Choosing the Right Trees to Boost Ecosystem Services in Tea Systems of Northern Laos

Shade trees are key partners for tea producers when well managed. Keeping tea plants 3–6 meters from shade trees gives the best mix of yield, soil protection, and good tea quality. Too close, tea grows less but soils stay cool and covered; too far, yields rise but the soil loses protection.

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Field Value
Type of ALiSEA product Agroecology Insights
Title Choosing the Right Trees to Boost Ecosystem Services in Tea Systems of Northern Laos
Description Shade trees are key partners for tea producers when well managed. Keeping tea plants 3–6 meters from shade trees gives the best mix of yield, soil protection, and good tea quality. Too close, tea grows less but soils stay cool and covered; too far, yields rise but the soil loses protection.
Agroecology Category
  • Integrated systems
  • Soil health
  • Climate
Agroecology Keyword
  • Agroforestry
  • Cover crop
Contributing organisations CIRAD PAFO
Author Philippe Tixier, Khamboua Keovilay, Hoa Tran Quoc
Year 2025
Type of document Practical how-to
Language English
Country Lao PDR
Administrative Level 1 Xiengkhouang
Administrative Level 2
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