Coffee (Coffea spp.)

Coffee farming regions on the globe along the equatorial zone between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn are generally called as the “Bean Belt.” Coffee plant prospers well in volcanic, red-lateritic, alluvial and colluvial soils. Acidic soil reaction, high organic matter content, and better potassium status are the general characteristics of coffee soils. The productivity potential of coffee plantations depends on the timely cultural operations and soil health. Soil erosion, soil acidity, and low nutrient availability are some of the major constraints. Soil conservation measures such as contour planting, opening of cradle pits, scuffling, mulching, and terracing in steep slopes to avoid erosion are important cultural practices. Timely application of liming materials and fertilizers in two to three splits based on the soil test is required for nutrient management under sustainable coffee production. Nitrogen is essential for coffee plants in all seasons, and it has to be provided three to four times a year. The phosphorus requirement is higher for the coffee plants at the time of blossom season. Similarly, the potassium requirement is higher at the time of post-monsoon season. Coffee in India has been cultivated under the canopy of two-tier different shade trees. Leaf litter from different shade trees, periodical pruning practices for coffee plants add considerable amount of biomass to the coffee soil. This type of coffee cultivation practice will help to improve organic carbon status in the coffee soil. Hence, technological options to improve soil health including farm biomass recycling, application of biofertilizers, cover cropping, integrated nutrient management, agro-forestry systems for higher carbon sequestration, and opportunities for organic farming are attractive options for sustainable coffee farming.