The tree canopy in shade coffee plantations protects the soil from erosion and provides a natural mulch for coffee plants, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and herbicides.
	Sun-grown coffee is a relatively new phenomenon, begun about 25 years ago to increase crop yields. The massive removal of tropical hardwoods with the accompanying loss of rainforest canopy was the result. In addition, massive chemical inputs of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides are required for farmers to produce coffee under the "technified" high yield, full sun growing conditions.