Field research · Las Marías & Maricao, Puerto Rico

Copper Hill Research Station

We study coffee agroforestry, botanical processing, and farm economics in Puerto Rico’s western highlands.

The question

What we study

Copper Hill Research Station investigates tropical agricultural resources through botanical processing, field ecology, and economic analysis. We ask how coffee leaves and fruit can be harvested and processed safely, and under what conditions they can add farm income while preserving bean yield and quality.

Field systems

Coffee, shade & soil

Soils, shade, biodiversity, agricultural practices, and the conditions that shape resilience.

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Botanical materials

Leaves, fruit & processing

Coffee leaf, coffee fruit, banana, and plantain materials; the effects of preparation and processing.

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Economic systems

Farm economics

Costs, revenues, uncertainty, and the conditions required for an additional harvest to make economic sense.

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Project record

Explore the research record

The record includes processing trials, economic analysis, conservation implementation, and ecological baseline activities. Each project carries its own method and documentation status.

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Published thesis · modeled results

Whole Tree Economic Model

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Site baseline summary

Site Baseline and Analytical Plan

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Ongoing program · protocol in development

Coffee Leaf Extraction Methodology

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The setting

Research in a working landscape

The Station operates at Copper Hill Farm in western Puerto Rico, drawing on an approximately 500-acre agricultural and forested landscape. Most of the property is forest. Field research takes place in working coffee and agroforestry plots, with equipment and access assessed for each project.

Review capabilities

Collaborate

Bring a defined question.

We welcome proposals that fit the site, the research program, and the resources available. Start with your objective, methods, dates, and technical needs.

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