☕ Coffee
Coffee cultivation, Arabica-Robusta differences, shade management, and processing methods.
Coffee is a major plantation crop in India with high export value and large employment generation, especially in southern hill regions.
Crop Profile and Importance
Coffee belongs to Rubiaceae, and the commercially important species are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Arabica is generally grown at higher elevations, while Robusta is adapted to lower elevations.
Key distinctions:
- Arabica: tetraploid, self-fertile, deeper root tendency, 8 to 9 months fruit development.
- Robusta: diploid, cross-pollinated, relatively shallow roots, 10 to 11 months fruit development.
Climate and Soil Requirements
Coffee performs best in deep, well-drained, organic-matter-rich, slightly acidic soils (around pH 6.0 to 6.5). Climatic suitability depends on species:
| Parameter | Arabica | Robusta |
|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 1000 to 1500 m | 500 to 1000 m |
| Rainfall | 1600 to 2500 mm | 1000 to 2000 mm |
| Temperature | 15 to 25°C | 20 to 30°C |
| Relative humidity | 70 to 80% | 80 to 90% |
Timely blossom and backing showers are critical for synchronized flowering and fruit set.
Propagation, Nursery, and Planting
Propagation is through seeds collected from selected, healthy mother plants. Seeds are raised in primary nursery beds and then shifted to polybags for secondary nursery.
Important nursery and planting points:
- Seedlings are usually field planted at 16 to 18 months age.
- Arabica spacing is closer than Robusta.
- Planting is done with onset of monsoon.
- Good drainage and soil conservation structures are essential on slopes.
Canopy, Soil, and Nutrient Management
Coffee is a shade-loving plantation crop in Indian conditions. A two-tier shade system is maintained with temporary and permanent shade trees.
Major management practices include:
- Training and topping for manageable canopy and bearing wood.
- Desuckering and pruning after harvest.
- Mulching, trenching, and contour soil-water conservation.
- Balanced nutrient application in split doses across pre-blossom, pre-monsoon, mid-monsoon, and post-monsoon phases.
Pests, Diseases, and Protection
Major pests include coffee berry borer, white stem borer, shot-hole borer, mealy bugs, and green scale.
Integrated management focus:
- Complete and timely harvest.
- Sanitation and destruction of infested berries/twigs.
- Shade regulation and field hygiene.
- Need-based plant protection based on incidence level.
Harvesting and Processing
Berries are harvested at proper maturity. Processing is by dry or wet method depending on quality target and infrastructure.
Processing sequence broadly includes:
- Harvesting ripe berries.
- Pulping (for wet process) or sun-drying whole berries (dry process).
- Fermentation/washing (wet process), drying, hulling, grading, and curing.
Summary Cheat Sheet
| Topic | Exam Key Point |
|---|---|
| Botanical species | Coffea arabica, C. canephora |
| Major coffee states | Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu |
| Best soil reaction | Slightly acidic, pH 6.0 to 6.5 |
| Flower trigger | Blossom showers after dry spell |
| Major pest | Coffee berry borer |
| Key management | Shade regulation + pruning + split manuring |
References
2 sources • [1] [2]
References
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