Balancing tree and crop biodiversity and yield in coffee plantations of the Peruvian Amazon: The role of shade and certification as indicators of sustainable management

Intensive coffee cultivation in full-sun monocultures is often associated with biodiversity loss. In this context, agroforestry systems are increasingly valued for their ability to reconcile agricultural productivity with environmental conservation, especially in tropical regions. This study evaluated yield, tree and crop diversity, and shade cover across four coffee production systems in northern Peruvian Amazonia: certified shaded, uncertified shaded, certified monoculture, and uncertified monoculture. While no significant differences in average yields were found, shaded systems exhibited greater biodiversity, with the certified shaded system showing the highest values. However, excessive crop diversification was negatively associated with yield, particularly in certified farms. Shade cover was positively correlated with tree species richness, suggesting an optimal range of 30–50 % to balance productivity and ecosystem services. Certification was not consistently linked to higher biodiversity, raising questions about its effectiveness and implementation. Findings highlight the viability of shaded agroforestry systems in achieving ecological and economic goals. We recommend promoting certification schemes with quantifiable biodiversity indicators, providing technical assistance, and establishing incentives to maintain adequate shade cover and species diversity. These strategies can enhance farm resilience, conserve critical habitats, and support sustainable development in coffee-growing landscapes of the Amazon.