Environmental Impact of Coffee Plants
Traditional Shade-Grown Coffee Farm in Costa Rica
Traditional shade-grown coffee plants have been proven to be beneficial for the environment. Shade-grown coffee plantations are located in tropical forests. It provides a better habitat for more species in the tropical forest ecosystems thus resulting in more biodiversity. Shade-grown coffee is a habitat for many birds. Compared to other agricultural lands, shade-grown coffee farms are home to significantly more species of animals. Traditionally managed plantations support over 180 species of birds. Small mammals and insects also thrive in the shade plantations. The sun cultivation technique is used more frequently,
now. The sun cultivation technique no longer places
the coffee under shade. This technique is
used because it helps the berries grow more rapidly and produces higher yields
of coffee plants. Pesticides and
herbicides have to be used on these plantations. The bio diverse habitat is destroyed. Deforestation is also necessary to produce
the sun cultivation fields. The shade
from the tropical rainforests is no longer needed, so all of the trees are cut
down. The American Birding Association,
Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, National Arbor Day Foundation and the
Rainforest Alliance have led a campaign for 'shade-grown' and organic coffees. Coffee grounds can also be used in composting and mulch, which helps the soil and environment.
Coffee processing plants is also a concern for the environment. Discharges from coffee beneficios (processing plants) are a major source of river pollution. The discharges lower the levels of oxygen in the water. The aquatic plants and wildlife do not receive the essential oxygen they need to survive. It is counter-productive that the coffee processing plants are polluting the water, while coffee plants require 37 gallons of water to produce enough coffee seeds for one cup of water. Although coffee plants do not require as much water as other agricultural crops, the use of water can be worrying to some scientists.
Coffee processing plants is also a concern for the environment. Discharges from coffee beneficios (processing plants) are a major source of river pollution. The discharges lower the levels of oxygen in the water. The aquatic plants and wildlife do not receive the essential oxygen they need to survive. It is counter-productive that the coffee processing plants are polluting the water, while coffee plants require 37 gallons of water to produce enough coffee seeds for one cup of water. Although coffee plants do not require as much water as other agricultural crops, the use of water can be worrying to some scientists.
