Publication: Stand structure and soil quality of Coffee-based Agroforestry plantations in La Union, Philippines
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Date
2025-04
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Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University - North La Union Campus
Abstract
In the Philippines, coffee consumption has shown a consistent upward trend, which reflects the growing demand for the product. However, despite this increase in demand, the Philippine Coffee Industry Roadmap of 2021 – 2025 highlights a weakness in the production of coffee due to agro-economic and infrastructural challenges. Hence, this study aimed to survey and document the soil quality and stand structure of coffee-based agroforestry plantations in La Union, Philippines. This study provides relevant information on the current status of the coffee-based agroforestry plantations in La Union,
Philippines. The study utilized a descriptive comparative research methodology and gathered data using quadrat and soil sampling. The results revealed that upland plantations had a higher density of coffee trees, while lowland plantations had more competing shrub and grass species, affecting coffee growth and productivity. Soil quality varies across the plantations, with upland plantations having greater organic matter and phosphorus levels, while lowland areas, particularly Tubao, have lower fertility and water holding capacity due to their sandy soil texture. Significant relationships were found between soil parameters, including a negative correlation between soil pH and waterholding capacity, a positive relationship between organic matter and phosphorus availability, and a strong negative correlation between sand content and water retention. Overall, upland coffee plantations possessed higher soil fertility, organic matter, and a loam-based soil structure, making them ideal for coffee production, whereas lowland plantations observed more resource competition and poorer growth. Thus, coffee plantations in La Union require improved management strategies, including optimal shade tree integration and soil fertility enhancement.
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Dacumos, J. L. (2025). Stand structure and soil quality of Coffee-based Agroforestry plantations in La Union, Philippines. [Unpublished Undergraduate Thesis]. Don Mariano Marcos Memrial State University - North La Union Campus, Sapilang, Bacnotan, La Union. Lakasa ti Sirib, DMMMSU Institutional Repository.