Microclimatic chacterization of shaded and open-grown coffee (Coffea arabica L.) plantations in Mexico

Abstract A series of micrometeorological measurements were taken throughout the year in shaded and open-grown coffee plantations in the central region of the state of Veracruz, Mexico. The average maximum and minimum air temperatures at the open plantation were 5.4 ± 1.5°C higher and 1.5 ± 0.2°C lower, respectively, than in the shaded plantation. Thermal amplitude increased 1.8-fold when shade trees were removed. Vapour pressure deficit was on average 0.2 kPa and Piche evaporation was 40% higher at the open plantation. These results indicate that the change in micrometeorological factors resulting from the removal of shade trees could have an important impact on the physiology of the crop.