Coffee Shade Design and Simulation
Start from a desired mean-shade target or build the layout manually. TreeShadeAdvisor can generate a provisional proposal with up to three shade species you select, adjust spacing, validate annual mean shade, and then continue with temporal simulation.
- A spacing value does not show where shade falls between coffee rows or where neighboring tree shadows overlap.
- Changing shade-tree distribution, row orientation, crown dimensions, date, or time can alter simulated coverage.
- Controlled scenarios help separate the effect of spacing from other design variables.
- Generate from a target: Choose the target, horizon, evaluation hours, pattern, and one to three shade species; TSA proposes a provisional layout.
- Validate and adjust: Calculate expected mean shade for the annual evaluation period and test spacing changes toward the target.
- Compare alternatives: Apply the proposal or keep designing manually, then inspect 2D/3D simulation results under controlled conditions.
- Check a reference range: Choose coffee as the production system to see a 35–50% reference range from a 2022 global meta-analysis led by CIRAD and CATIE. It puts your target in context; site, altitude, cultivar, climate and management can change what is appropriate.
- A controlled coffee-spacing comparison: Start with shade trees at 6 × 6 m. Duplicate the scenario, change the arrangement to 8 × 8 m, and run both for the same location, date, and hours. The result visualizes spacing effects without treating them as an agronomic prescription.
- Parameters: Shade-tree spacing, Tree and crown dimensions, Row orientation, Date and time
- What to inspect: Inspect the simulated shade map and coverage pattern for each spacing alternative under matching conditions.
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