Carbon stock and ecosystem benefits of shaded coffee systems in India: Implications for biodiversity and climate resilience

Abstract

Coffee cultivation in India, particularly in the ecologically sensitive Western and Eastern Ghats, follows sustainable agroforestry practices that integrate shade trees, enhancing biodiversity, soil fertility and carbon sequestration. This review highlights the critical role of shaded coffee systems in maintaining ecological balance, emphasizing the importance of shade trees for soil organic carbon (SOC) enhancement, biodiversity conservation and carbon neutrality. However, evolving practices, including monoculture adoption and reduced shade cover, driven by economic pressures and international regulations like the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), challenge these systems. The study highlights the socio-economic and ecological significance of shade trees, analyzing their impact on litterfall, soil fertility and carbon storage across diverse pools. By documenting carbon footprints and mitigation strategies, this review advocates for agroforestry systems as a sustainable solution to mitigate climate change and preserve ecosystem services while maintaining coffee production viability.