized block design with five treatments and four replications. Treatments consisted of shade tree type on coffee plants were control/no shade, small lamtoro shade (Leucaena leucocephala ssp. leucocephala), big lamtoro shade (Leucaena leucocephala subsp. glabrata), banana shade (Musa paradisiaca L.), avocado shade (Persea americana Mill.). The results showed that the shade tree type had a significant effect on soil temperature at a depth of 0, 10, and 20 cm. Coffee plants that were shaded by avocado trees have better temperatures for coffee plants and can reduce soil temperature until they reach optimal temperatures.