We start the new school year revisiting our agroforestry plot which is now in its 6^th year. The plot has matured, there is a lot of shade from our plantains and other trees.  Nitrogen fixing trees, mata raton, are growing well and are regularly pruned to give nutrients directly to the coffee through their organic decomposition. This is supplemented by the decomposition of nacedero leaves taken from the trees lining our riparian zone, protecting the river from potential organic enrichment through run-off, and giving stability to the bank of our river.

The coffee trees are nearing the time where they have to undergo a pruning process – soka – so that they can re-grow to continue producing our high-quality coffee.