Comparación de dos sistemas de manejo cafetalero en Huatusco, Veracruz, México

Background: Mexico has a long coffee-growing tradition, where many producers combine traditional systems with commercial ones aimed at maximizing the harvest. This duality raises questions about the balance between economic profitability and environmental conservation, particularly in regions such as Veracruz, where coffee is a flagship crop. Objective: To assess the effect of two coffee agroecosystems on some ecological, productive, and economic aspects in the town of Huatusco, Veracruz, Mexico. Methodology: The study was conducted at Los Fresnos farm in Huatusco, Veracruz. Vegetation was evaluated by identifying species and calculating cover and diversity (Shannon index). Soil macrofauna was quantified and classified by abundance and richness. Coffee yield was compared, and the economic efficiency of each agroecosystem was determined, considering associated crops in the commercial system. Results: The traditional system presented greater plant diversity, with 15 tree species and 6 herbaceous species, higher shade cover (75% vs. 56.4%), and a higher Shannon index (H'=1.80 vs. 0.80). The soil macrofauna was also more abundant in this system (34 individuals, 5 orders), mainly earthworms (16) and ants (12), while no soil organisms were recorded in the commercial system. Coffee yield was higher in the traditional system (376 kg of cherries and 324 kg of parchment) than in the commercial system (80 kg of cherries and 280 kg of parchment). However, the commercial system showed greater profitability (B/C=13.38 vs. 1.08), with annual earnings of $24,410.20, thanks to the sale of complementary crops such as lemon and sunflower. Implication: The sustainability of coffee agroecosystems can be enhanced by integrating the positive elements of traditional and commercial systems, combining biodiversity and economic efficiency. Conclusion: Traditional coffee systems endorse species diversity, soil fauna, and higher yields of the main crop. The commercial system, although less ecologically favorable, increases profitability through alternative crops. The results highlight the need for hybrid management strategies that combine ecological stability and economic advantages, promoting resilient agroecosystems that contribute to biodiversity conservation and producer well-being.