Sun-grown coffee, the alternative to shade grown coffee, was introduced to maximise yields. With fewer trees taking up space, more coffee plants can be grown in a single area, and farm management becomes simpler, reducing production costs. However, this approach comes with trade-offs. Without tree cover, coffee plants are more exposed to pests and diseases, often requiring increased pesticide use. The lack of diverse vegetation also leads to soil degradation, as rain easily washes away the topsoil, increasing reliance on fertilisers. Because coffee requires ample sunlight to thrive, sun-grown farms are more common in wetter regions. Certain coffee varieties, such as Bourbon, Caturra, Catuai, and Catimor, have been selectively bred to tolerate direct sunlight.